More Castelmauro, driving through the heart of Italy, ending in Gaeta

December 11th Eve - December 12


Continued from last post....


Back in Castelmauro, we had a great time exploring the Allens' vast house and their little town. 

A major highlight was a multi-course dinner (and drinks) at La Fornacella, led by the rascally delightful Antonio. Too much food, too much fun!



Me and Antonio





The peanut gallery at the next table. We had a lot of fun joking with them.

Joe Antonio Stacy Ron


Some devouring occurred before photos


Cavatelli (La) is region's specialty pasta


Castelmauro:

















Ron and Joe



















Lunch in their comfy and pretty kitchen 



After Ron's usual service of delivering fresh-ground, fresh-brewed coffee in front of us, we had a quick breakfast then parted ways the second morning, promising a return visit. Thank you, most hospitable Allens!



************

Through Molise, crossing back and forth into Abruzzo as we threaded the river, we cut through the heart and belt of Italy. We set off on a morning thick with mountain fog, which added to the mysticality, but subtracted from easy driving on winding mountain roads!







He's got a good last name!

Our stop for Friday night: Gaeta. Our host and our accommodations were equally charming, but the first night was tricky, figuring out the heat situation. I remedied the problem with a super sexy nighttime ensemble.


I forgot photos, but we had an excellent dinner at La Tana di Cagliostro, following a terrible representation of the town's famous dish, tiella di polpo from a bakery. Votapiatto, which I didn't try, is another famous dish here; a squid omelette. Davide says it means an upside-down dish.


Patron saint, Santa Lucia

Christmas-ing the town



Cats and fisherman at the wharf

Our first stroll along the harbor, before crashing for the night:








His tiella was horrible, but he was shy and old and cute

Our terrace just before dusk

Bedroom 

Terrace view



Sexy

Super sexy

Tomorrow evening celebrates Festa di Santa Lucia. We'll first hike Montagna Spaccata and see the Turkish pirate grotto.

And under the covers I go!


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