PASTA, PASTA, PASTA

February 13, 2014
Termoli, Italy

Upon visiting the town of Termoli Italy, my daughter and I enjoyed a beautiful sunny warm Spring day in February.  As it is off season the town was very quiet and most restaurants were closed.
We happened to wonder into a quaint Ristorante-Pizzeria called, LA SA CRESTIA. We were greeted by a lovely young lady who had a wonderful sense of humor, as much as we tried to communicate in English and French she tried to communicate in Italian.  We all laughed and eventually agreed on what to order.

We both ordered Linguine Alla Santa Lucia (fruit of the sea) which was an incredible dish, filled with fresh Linguine, full headed shrimp, mussels, clams, octopus and other sea delights I'm not sure of. Served in a savory butter herb sauce that was out of this world! Accompanied by two fresh red hot peppers on a plate with scissors to add as we pleased.

The main course was so amazing we decided to order dessert. Emma ordered lemon geloto and I ordered coconut geloto.  The lemon geloto arrived in large hollowed out lemon rhine with a delicate piece of chocolate placed in the middle.  Mine came in a hollowed out coconut shell with a dark rich piece of chocolate in the middle. I am a chocolate guy but decided to expand my taste buds. And believe me, I was beginning to expand! They both were amazing, If you're visiting Termoli I strongly recommend this restaurant!

PS.  As we were finishing our dessert a beautiful lady came out of the kitchen with a huge pot of steaming soup, then like scene out of an old black and white movie, the family sat down and with a large ladle, served what I'm sure was a delicious family recipe to all who were present..Hmmm I want some!  

Ciao

East to the Adriatic Sea

February 13, 2014

Emma and I left Rome with the help of GPS and headed across Italy towards the Adriatic Sea.
The journey was filled with excitement and anticipation as we really had no plan of where we were going or where we would spend the night.

As the day wore on we ventured into beautiful ancient villages where homes appeared to be built into the rock hillsides, surround by lush green rolling hills we could see farmers tending their sheep and border collies keeping them all together in what could be described as a well choreographed dance that has been going on since the beginning of time.

The rain set in late afternoon and as much as we looked we could not find a hotel or a place to spend the night.  As the day turned to night it rained so hard water was pouring over the rough roadway and to be honest I was getting a little nervous.  We managed to find our way into a town called, Manfredonia, where Emma spotted a hotel sign.  We pulled in and took the deal of 70.00 Euros that included breakfast.  When we awoke in the morning I opened the balcony door to be greeted with a spectacular, beautiful, warm sunny day as I watched the sunrise over the Adriatic Sea.  After the appetizing breakfast I picked up my banjo and played a soft tune for the sea gods!

http://youtu.be/fXEkFm3gYJ8 (Driving east)

Buona sera!

As we near our last days in Rome I have seen and learned so many new things.
I know now how to cross a busy street without getting killed. How, you may ask? Cross whenever you want, just walk and they stop, even the police.  Seattle jay walking rules to do not apply here.

The tourist maps suck and it's very easy to get turned around and around some more, bring a compass, thank you iPhone for a great app.

The fresh handmade pasta and Italian cuisine is like no other and needs to be experienced.

The city has so much beauty at every turn, hidden down small alleyways are the most picturesque cobblestoned streets with small family run restaurants, the sounds of neighbors and families dining and laughing together coming from the homes above.  That, along with amazing smells of food being prepared creates a colorful collage of a culture not lost but alive and well.

Remember, the banjo with the case weighs around 8.2 kilos, so I've had a hard time getting my mind around hauling it around Rome.  I'll try for some pictures in the next few days.

Ciao

Our first day in Rome

From Montpellier to Marseille by train did not take long. Then we hopped onto a bus to the airport.  It was very efficient and easy to do. The sun was out and the weather was a very comfortable 60.

Upon arriving in Rome we easily grabbed a cab and we were taken on a exciting ride into the center of Rome, along with a mini guided tour by our driver and a few wild driving experiences, fasten your seat belt!

Our first night in Rome was amazing, this is truly the most beautiful city I have ever been in.  Walking through the cobblestoned streets looking for a place to have dinner, Emma and I felt like we were in a movie, soft music playing, beautiful outdoor cafés romantically lit, couples holding hands and families eating and laughing together.  We were enticed into a quite restaurant called, Antica Trattoria La Scantetia, Degli Artisei.  The wonderful young man that drew us in told us all about the handmade fresh pasta, he brought out a plate of all the different kinds pasta, the fresh produce and fish he bought from the local markets daily.

At his suggestion I had a savory plate of fresh spaghetti with a delicious sea filet fresh tomato basil sauce.  Emma had stuffed ravioli with ricotta cheese tossed in a creamy red pesto tomato sauce with fresh basil on top.  Accompanied with an amazing bottle of red wine, Cantina, Colle Moro.  We experienced our first of many unforgettable days in Rome.

Thank You!!

Wow,
As of today I have over 2,030 hits on my blog coming from the following countries:

United States
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Canada
France
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Australia
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Thank you all so much for sharing my music and my adventure!

Sunny Days!

Today was such a beautiful sunny day in the south. I sat outside, had my beer and experienced a beautiful French day. Hope you enjoy the pictures.

 February 5, 2014 I will be back at The O'livers Pub with the Apple Trees for another great night of music. Then Thursday it's off to Rome with Emma.

 New adventures !!

 Enjoy!

The Robin Hood

Friday night The Transatlantic Bluegrass band performed to a packed house at The Robin Hood
pub in Montpellier.  A great time was had by all and many notes were put out into the universe.  With Simon Guy playing guitar, Jonathan Sarrabia playing a mean bass, Andy Lawson on Mando, Dan Monte Calvo on Banjo and one of the most amazing singers I have had the pleasure to play and sing with, Cristal Sutherland on vocals.

Thank you all for showing up and supporting The Robin Hood Pub, The Transatlantic Bluegrass Band and Bluegrass in France.  Hope to see you this Wednesday at O'livers pub in Montpellier for an other round of live bluegrass with The Apple Trees!