Louise explained that the house was just over 10 years old and that it and those around it had been built on the site of an old vineyard. The planning permission had stipulated that all had to built to a specific plan yet in the end only her parent's house had conformed. Well, this is Italy. However, it seems to have worked well because it has been built to a very high spec and was ideal for our first week. Just being there was a delight and we really enjoyed our stay (especially the down time).
However, we had to move on and so set off for our next destination located north of Genoa. After a couple of hours and a stop to refuel (which involved an explanation from the guy working there that I had to use the other row of pumps but not before having the cost pre-authorised on my card - I think), we arrived in the town of Tortona.
Tortona will be our bit of metropolis this week although it is more than 15 km from where we're staying. At first it seemed a little unprepossessing but on closer inspectio actually had a lot to offer. Even the smallest towns seem to be able to support a good range of local, independant shops which we've also found in France. How and why have we managed to kill them off in the UK? We had lunch in a bit of a burger joint which will please Mike when he joins us (with a fresh supply of PG Tips tea bags) on Monday. I spotted this early version of the Fiat Panda...
And then the final leg to Casachino but not before stocking up on supplies in Essalunga, which is an Italian chain of supermarkets (don't you just love multiple chains!). We sneaked the bags in to the Corsa hoping it wouldn't notice and set off, eventually arriving after a climb (more accurately a crawl) of 2 km.
What a place. It is just as impressive as the first gaff in Piverone but in a very different way. It's a collection of very old buildings which have been gradually and tastefully restored by Manuel and Simone over 25 years. And you can imagine the kind of views from their hillside location. If you can't, no problem because I've posted some photos.
The added bonus is a pool with a view (the same one). However, the Wi-Fi/internet saga continues and we have some technical problems here which Manuel has reported to his tech support. I've had to post this by loitering outside their house.
This location is certainly more secluded and abounds with nature although Piverone had its fair share. In fact, one of the local wasps decided to sting my foot this evening. Well, I did stand on it. And the mossies are just as voracious - it's been a good summer for those little bar stewards.
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