Italia!

  

The group has arrived in Italy after a very long delay in Toronto.  Yesterday was spent enjoying the sites of Toronto, Canada.  Some took a double decker bus tour, ate at local eateries and others took the opportunity to decompress from weeks of preparation for the trip.

Finally, the group boarded their evening flight bound for Roma, Italia and arrived safely this morning.  Once in Roma, they boarded the private coach bound for Orsara.  One of the highlights was a stop at the AutoGrill...a fancy name for gas station.  Now unlike gas stations here in the States, AutoGrills are a wonderful place to enjoy fresh foods from the region.  It has been said there is better food in the Italian Gas Stations than in America, imagine that!

Around 4pm, the group was all settled into their rooms, and was able to take some time to rest, relax on the grounds and freshen up.  It was so nice to be welcomed with such enthusiasm from the staff that has been there for all of our trips.  It is true about a warm Italian welcome!  Peppe's chef Antonio was very happy to see some familiar faces, including our Uncle Ralph, who he lovingly refers to as Mr. Prosciutto. 

It is a family reunion each time we go.  Pasqualina, who works onsite is a cousin on our father's side.  She was so excited to see our faces once again.  Later on in the week, we will venture up the hill to see more relatives.

Presently, we will enjoy our evening meal as we savor the flavors of Puglia and sip the wines from the surrounding hillside vines.  We have arrived and it is truly a Paradiso!  Peppe's Paradiso to be exact!

Until tomorrow...Ciao!