Skiing in the Italian Alps - How Did You Start 2009?

Through karate Barry has got to know a really lovely Italian gentleman - and I use the term in all its meanings - called Adriano. At the end of year karate dinner we also got to meet his wife Nicolleta. These people have been kindness itself to us and made life much, much easier than it might have been. At their insistence we went to visit them for a days skiing at a little ski field in the Valle Aosta.

With friend Anna visiting from London, we drove through fog for nearly two hours and then through a tunnel - and suddenly - there were the alps. Another half hour climb and we reached the 'Petite Prince Hotel' to a very warm welcome from Adriano, Nicolleta and their two dogs, Stella the Newfoundland and Archimede the mut - who were also holidaying with them. (You can do that in italy.)

The field was magical - at least it was today.

It was a complete circus getting boots, skis and poles for everyone - and we ALMOST abandoned the entire effort at this point - but not to be defeated by the usual Italian lack of organisational ability we persevered!

Caitlin, Anna and Fiona waiting - cheerfully at this stage - to get ski gear.

Finally fully outfitted we headed for the (baby) slopes.

It didn't take long at all for Anna, Fiona and Barry to rediscover their snow feet - a little longer for the kids to find their's for the first time... still within a few hours we were all flying down the slopes like we'd been doing it for years - rather than it being years since we'd last done it!

Caitlin tearing up the slopes.

Alan relaxing back into his skis. We hope you all had a great New Years Eve - and wish you all a totally magnificent 2009!
Buon Anno from la Bella Italia!

Another Place You Have to Visit - When You Visit Us...

Alan, Barry and I went sightseeing... and following some really good advice we headed off to find the little Lago D'Orta, just west of Lago Maggiore. The particular town we visited is called Orta San Giulio, on the east coast of the lake. This little village is soooo picturesque and so tiny and old. It is hard to believe that people really live here - it seems too quaint for real life.

This is the first view you get as you walk down into the town - visitors must park at the top! Some of the locals are allowed to drive down if they can park in their house/garage. You can see the town traffic light on the right of the picture.

And then as you wander on down the road you find your first church...

And then the roads start to really get narrow...

As you make your way along the little alleys you find interesting doorways at almost every turn.

The place is very popular with artisits and has a very good art gallery as well as many large sculptures by Arnaldo Pomodore on display around the town. The guy below seems to be enjoying the scene and the picture is truly gorgeous.

And the little island in the middle of the lake is also worth a visit - although we're leaving that for warmer weather.