October 10, 2018
The Big Cashew's European Adventure


Today proved to be a bit less involved than the previous ones and the blog will follow that script.  Today was a slow starter.  I was up early, at 6:30, as I had trouble sleeping.  The meal I had the night before at Angela's was way over my limit of food intake at that late a time.  I just can't sleep well on a full stomach.  So I got up early and made my very hot cup of tea.  Chiara stayed in bed until about 9 AM.  For the morning, I basically sat in the shade and listened to my books on tape.  Chiara spent the time chatting with her sister.  So it was an easy going morning.  One accomplishment was to loosely map out the rest of the time here and make a schedule of who she will see when and what tasks might need to be completed.  At least this was done.

So, the main activity today is for Chiara to meet this group of friends for lunch.  This was started last year and the group is trying to keep it a yearly thing, to coincide with Chiara's travel.  There are about 15 in the group and they go back to grade school as to when they met and started spending time together.  Today's luncheon is being held at the restaurant La Fortezza, which is owned and run by Chiara's brother, Genaro.  They are meeting at 1:30, the usual lunch time over here and could go 3 to 4 hours.  I am to drop her off.  She said I was invited, but most do not speak English and I do not speak Italian.  The follow pictures are from the restaurant which is on a hill and provides a nice view of area

 I decide to spend the day with my books on tape and park somewhere that offers a view of the Mediterranean Sea, since we are within a mile of it where ever her family's houses are.  I found an overlook stop so I pulled over and parked, rolled down the windows and started my audio book.  I did this for 4 hours and for me, it was a good way to spend the day.  I did break up the time with a trip to the Gelato place in Bacoli.  I was a little disappointed as they did not have my favorite flavor, but what they had was more than adequate so I had a two scoop cone.  It was delicious.

Here are a few pictures from the viewing area I parked at.

We headed back to her sister's house around 6 PM.  Dinner was planned for 8 as we were awaiting the daughter's boyfriend at that time.  Dinner was comprised of Italian sausage, grilled on the barbecue, french fries, cut and then fried in oil on the stove and a little wine.  I guess I could live with that.  I did my best not to overeat so I could get a half way decent sleep that night.

This was pretty much the extent of my day.  I am just the driver for the lady and I will take it as she gets to see all her friends and family.  Tomorrow might be my dinner at Genaro's so I will again be over eating at a time later than I prefer.  However, there will probably be about 6 or 8 different seafood options so I won't complain. I am sure something else will pop up and another visit will be scheduled at the last minute or an existing one moved up.  Just as long as they feed me, I will continue to be Mr nice guy!