Day 6: Orvieto

As the train pulled away, I sang “Arrivadeci Roma”.  We farewelled gorgeous Rome and headed for Orvieto, a beautiful medieval town one and a half hours north of Rome.  We were very thankful to board as our wait at the station had us all a little anxious.  I thought every person was out to pick pocket us.  One guy stood so close to Rick for no reason at all when there was plenty of space around us, and another kept passing us every few minutes on his way to nowhere.  Rick said he was the boss of a group of people approaching tourists to offer directions.  I’d say he was the boss of the pick pocketors that they warn you about when you purchase your ticket.  I felt like they were swarming all around us, until thankfully the polizia stood just nearby.  I haven’t felt unsafe at all since we arrived which is amazing as I was so set to be robbed, but today felt very shady and unnerving with the kids.  Anyway, the train ride was lovely and the scenery picturesque.  Rolling hills, gorgeous towns and an air conditioned cabin just for our family.  It was great.  When we arrived at Orvieto, we had to take the train to the village at the top of a mountain.  We stumbled upon our B&B pretty quickly but the Garbino’s were much further along the street than us, so Rick and Tony carried their bags with the kids to their hotel, while Sandra and I sat and had a freshly squeezed lemon and orange drink at the restaurant attached to our accommodation.  The cranky Nonna wasn’t happy when she saw we sat near the entrance and complained to her daughter who was welcoming us, to move us to another table.  Her daughter told her to be quiet and she wasn’t happy.  Mind you, we were the only patrons in the restaurant.  Typical old vetcha. Lunch was at a restaurant Catherine and Marks accommodation had recommended, which also happened to be a restaurant Tina Gavel recommended.  I had a pasta with a broad bean puree and bacon.  It was a little too al dente for me.  Rick had wild boar, the speciality of Orvieto.  Dessert was the highlight – ricotta with rosemary syrup, almonds, choc chips and sponge cake.  It was sublime, as was the gorgeous chef who entertained the kids with a puppet show.  Off for a walk and a gelato for the kids. Rick and I took some time out and stumbled across the Cathedral which was just amazing.  Built in 1290, it took 3 centuries to complete.  Apparently Michelangelo took inspiration from it's frescos for the Sistine Chapel.  This town is so old.  There are relics in the museum dating back over 1200 years.  Back to the Garbins house after a stop to get beer and a squizz of the unbelievable truffle/antipasto/pasta shop.  The kids were happily playing.   Rick had a few beers but I was so knackered that we headed back to our B&B for an early night via a fruiteria that had a whole bucket of zucchini flowers sitting on the counter. I am in food heaven.  My legs are so swollen and I have kankles for the first time in my life.  Boo hoo, time for bed.  

PS.  Major news alert....Zachie finally lost his first tooth!  Ah, there was much celebration to be had.

No photo's today sadly