Day 32: Bassano del Grappa

It was very hard to say goodbye to paradise today.  I could stay here forever.  The day started with a quick swim for Rick and the kids, while I packed.  We stopped for a coffee and croissants in the cafe and said our farewells to Claudia, Denis, Vincenzo and the magnificent lake.  They were very hospitable and have made our stay all the more special.  They asked us to keep in touch and give our regards to the lovely Modena's.  They also asked if we can tell our friends about Camping Denis and we will be more than happy to oblige!  On to Bassano Del Grappa and our accommodation is fantastic.  We are staying in a huge house in the suburbs rather than the usual centre of town.  It has a garden, a gym and four levels. The kids are delighted and it feels like a home, which is very timely as I think a little home sickness has set in.  They are missing their friends and life at home, which is understandable and Rick and I are feeling the same.  My cousin Francesco from Padua, an hours drive from here, and his friend Giorgio, came to the house to say hello.  Francesco is the son of my dad's first cousin.  Our Nonna's were sisters.  He came to Australia during the paralympics and I spent time with him then. He is in a wheelchair after a car accident that sadly killed his beautiful mother Carla.  He is 50 this October but he looked younger and healthier than I remember 15 years ago.  He is involved in tennis and is on the Italian team for "Orientation" which is very inspiring.  He has traveled extensively and has been to the last 4 Olympics to see his friends compete.  Giorgio was gorgeous and the kids adored him.  He is a teacher amongst other things (tennis coach, swimming instructor) and he knew about clash of clans and mindcraft so Max was in heaven. He had excellent English which he said he learnt through music, reading and sappy English movies. He was born/lived in the house behind our house and he still lives in Bassano. We headed into the centre of the city for some pizza and pasta and had a lovely evening.  The city is gorgeous and 'very' old. We had a gelato in the main piazza and people watched.  It was a great catch up and fantastic to see Francesco looking so well.  We are off to Padua tomorrow for a tour of his home town.