This trip had it all!! From the picturesque mountain towns of Bominaco, Abbatteggio, Scanno and Pescocostanzo - To the medieval pagent we were lucky to see in Sulmona, and the beaches of Silvi Marina and Pescara, where the sand was like silk and the water as blue as aquamarine. The scenary was breathtaking, the churches magnificent and the people friendly, generous and delightful.
My husband always teases me that the Abruzzese people are the world's best cooks and that the finest chefs come from here. I thought he was just bragging because of his heritage, but I have to admit, that this trip proved him correct. Each meal was both a feast for the eyes and the palate. After 2 days we had to plead for smaller portions, as we couldn't eat anymore and didn't want to offend the chefs who were cooking for us. My husband said that watching chef Lidia's mom making pasta alla chitarra, brought back the days of cooking with his Nonna.
This vacation wouldn't have meant as much as it did, had it not been for the people who made it possible. Bravo to Lamberto for putting this all together (including our extra week on the beach in Pescara). To Leonardo, who put up with us all week and drove us everywhere with a smile. To Chiara, our tour guide, whose knowledge, personality and kindness will always be remembered. She welcomed us into her home and will forever have a special place in our heart. To Piera, who I can't thank enough, even though we've never met in person. She managed to cut through all the red tape and make a daunting task easy. When we made a trip to La Porta dei Parchi (a sheep farm) and fell in love with a Pastore Abruzzese puppy, it was Piera who arranged to have the vet visit the puppy -get a passport for the dog, secure passage for him on our flight home and even changed hotels in Rome for us when the first hotel wouldn't accept dogs. We would not being enjoying "Bruno" now had it not been for Piera.
Finally, I would be remiss, if I didn't mention the wonderful people we met and shared this time together with. To John, who after each meal, when we couldn't move kept reminding us that "IT IS A FOOD AND WINE TOUR AFTERALL"- and who found all the best gelato shops in Abruzzo. To Teresa and Maria Caterina, who we feel as though we've known our whole lives, and who had a hand in naming our puppy. You are all Bruno's godparents. We can't wait until next year to return to Abruzzo. This is one trip we could take ever year.
GRAZIE TANTE TO ALL!