Castell'Afero Day 5

Today we caught up with another lot of relatives - we went to my cousin Pio’s house for lunch with another 14 relatives. We had an absolutely fantastic time - these people are very welcoming and simply opened their hearts to us. Only a couple of them speak some English, but everyone made sure Anne was included. We had appetisers and drinks (in front of a fireplace) then moved to another room (also with a fireplace) for the main lunch - and more drinks. Pio did most of the cooking for a 4 course meal that wouldn’t have been out of place in a very high class restaurant (he used to be a partner in one of Asti’s best restaurants/hotels). Pio belongs to a hunting club and one of the dishes was a wild boar from a hunt). Italians love to eat, drink good wine and talk (energetically and loudly) - we didn’t leave until 5.30pm.

It really was a fantastic day - had toast for dinner (and even that was too much).Read more