On to FCO

Yesterday was a relaxing day after my "hard work" during the olive harvest. I went back to my room and began to organize my things for tomorrow. I wanted to buy some goodies and needed to make sure there was enough room. But mostly, I rested and watched some TV. At 4pm, noticed that the sun was out, so I walked around the property. When I returned Maria was asking me about my plans for the next day.

I went to the room and retrieved my tablet and the rest of the bottle of wine from Reggio Calabria. We made arrangements for dinner at 7pm, breakfast at 7:30pm and I will leave at 8:15am. I relaxed with my book and the wine until the sunset, and I was getting chilly. Before I went upstairs, Maria showed me her kitchen. She had just finished the pasta for dinner. And when I say "just finished," I mean, rolling it out by hand! It was a big kitchen with 2 wood burning stoves. A big work area and other gas stoves. Then Atanasio (son) and Giuseppe (Maria's husband) were ready for me to let me go shopping.

I picked out some jams for gifts for co-workers and cat sitters. It all looked so good! They added it up, along with the rest of my bill, including meals and the balance of my stay. The entire 3 days, including gifts, cost 280€. What a deal! Just over $100 per day for food, lodging, gifts, and a great experience!

Dinner was delicious. She brought out the stuffed peppers I love so much. Plus, the rolled, stuffed grilled eggplant. Plus, a salad made with the lettuce from the day before. The pasta had the tomato sugo I'd been smelling all day along with some stewed beef. The final course was grilled zucchini, topped with ground meat and cheese. And some Italian green beans...or I suppose they just call them green beans...actually they call them fagiolini! At this point, I am really to burst! But then there is dessert! Maria brought out a big container of roast chestnuts and joined me. At one point, she asked if she was bothering me. I had to have her repeat it several times because I couldn't believe she asked that! Giuseppe came in and poured some grappa. It was strong! Before I could go to bed, they insisted that I have a bit more.

At about 10ish, I went upstairs to bed. I put my pajamas on and packed the clothes I wasn't going to wear anymore. The alarm was set for 6:30am.

I hit snooze twice (maybe more) before I got out of bed and did my final packing. The suitcase closed without using the expander, but I am now using my purse as a third bag. And I had to sit on the suitcase! I bought it down first, and Maria was ready with my cappuccino. I had a piece of cake filled with chestnut jam. So good. I also had one last glass of fresh pomegranate juice.

At 8:15, we loaded the car and said our goodbyes. I wish I'd taken a picture of all of us! A big hug with Maria, and Giuseppe gave me a little flower.

The drive was uneventful. It took about 2 1/2 hours, mostly on the Autostrada. The views were beautiful--mostly of the hills, but some of the Mediterranean. I stopped once at a service area to stretch and take care of business. Then again, about 20 kilometers out of Reggio Calabria to fill the tank. It cost 67€, which is about what I predicted. I did use full-service since I didn't want to deal with the hassle. I did accidentally leave the Autostrada in RC, nit sure how. It took another 10 minutes to get back on.

After dropping off the car, I made my way to the terminal, where I've been sitting for the last 2 hours. I can check my bag soon. The flight to FCO leaves at 3:15pm, and takes about an hour. From there, I only have to walk across the way to the hotel!En savoir plus