From Bologna to Città della Pieve in Umbria

 What a funny sort of day we have had today. As a change-over day we expect it to be unpredictable and today was certainly that.

But first, some information on the process of doing breakfast the Italian way. Most people have what we call a short black and a cornetto pastry standing at the bar. For others there is a cappuccino and a pastry, but for all, the pastry is handed to you in a paper serviette.

This is a typical Italian bar, our breakfast bar for the past week. Notice the blue and yellow bin? ... that is for the used serviettes.

Waiting on the platform at Bologna Centrale we were impressed with the quality of the various trains coming and going. All so modern, clean and quiet.

Passengers are constantly reminded that they must wear a 'mascherina' and maintain the distance.

Our train arrived on time at 11.12 am and we found our seats (booked from Australia months ago and only requiring a number to show the conductor) and found space on the luggage rack. Looking good, we thought. As the train moved south it became slower, there were several places where we had long stops and the passengers seemed unable to find their seats. But eventually we arrived at Chiusi 30 minutes late, at about 2.15 pm. Not a problem for us because the car rental place didn't open until 3pm, like most businesses.

We collected our car, a Peugot 208, and drove the eleven kilometres to Città della Pieve. We have visited the smallish town several times over the years as it is nor far from Panicale. In older posts you can see our visits for their medieval festival. This year's festival concluded last week-end so their rione flags are still up. We are living in the Castello rione, the green one.

We then had quite some difficulty with communication with our hostess and her mum (on the phone) but eventually got everything sorted. Her husband then rang and his  English and understanding me meant we are all set. Well, we hope the car is parked in the correct area, once again outside the city walls.

We walked one way through town to the supermarket then back to a nice looking bar for an aperitivo. A good choice because they provide free nibbles.

The late afternoon view from our bedroom window.

Almost below our front window is an trattoria called Il Castello so we had a meal there. This was my absolutely superb pici pasta with ancient Norcian sauce - light cream sauce with sausage from Norcia and truffles. The perfume from fresh truffles is one of my all time favourite smells.

We finished the day with a night time walk to the other end of town.

Buona notte!