First, we stopped in the town of Balze. Paola went into a restaurant and made reservations for lunch. We then walked around the town. She told us that her father owned a house there, but her brother was there right then so she didn't want to show it to us. Her father lives in Rimini which is about 40 miles away. Right after she told us that we see her father walking down the road! It was funny because he had been at our house the day before!
We had lunch which was a huge meal! First, there was bruschetta, then pasta, then chicken an
d pigeon (OK, I didn't eat the pigeon!), then potatoes, and finally, dessert! We could barely move when we left!
We then drove to the area the river starts. It was a long walk down a beautiful trail to the actual spot. There were picnic tables and benches and a monument. We stopped to enjoy the beauty and who do we see, but her dad again! This time she didn't make herself known for some reason.
We then walked back up another trail and when we got to the top we found a small bar with picnic tables outside. We were surprised once again when Paola's dad was sitting at one of the tables! He was with another couple who were from Rimini. The wife kept asking us questions about why we were in Italy. She even asked Larry what we would do if one of us died! Paola's dad thought for a minute and then said, "Take another one!"
Before we left, Paola and Alberto filled many bottles with water from a fountain in town. While we were waiting we could hear an Italian gospel group singing! They were singing "Give Me That Old-Time Religion"!! I almost didn't' recognize the words because their English was heavily accented! It was very interesting.
Our next stop was a monastery. There was another long walk uphill before reaching the monas
tery. When we arrived there was a monk standing by the gate welcoming the visitors. He spoke a little English as he had once been at a retreat in South Dakota! It was a very peaceful place. He showed us his St. Bernard, Neve (means Snow), and I told him that I always wanted a St. Bernard. He told me she would have puppies next year and he would give me one!
We stopped at another monastery that is not too far from Belforte. It was also very beautiful. They had a painting inside that was done by the father of Raffaello. This monastery was recently renovated.
This concluded our day.
PS--On our drive we saw a house that looks like it was from outer space!
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