This time in sunny Civitanova Marche, located just about half an hour from Acona - somewhere more southern than central Italy on the Adriatic coast. Unfortunately the only way getting there rather quickly from London is with one of those lovely low cost airlines I so hate. Never mind, after my last attempt about 3 years ago I though it was time to give them another chance and, oh how weird, they did not disappoint me... it actually got worse! I have to admit that the hangover on Saturday morning did not help enhancing the flight experience, but hey...I am normally relatively easy to please. I swear!! :) After a long contemplation I have actually concluded that most of my hate is caused by the travelers involved in this type of "adventure"... I guess I will never get used to the fact that everyone starts running madly once they're behind the boarding gate. Only one comment: 'Get a life!"
But I am not going to waste precious lines and words on this oh-so-useless airline or Stansted airport, there is way more to be said about this beautiful region of Italy - Marche. I have been visiting this gorgeous part of Italy since I was a little girl and now my parents have decided to get themselves a little flat there. The city itself may not be particularly beautiful or picturesque, but only a short drive away you are either on the beach or in the hills. Each of these has a little town or something worth visiting and once you drive through the valleys there are lots and lots and lots of shopping outlets of all sorts. Anyways, we had a little family gathering and tried to make the most of two glorious & sunny days.
What a view... This was in Montecosaro, one of those small towns located on a hill top about 15 minutes from Civitanova. It somehow feels like being out of the world, really peaceful and green. You will find a few tourists there, almost as if nobody wants to risk getting lost in those valley-streets where even your sat-nav gets confused because of all the curves. The main square is tiny and in the sunny corner you will find a group of elderly ladies & gentlemen sharing stories of past and present and eyeing at any outsider that may dare entering their world.
We also wanted to visit Loreto, a popoular catholic pilgrimage site located not too far from both Montecosaro and Civitanova Marche. Legend has it that angels brought the house of Maria from Bethlehem to Loreto and a church has been built around it. Unfortunately we also got lost on those treacherous streets, and had to rush to Numana for our dinner reservation. I am sure there will be another occasion to explore the area a little more.
In case you're wondering...that's my "litle" bro Stephan.
Too bad he is the one that inherited the right genes and is a lot taller than me :) Oh well, I am still the older one , if that counts for anything??!
Another weekend that passed way too quickly, and sooner than I would have imagined I was already back at the airport heading back to London. But...no time to despair, there is lots going on. A new office building to organize, a flat purchase to sort out ( and have an incredible amount of patience...) and looking forward another long weekend away in a weeks time. Milan will have me for one evening, then we are heading to Siena for 2 days. Can't wait!!! Watch this space for more stories...
Tine