Travel-Lens

Day 11-12

 

July 30-August 1

 

Piacenza, Italia

 

            The Romans built, among just about everything, a long road stretching across Italy from the Eastern coast clear across to the western side, building a town about every 20 kilometers because that's how far the army could march in a day.  They last town on the road, which is still used as a road today, is Piacenza.  This beautiful little town is the quintessential Italian town, with its narrow curved, cobble stone streets and its vibrant colored houses.  It is my favorite city in Italy and I am able to visit every year because I have a friend who happens to be a native of this lovely little town.

            I first met Giulio about 15 years ago and have been able to see him on a regular basis.  I always learn more about both Piacenza and Italy when we spend time together because he always takes me somewhere new and the drive there reveals something I haven't seen or heard about. Whenever I am near I make sure to travel through Piacenza to at least have dinner with him.  I walk the streets, shop, eat and just have the best-relaxed time while I am there.

            We only had a couple of days in Piacenza and we met Giulio the first night for dinner.  He picked us up at the hotel and we walked the several blocks to a great little restaurant in the middle of the steps of a hill.  We had the typical proshutto and many different dishes kept coming as he continued to order as we ate.  After a great three hour meal, as all meals with Giulio are long, we walked around town and stopped here and there for drinks and grappa.  One of Giulio's brother-in-laws was with us and walked along with us with his bike.  Everyone rides a bike and we felt like natives with someone in our group pushing his bike.  

            The couple of days in Piacenza were literally nothing but relaxation, shopping, and food and drinks. We just walked with cameras in hand and shot everything in sight, stopping off occasionally at the nearest cafe for a drink, some snacks, and a few pictures of the locals doing the same.

            On our last morning there we went to Giulio's dentistry to say goodbye and have a coffee with him.  We stayed at the studio for a while talking with the office staff that I see every year and a few new students.  We took pictures with Giulio and he showed us the renovations that are currently taking place in his twelfth century home and let him get back to work.  That night there was a city wide shopping event for the summer and we attended to see what deals we could find.  We had to buy a new suitcase because my mom purchased too much along the way.  

            All good things have to come to an end and our time in Piacenza was no exception. We gathered our things, packed up the new suitcase and taxied our way to the train station north to Milano.  I love Piacenza and when you see the photographs you will know why.