I came to Italy expecting adventure. What I never anticipated is the absolute sweet joy of everyday life - la dolce viva.  
                                                        Frances Mayes in Bella Tuscany


I came to Italy with no expectation. I simply wanted to experience the everyday act of living. La dolce viva.

Walking along the waterfront to begin the day with cappuccino and cream filled croissant. The surprise as I'm handed this cuppa with a wry grin from the barista.

On Facebook you can visit Caffe Adriatico to see
more personalized caffe, many with color.
'Like' them while you're there!

Company for lunch and another waterfront walk. They brought us three bottles of wine they make and a 'meat pie' that was great with our very American chicken soup! Meat pie was a filling made with ground prosciutto and beef, an egg and three cheeses between two layers of pizza dough. Yummy! We live amongst the best focaccia bakers in Italy. You'll see a few pieces in front of the exquisite soup urn, baked this morning at our corner paneficio.

We got into the castle today! The day of epiphany when St. Nicolas visits good Italian children. We've been circling the castle trying to scheme a way in.

Well, not to worry. Walking home from the store we suddenly are in a procession of the magi walking to the castle. I scurried to get ahead and out of the crowd by taking the first turn down a side street. Alas, I found myself followed by them so that I was leading the procession to the castle! Laura and Anthony had gone straight. When I finally arrived at our door, they were doubled over in laughter at the American heading up the procession of the magi.

The door that's been barred to prevent our entering.




In the rear you see the magi after the American led them to their destination. Mary chose a pink outfit for the day.



                         

This is what the inside of an ancient castle looks like, and the lacemakers who work for the Queen's fancy.

Of course, la dolce viva ends with a nice sunset.