Friday Oct 3

The day started with an illustrated lecture on how to order coffee in Italy in all its various shapes and sizes. We learned that if you order any of the varieties with milk after noon, it marks you as an American. 

Part of the amazing breakfast spread!

This was a "loop" day. And a shorter bike ride because there was a tour of Vincenza acheduled for the afternoon. The famous architect Paladio designed many of the buildings in the area. He influenced the design of Jefferson's Montecello as well as the White House. 

One of the many Villas designed by

Palladio. 

We ate lunch at a Bistro on one of the large Piazzas in Vicenza. Deb and I had the very typical Italian Spritz Apero. Such a great color!

We shared a salad niceoise and a buffalo mozzarela caprese!

After lunch we met our guide Giovana at the Teatro Olympico, last building designed by Palladio, but finished after he died. It was built over a much more ancient theatre. 

Giovana

A falconer was flying his bird in the theatre courtyard. 

Theatre courtyard. 

View pf the stage from the amphitheatre semi circle.

 The stage consists of  7 "streets" all illusions of great depth and different ones visible from different seats. 

More walking around town learning about architecture. 

We took a bus back to the hotel. I swam 20 laps in the big pool! So cold getting in! But really refreshing!

A bus took us to an Agriturismo (farm). Where the delightful chef Amadeo gave us a cooking lesson before dinner. 

First he showed us how to

Make beautiful "presentation" of the antipasto. A cheese ball with greens and roasted peppers. 

Bob and Deb in their aprons. 

We learned how to make gnocci! So easy and delicious. Hope to try it at home. 

Pinching and striping the gnocci. Fork works as well as the little wood board. 

Desert was stewed apples in pastry..

So tired! Late nignt bus ride home to

Villa Michelangelo.