Day 2 - Friday, September 30 - Rome to Postignano

 

View from our window

We arrived at the Rome airport at 7:10, about half an hour early, went through passport control and got our luggage in about half an hour. The group that left from JFK arrived at 9:15, an hour and 10 minutes early! The flights were somewhat bumpy but not enough to make me air-sick. There are 18 people in our group, several of whom we know from a previous trip.

Our local tour guide met all of us and took us to a small bus that will be taking us around for the next 5 days. It has sprinkled off and on with the temperature around 65 degrees. The first part of the bus ride wasn't very interesting other than seeing the umbrella pine, eucalyptus and oleander. Once we entered Umbria, it became more mountainous and as we climbed towards our hotel, the road wound back and forth up the mountainside. Most of the buildings are made of white limestone from the local mountains.

We are staying at Castello di Postignano, a 9th century Umbrian city-fortress which was redeveloped after a major earthquake in 1997. Much of the castle dates back to the 15th century, including a chapel with frescoes from that time period. There are numerous art galleries throughout. It also includes a boutique hotel with 20 rooms. The walls of our bedroom are about 2' thick! We have a large living room with a fireplace, TV (Italian only), modern bathroom and very pleasant bedroom overlooking the valley. There is WiFi but the Internet connection is spotty - I suspect it is satellite connected. The reception area has an ancient wine press with a huge stone on a lever to press the grapes.

This evening we had an amazing vegetarian dinner with locally-produced organic red wine. We had Risotto with eggplant parmigiana, homemade gnocchi and three chocolate mousse with raspberry sorbet for dessert. Everything was delicious.

Our "hotel" - Castella di Postignano




15th century frescoes in chapel

Wine press

Happy Anna with dessert at La Casa Rosa

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