Signora Sheila

We traveled about 1500 miles (2400 km) in Italy this summer without any mishaps. Only to end up falling and spraining my ankle and coming down with a cold at home! I think it’s healthier for me to keep traveling! But since I’m low on energy, I decided to make a fun post and give you a glimpse of our meanderings!

Our summer Travels

1st stop: Bobbio in Emilia Romagna

While visiting friends near Piacenza, we were able to visit the charming little town of Bobbio. It’s full of ancient charm, with narrow cobblestone streets and ancient buildings. In 2019 it was voted the most beautiful village in Italy. And it is easy to see why!

While visiting friends near Piacenza (in Emilia Romagna), we were able to visit the charming little town of Bobbio. It’s full of ancient charm, with narrow cobblestone streets and ancient buildings. In 2019 it was voted the most beautiful village in Italy. And it is easy to see why!

One of the town’s main attractions is the long, picturesque Devil’s Bridge. The name comes from the old superstition that the devil was often behind the construction of bridges, because they connected two places that God wanted to remain separate.

Nevertheless, Bobbio was an important center in Roman times, when the bridge was built, and later also became an important center of Western monasticism during the Middle Ages.

Complete with a castle, cathedral, and very old library, its location in the Appenine Mountains makes it an ideal place to visit. Cool in summer, it offers hiking plus canoeing and swimming in the Trebbia River. Or skiing and other sports in winter.

A tiny place, but so beautiful, and worth visiting!

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2nd stop: Casale Monferrato and the rice fields of Piedmont

Casale Monferrato in Piedmont is often considered one of Italy’s hidden gems. It’s a beautiful, mostly agricultural area lying at the foot of the Alps, it’s replete with a medieval castle and cathedral, and ancient buildings.

But what I found most interesting were the rice fields along the Po River. They are flooded during the growing season, making the area looks like a big shallow sea, crisscrossed with roads. And the town becomes an island completely surrounded by water. And no doubt a damp, uncomfortable place to live. But I hope we can go back one day and maybe visit the rice fields!

Images of Monferrato: Poppies (TL) by Idéfix | Others are mine

The friends we stayed with live in the tiny hamlet of Pozzengo. It was a peaceful and blessed interlude – even though their daughter, son-in-law and 6 grandchildren were staying there! They are wonderful children, and remarkably well-behaved!

We were also amazed to see the hazelnut farms, most of which are used to make Italy’s famous Nutella in the region’s factory! And it was interesting to see our hosts’ son training his dog to hunt for Piedmont’s expensive truffles, which grow in both white and black varieties

Semi-retirement and changes

We decided not to get Italy’s draconian green card, so Hubby can no longer teach in schools. So we are semi-retired. We plan to apply for pensions next year. In the meantime, we’ll make do with our support base and private English lessons.

I enjoy having him home more, although I find it challenging to get things done! So once again it’s a time of change and adjustment. But it’s all good and we count God’s blessings!

And I hope you have many blessings to count too! And that one day, you can come and visit all these places in person!

📷 Image credits are listed below each photo