Rome, Capri and Amalfi

April 2009

Day 11, Rome:

Marian was the first to go home and missed our outing to Orvietto.  Maritza and I had stayed at an agriturismo in Orvieto three years prior and had a memorable lunch in the charming hilltown.  We were determined to go back, not just to have lunch, but to have more time to explore and share the hilltown experience with Mommie.  The train ride to Orvieto is about an hour north of Rome.  Upon exiting the train station we found ourselves across from the funicular.  It can't get easier than this.  Once up in the town we took a bus to the Cathedral; the bus is covered under the funicular ticket.  From there we backtracked to where we thought the restaurant would be.  I had the restaurant name and a photograph of our incredible lunch of lasagna with pecorino cheese and honey.  We remembered parking underground and walking up stairs, then taking an elevator, then an escalator, and finally a people mover, just to get from the parking garage to the street.  I did say this was a hilltown, didn't I?  The restaurant was across from the garage exit.  We were pleased with ourselves when we found the restaurant only to learn it had changed hands and had a new and completely different menu.  Oh well, it was still a good lunch.  al Pozzo Etrusco Ristorante (Riazza de' Ranieri, 2)  www.alpozzoetruscodagiovanni.it

It took three centuries to complete the Cathedral of Orvietto, beginning in the 13th Century.

We have now been enjoying Italian cuisine for almost two weeks and we were ready for something different.  Returning from Termini Station we passed a Chinese restaurant and decided to give it a try.  I was happy with my wonton soup and curried chicken and the ladies were happy with their dishes, too.  When traveling I like to try different cuisines.  On my last trip to Paris and Amsterdam we had a different cuisine each night -- Greek, Spanish, Dutch, Japanese, French, Middle Eastern, etc.  I find it interesting that in Italy it is fairly well limited to Italian food.  Don't get me wrong -- Italian cuisine is excellent, but don't the Italians want some variety in their diets?  Is there fast food other than paninis and pizza?  If so, I didn't see much other than a McDonald's, and I don't eat at McDonald's.

Lasagna with Pecorino cheese and Honey