Awake to a beautiful sunny day, a welcome change after a couple of days of inclement weather.
Sonia, daughter-in-law of the owner, calls by to collect Gail and take her to a nearby village, Castel di Lama, to have her hair coloured. I stay back and enjoy an hour and a half by the swimming pool. No chance of a dip as it's real blue acorn territory ( refer to David Niven's book 'The Moon's a Balloon' ).
Coffee and cakes on Gail's return and as hairdresser has done such a good job I decide that it's time for me to have my locks shorn.
Gail, as always very confident that she knows where the hairdresser is located. We eventually come across them by accident after she has for once lost her much-vaunted ( justifiably ) sense of direction. Make an appointment for next day and drive on minor roads into Ascoli Piceno.
AP is a real delight and the Piazza del Populo, the main square, ranks among the best we have seen in Italy.
Unfortunately, our attempt to soak up the atmosphere by eating in one of the restaurants overlooking the piazza are thwarted by two camerieri who appear to be having a lunchtime feud. After 20 action-free minutes we move on to a smaller, stylish bistro where are very speedily served with quality food and wine at very reasonable prices.
Gail adds to the overall experience by managing to lock herself in the bistro's toilet and having to set off an alarm to gain her freedom. Apparently, the automatic door had gone on the blink, although I had no such problems when I went in there a little later!
Parking in AP can be problematic but we managed to find a spot a short walk from the centre. I may have overdone it a little as, stuffing just a few too many coins in the metre, we ended up with parking until 8.40 the next morning. At least we were able enjoy this fabulous place without any fear of parking fines.
G also manages to locate a manicure place as we walk back from a 1st century BC bridge over the river Tronto. I therefore, wander around this superb city for about an hour until the manicure is complete. If nothing else the exercise added to my Italian vocab.
Noticeable how the cities come to life after 5.30/6.00 pm, almost a delayed reaction after the siesta finishes at 3.45 or 4.00 pm.
Home by 8.00 and very light snack before blog/emails.
In bed by 10.30.
The Obese Ferret
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