Slow Start but All Going Well June 11-13

Slow Start but All Going Well       June 11-13  

I flew from Atlanta to Venice, picked up a rental car, and traveled to Pordenone, a historical town where I am staying a day or so to acclimate myself before meeting friends in Aviano. I walked over 12,000 steps yesterday and almost 12,000 today so far.  

My Booking.com location is perfect (Residence Casette) with a living room, kitchen, nice bedroom and bath just a half block from the main historical part of town.   I walked after a short rain and stopped for my 1^stprosecco where I was served - as only Italians can – nice dish of nibbles and a clever small sandwich piece presented in a sardine can gratis!  Saw a neat shop named Mississippi juniors and my 1^stBitcoin store (no, I do not understand that either). Amazing stylish clothes in every window and well- dressed ladies all around.

When I went out this morning the streets were full.  I soon realized it was market day!  Checked that out and bought an Ital. extension cord.  Had a nice lunch at the Osteria al Cavaliere Persa, visited the hub train and bus station to recheck future timetables, and visited the Information Center for this region, and had a nice afternoon in the Musei Civici Di Pordenone.

 

Tonight, I went to an amazing event in an old church across from my residence. It was a program with music, a narrator, and images of Italians who immigrated for one reason or another.  The speaker was excellent as was the playing of the fisarmonica (accordion) at appropriate times to enhance the story-telling and the images arresting.  I wrote down words to look up later, but got the gist of it (maybe).  Full house and free event worth seeing. (pictures below)

I make a point of trying to speak Italian at least 5 times a day with someone…usually when I order something.  Made my goal today and even had a nice long conversation with an Italian woman my age as we walked in the same direction.  She started talking about the rain non-stop to me.  I made appropriate sounds back and I do not think she ever knew I was not fluent nor Italian.  Got away from her before I spoiled my illusion!

The start of this adventure was rocky with a 3 hour delay in leaving Atlanta, over an hour to rent a car, and huge rainfall as I was driving and arriving in Pordenone trying to figure out exactly how to reach my booking in the middle of town.  I was frazzled! I finally met the very nice owner of the 4 -apartment building (some have fabulous terraces) and walked in the sunshine the rest of the afternoon.  Rested well the 1^stnight and now on schedule. I felt that was probably going to be the way it is – my being confused and disjointed about half the time, but good enough things happening to make it work.