Thunderstorms are predicted, but it manages only to sprinkle in Locarno. To head home, I have decided to take the Centovalli Express train, a very unique train that runs from Locarno in Switzerland to Domodossola. The ride has a startling beginning, in a tunnel outside Locarno with none of the natural beauty promised by the …
The big day has arrived, and it starts out with a luncheon given by Claudio Rotanzi, the man in the middle of this photo, and attended by his friends, including Ester on his right and Fausto Rotanzi, the President of the Patriziato of Peccia, on his left. Both of these men supported the translation of …
I enjoy the views from the train on the ride to Switzerland, despite the cloudy weather. I have forgotten the charm of the villages nestled under the steep mountainsides. I am met by Fausto Rotanzi and his wife Romana, who take me on a visit to the Piano di Peccia to see the damage wrought …
Today I visited Giorgio Cheda and his wife Carla. Giorgio wrote the introduction to my book Miners, Milkers & Merchants. They live on a hillside above Locarno with views galore of Lago Maggiore. At one time the hills were covered with vineyards owned by people who lived in the Locarno flats. They would grow grapes …
Today I had the pleasure of spending time with this lovely couple, Gabriele and Patrizia, whom I came to know through our mutual interest in the history of immigrants from the Vallemaggia. They have made several documentaries on the topic. We also share an interest in world travel. Despite just returning from a trip to …
Today I’m visiting the Vallemaggia to deliver a copy of my book Miners, Milkers & Merchants to the museum in Cevio and to connect with some of the people who have helped me along the way. The Vallemaggia is another paradise for bikers. The main road is an enjoyable ride with light traffic and an …
Now I am on my own schedule, a bit slower travel. The van dropped me off at the Como San Giovanni train station, then the group went on to Milano and home. I had about an hour to wait for my train. In the cafe, a couple of women made a great fuss over a …
Today I came across this article in the newspaper on the closing of small bakeries due to competition from mass production. Some say that the real quality artisan bakeries will survive and thrive. Let’s hope so. At the cafe where I had breakfast, this dish was a popular order. Not sure what’s under all that …