Nancy's Travels

22 hours after leaving our home, we arrive in Orta, thanks to Chris' TomTom which navigated us out of Milan and up through the countryside. I was duly impressed and am now conviced that it works. (In Italy.) It was dusk when we arrived in town, but the view was nonetheless breath-taking. Our hotel sat right over the water's edge, facing Islo San Giulio. The island was lit up at night, lights shining up across the ancient stone buildings, reflected in the lake. Our room was very modest, but opened up to a balcony facing the same view, and another set of doors opened up to the balcony facing the piazza. Voices drifted up from the night life still buzzing in the courtyard as the full moon hung contently above. We set our things down and quickly set out to explore this newly found village town. We found our way to the first meal along the main cobblestone street - Risto Olini. I was so happy to be here, and the Barbera d'Asti was delicious. My first course was little gnocchi sauteed with pancetta and greens, followed by risotto al funghi (porcini mushrooms are big here). I still think Chris' risotto is better. Overall, the meal was yummy yummy. We waddled back to our room and collapsed into bed, eager for tomorrow.