05-08 November 2022
We are making a beeline to Sicily with a few short stops on the way. We stayed in Anzio, just south of Rome, for two nights so we could visit a small WWII museum and two military cemeteries. Robert’s Uncle Rico was in Anzio as well as other key Italian landings during WWII, and we are tracing his army experience. We will have a separate post on this.
Orvieto to Anzio
Lodging
Our hosts were the best. First ones to give Robert a hug. Bonnie chose a funky place right on the ocean and far from the aging beach resort hotels with swimming pools that punctuate the shoreline. The place reminds Robert of Laguna Beach decades ago. The hosts, an elderly couple plus grandson, shy dog, and inquisitive cat, who live next door, greeted us. Parking was behind a red gate and the patio had an expansive view of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Great sunsets, surfers, and the occasional group of teenagers. Anzio is big on promoting Roger Waters, past member of Pink Floyd. His father did not survive the Anzio landing, and he has written two songs about it. They say he has a house in Anzio.
Strolling Anzio
We did not have much time to stroll the town—our lodging was outside the city center—but we saw one interesting sight.
Nettuno
Nettuno lies right next to Anzio and is miffed that they don’t get as much credit in the history of WWII as Anzio. We took a walk around the Nettuno after we visited the Sicily-Anzio War Cemetery.
I Cibi e le Bibete
Enroute to Anzio
Anzio
Nettuno
Anzio
En route to Castrovillari
Castrovillari
Bonnie chose Castrovillari in Calabria as an overnight stop simply because she figured Robert would be tired of driving by then. Good call. It is small and in the midst of a national park. Surrounded by wooded mountains. It is not expecting many tourists.
Lodging
This was one BIG apartment. Living room and two bedrooms elaborately decorated recently. The hosts were great. He is a photojournalist for RAI. We only stayed one night, but we ran into the hosts and their friends during our evening walk. One friend recommended his brother’s restaurant nearby. We are glad he did. The chef, from Castrovillari, and his wife, from Modena, (this is a major culture clash for Italians) were extremely attentive and gracious. Very simple food done absolutely perfectly. They were very concerned about whether we understood the menu, delivered orally in Italian. We did. And concerned about where we were appreciating the food. We did. We asked lots of questions about the salt (Maldon flakes), the wine (Ippolito), and the history of their restaurant.
En route to Castrovillari
I Cibi e i Bibete – Castrovillari
