Borgomela, Tavernacce

Today we went to the market in Umbertide.  We had aimed to do so last week but arrived too late to experience it fully.

This time after my wife dragged me out of bed we all went into town and saw what it had to offer.  My Mother-in-law has given the kids some spending money which they put to use there.  After that it was a trip back to Santa Chiara for some time in the pool and a few hours later a trip to Perugia to see if we could find some Mustard Essence.

We had no luck finding this but as you can see the drive had some spectacular views.  Afterwards it was a trip to Tavernacce to eat at a restaurant that has been recommended here and it lived up to the billing.  Despite being down a residential road and being besides a railway track, we thought the place was amazing.  Warm service with good food, we may return this holiday.  Anyway we are now going to see if we can watch the Perseids Meteor shower!

The Golden Saloon in Umbertide and the Chocolate factory in Perugia

Today we went to Perugia aiming to visit the city itself as well as visiting the chocolate factory there.  My kids know my views on Nestle but while I have told them about them I have also said what great chocolate they make.  The company Perugina was formed in 1907 and originally was in another part of Perugia, but over time it grew and had to change location and was sold to Nestle.  We were lucky as the couple who run the villa we are staying in made a reservation for us and even making a shopping diversion we arrived in good time.

The tour was good with an excellent guide who coped well with many children making a lot of noise and our kids were both great at being well behaved as well as being disappointed that they did not get to experience the chocolate kitchen.  From a previous trip to Cadbury World they were not expecting any chocolate waterfalls nor glass lifts and they loved the samples that were given out.

By the time we got out the heavens had opened and it rained and rained and rained.  It was exciting for the two children but an experience for my wife and I who ended up taking them to McDonalds for lunch.  Not what we originally planned which was to explore the city and its history.  When we finally arrived back after a rest, it was out for dinner though that was interesting as many places were closed. We did find one place open that did not look amazing but we loved it as we were served the biggest pizzas we have had in a long time.  Even if we had ordered two, we would have had food left over!  Folłowing this was a walk around the castle in Umbertide.

Now we have to make plans for tomorrow and hope that the weather is good.

Amid the transfer rumours Jack Wilshere hopes Wenger brings players into Arsenal during the summer. Or Marlboro. Or B&H. He is not fussy

Just a quick one really. First was that I was amazed to hear that Arsenal beat Chelski in the Charity Shield yesterday.  I was dreading the game and fully expected the record that Wenger had against Mourinho to continue so I was surprised to hear that we won!  Not that it counts for much but it helps that we have overcome one psychological barrier.

As you can see, it is blue skies here and today we all just relaxed.  We went out for breakfast as we had no food (other than the left over lasagna) and ate in Umbertide which is not far from here.  It was a trip to the supermarket afterwards and then home for unpacking and preparation for lunch.  Once that was out of the way it was a trip to the pool.  The kids have made a friend and overall, other than forgetting how to turn the oven on, it was a great and relaxing day.  As you can also seen from the picture, one with a great view!