Walking Across Italy

Ok, I retired 2 years ago and can now claim to be on a “fixed income”. As a result, Stephen decided that I needed to live like the unwashed masses and stay at a hostel. (My family is laughing right now.) The guy who thinks that a 3 star hotel is “roughing it” is staying at a “no star” dormitory for pilgrims! As you would imagine, the accommodations are clean, but sparse, rustic, basic, simple, or any other euphemism for “bad”. There is no air conditioning, bathrobes, or fluffy slippers. (My daughter Libby would definitely NOT stay here.) She has higher standards.

There are 2 bathrooms for the 12 guests, consisting of a small corner shower, toilet, and sink. Now I really shouldn’t complain about the bathroom. Last year I stayed at a place in Italy where the commode didn’t have a seat!

This is a BYOS establishment (Bring Your Own Soap) although the owner did supply us with towels, because JP charmed her with his command of Portuguese. We found out that not every guest gets a towel. She’s the equivalent of the Soup Nazi, “no towel for you”.

Casa Fernanda also has a dining room and living room. All this for 25 Euros per night.

In all fairness, this place is not a total bust. Tonight we were treated to a home cooked meal of vegetable soup, roasted chicken and potatoes, baklava and rice, and a fresh from the garden tomato salad. Dinner included white or red wine and some after-dinner port or grappa. The chef was our hostess Fernanda who invited all 16 of us into her kitchen for dinner.

After dinner, Fernanda asked several of the house guests to sing songs in their native language. The Brazilians sang “The Girl from Ipanema”. The French sang “frerre jacques”. And Stephen and I sang “That’s Amore”.

But then things cranked up a notch as our hostess grab Stephen and started the dance party in her kitchen. I joined them on “YMCA” and the salsa numbers. Joe led the group in a very passionate rendition of “99 Red Balloons”. And Juan Pablo personally dispelled the widely held belief that all Latin men CAN dance. Anyone remember the Seinfeld episode where Elaine danced? You get the idea.

I have to say it was a very enjoyable evening after all. And now, we are all heading for our beds dreaming of tomorrow’s adventure.

Oh, by the way we walked 13.5 miles today. Not bad for some old guys.