After 24 hours of travel my family arrived in Pisticci, Italy,  in a beautiful 13 room pension called Torre Fiore.  We’re in the magnificent region of Basilicata, known for the numerous invasions over the millennium with every civilization leaving its imprint on the culture.  The hotel is inspired by the Ottoman empire.  International travel has just begun to this part of Southern Italy, being attracted to the history, cuisine, sandy beaches  and rural landscape.

First day we dined under the stars at a long table with another group from Toronto.  Amidst the people were Justin Trudeau and wife and Hazel McCallion.  Hazel is proud to say she is 89 years old and from her intense level of activity you’d never know it.  She’s up before everyone, goes to bed later than most and is ahead in every step she takes, walking up and down hills all day.  I’d like to know her magic bullet!

Today was the highlight.  My family coerced me to go Zip lining!! For those who aren’t sure what this specifically is, let me describe.  You’re attached to a harness, then hooked onto a cable that’s pointing down hill, you’re released and away you go!  Over 3000 Ft in the air, lying on your belly, you glide over gorges, valleys and mountain tops.  I must be getting braver as I age because I absolutely loved it.  It was peace on earth.  (99% pure heaven, 1% sheer terror!)

a view of the zip line

Can you guess who this is?

But the highlight was watching Hazel, our Mississauga mayor have no fear flying in the sky along with her buddy, John Giannone,  83, builder of the hotel. (John is the father of Frank Giannone who is building the condominiums at the Don Mills Shops.)

Take a peek at the shots.

Zip lining at 3000 feet

For food, boy my system has been thrown a real curve ball.  I so miss my salads and grilled fish.  Prosciutto, cheeses, breads, pastas and more pastas.  All delicious but way more food in one day than I’d eat in a week!!  Everything home made, fresh and John Giannone brings fresh figs and fresh ricotta cheese every morning.

Tomorrow onto a private art exhibit in someone’s home, off to the beach and then over to Materra, a town made of caves.  Will show you shots tomorrow.

By the way here are the photos of the hotel we are staying at – Torre Fiorre

Buongiorno!!

Rosa!!