Più circa Italia

More about Italy as requested by IronMin,

The flight from Chicago to Munich was really nice. My coach called the new A300 jet Ikea Airlines because it was quite comfortable and each seat has it's own video screen with a choice of several movies, TV, radio, etc.
I usually sleep quite well on long flights but I was surrounded by 3 kids (babies) who were kinda crabby and did not sleep as their mom's wished they would. Oh well.
We then took a short flight to Bologna, Italy and flying over the alps was spectacular. Once in Bologna, we were greeted at the airport by our host, Karl, and the owner of the hotel, Ernesto, where we'd be staying. Then we had a nice motor coach ride to Riccione. The peach and pear trees were in blossom and the grass was green and lush. Most of the fields were just beginning to be worked and the rich smells of the earth and blossoming trees made a grand palate for the senses.

We arrived at Hotel Perla in Riccione and my first impression was a good one.

200 feet from the beach and a good view of the Adriatic Sea.

First we were told to drop our bags in our room and then come into the dining room for a lunch. Meals in Italy are events to savor. I had to put aside my American habit of quick munch and run and settle into Italian style.

It was great.


Lunches were a buffet of fresh local greens, vegetables, fruits, fresh breads, and baked pasta dishes. OH MY GOD it was tasty and our dining host, Rosa, was the best. She always made sure we had water, frizante or natural (bubbly or flat) and was more attentive than my grandmother at holiday dinners.

After lunch, our first group ride was a short 25 miles out in the country to get used to our bikes and flush the jet lag out.

I'd been awake for over 20 hours by this time. It felt so good to get wind in my ears and breathe in Italy. Ah yes, it was grand.

Each day brought new light, sights, food, wine, and a deep appreciation for life, health and the ability to experience this.

Most days went like this:
Wake at 7-ish and go for a run on the beach.
Breakfast was from 8 to 9.
Gather for group ride at 9.
Ride for 2 to 4 hours.
Lunch
Nap, walk, read, shop, be a tourist, take pictures etc.
Then maybe an afternoon swim or a track workout.

Dinner was family style at 7:30 and included the greens, veggies, fruits, breads buffet followed by a starter of soup, pasta, or risotto. That was followed by a main course of fish, meat, or pasta/vegetarian of your choice and all the wine we cared to drink. No kidding. If the wine bottle was empty, Rosa would replace it with a new one. My God, I felt like royalty.



Dessert was gillato, custard, ice cream, cake. take your pick.

All the food and wine was from local sources and 90% of what we consumed was organic.

Yeah, I think I'll go back...soon.