Theatre - Carlo Felice in Genoa

For those who love concerts and the opera, there is a variety of theatres that are reachable in approximately an hour from Villa Mimma.

Here I would like to point the attention to the theatre in Genoa, the "Carlo Felice". This is a new theatre that was rebuilt after the original theatre was bombarded during the Second World War, as nicely described on the theatre's website.

Its fame is due to the fact that the inside is like being in a "covered" square. The photo shown in the main website doesn't give you the full feeling, so why not taking a trip there?

The calendar for the 2008/2009 season can be found through the following links:
- Opera and ballet;
- Symphonic season.

If you attend any event or if you visit this unique theatre, please do let me know and I'd love to see some recent pictures.

.

September in festival - Food and Wine

On the weekend of the 13th/14th of September in Asti there is the Festival Delle Sagre, where the big Campo del Palio (the square that hosts the traditional horse racing event - this year on the 21st of September) hosts stalls from about 50 local towns, where you can sample the food and wine of the region. On Sunday there is also a parade with floats representing traditional farm themes. The official website is in Italian!, but it can give you an idea of what to expect.

Also, in Asti there is the Douja d'Or wine festival from the 12th to the 21st of September, where you can sample around 400 local wines (you can also buy them!). Some information in English can be found on the world events guide.

.

Palio di Asti - 21st of September 2008

The traditional festival of the "Palio di Asti" is getting closer again.

The medieval town of Asti is hosting its renowned Palio on Sunday the 21st of September, although celebrations will start on the Friday and Saturday before then. Music, food, wine, market stalls, parades, fireworks... will be part of the fun.

The first notion of the Palio goes back to 1275, so it has been around for quite a few centuries.

Don't miss the opportunity to take part in it if you are in Piedmont at the right time!

A day at the beach - Arenzano

If you decide to spend a day on the beach, you better aim at the village of Arenzano near Genoa. In fact, you can reach it very easily from Villa Mimma by joining the A26 motorway towards Genoa. When you are by the coast, you need to leave Genoa to your left and follow for Savona. The Arenzano exit is easily found and you won't find yourself stuck in traffic because you would have avoided Genoa completely. It takes less than an hour from your accommodation at Villa Mimma to the beach!

Once you are in Arenzano, you are spoilt for choice. Its sandy beaches are split between public beaches and different private beaches where you can hire a sun-bed or an umbrella with deck-chairs for the day. If you are quite keen in a bit of privacy and in the comfort of your own area, though, don't leave too late especially in August because you could be disappointed and find everything full.

The village offers plenty of restaurants and bar, both along the seashore and in the streets.

Don't forget to try a bit of "focaccia" and if you like basil and fancy a restaurant, you must have the "trenette al pesto".

Enjoy your day!

Shopping for food and wine

If you are staying at Villa Mimma and are looking for a food store, you have various options. In order of size, from the tiniest to the biggest, here are some ideas, although the best way for you to know the area is to take a drive and see where it takes you:

1 - Treville

There is a butcher with the most wonderful meat, ham and salame (he makes them), ravioli (made only on some days or on order) and a deep freezer with ice-creams, pizzas, vegetable, etc.

Also, there is "La rata birata", which is a wine-bar that serves hot-meals and that also has a small food section with fresh produce such as cheeses, bread, milk, butter and basic provisions. It has also pasta and sauces!

2 - Ozzano (2km from Treville)

If you want a bit more of a choice and some fresh fruit and vegetables, Ozzano is your nearest option. Along the main road that cuts through the village, there is a food store that has everything. It is very small compared to a supermarket, but has all you need.

3 - Supermarkets

Well, for a proper supermarket you are spoilt for choice if you are prepared to drive for 10-15 minutes. You can either go to Casale to the Iper-Coop (a real shopping centre) or you can go towards Asti-Moncalvo and stop at the Penny supermarket, which faces a Gulliver supermarket, where you can find all you need.

Last Minute - €550 week/6people July/August 08

.

There are still a few weeks available at Villa Mimma for July/August 2008, some in self-catering accommodation and some in B&B. Lovely base for your holiday with children or to explore Piedmont, Liguria, the Lakes and the Alps. Also, great for golfing, horse riding or simply relaxing!

Amazing offer : €550 for a week for 6 people!

Contact us ASAP if you would like to take advantage of this promotion.

We would love to welcome you in our corner of paradise.

Natural Park of the River Po - Valenza

I have already written about the river Po and the natural trails that you can enjoy near Vercelli. You can also enjoy the river if you go towards Valenza from Casale Monferrato. We discovered this area because we were particularly interested to find a place where the children could dip their toes in the water without too many dangers.

We stopped at at the bridge over the Po, parking on the Valenza saide of it (be careful to park before the Natural Park sign because you may get a ticket - we did!, although it was only a warning). Here not only you can enjoy strolls along the banks, but you can reach the shore and enjoy the wide pebbly beaches and low water level.

This is a photo taken near the spot that we chose. We were there during a Spring weekly day, when Italian schools were still open so there was only another family on the other side of the river.

The weather was hot and the children enjoyed bouncing flat pebbles in the water. We dipped our toes in the chilly water, but I cannot say if it is safe to swim there as the currents can be quite strong. It was a lovely spot and very easy to find so we are planning anotehr visit at the first occasion.