From Spoleto (Umbria), we begin our trip towards our friend's house in the Marche.  We have our new car, a cute blue little Fiat - and we follow the Strada #3 crossing one of the most well known truffle country: Norcia. The lands of Umbria abound in truffles, with the stretch between Spoleto and Norcia being kingdom of the black truffle. Norcia is also famous for its meat ..and its butchers! So famous that norcino means butcher and inhabitant of Norcia!and norcineria means butcher shop! For generations, the art of slughtering and butchering a pig has been perfected and produced absolutely delicious sausages, cured ham, and salames. There is not enough time in a day to EAT and DRINK all the goodness of italian cuisine and wines! So, here we are traveling through this amazing country, and enjoying every minute of the hilly landscapes, the olive trees, the castles and fortresses perched on mountain tops...

After a couple of hours - including lunch in our piccolina Fiat overlooking wonderful landscapes - we finally arrive in the Marches. Our friend Uwe has given us a detailed plan on how to get to Abbadia de Lastreto
where his sister Petra has her house...a marvelous place that we were going to enjoy for a week. Mama mia!
The house of Petra is perched on a steep hill...a sign nailed to a tree on the road calling UWEshows the entrance to the Abbadia...

Just imagine...one week in this setting!