Gropello Cairoli - Day 7 and 8

We had a great time in Gropello Cairoli. We are learning some things about logistics, how to plan for getting from here to there, what we like and what we are really not too interested in, etc. Originally we were going to spend a night in Garlasco and then a night in Gropello Cairoli. But what we found out is that in some of the small villages we had on our itinerary, when you arrive, there is little to do and we sit around more than we like. So, we monitored and adjusted (for our teacher friends). We cut out the night in Garlasco and went on to Gropello by train and arranged for an extra night's stay. We were going to take the train to Garlasco and then walk on in to Gropello but when we arrived in Garlasco it was raining so we just stayed on the train. It turned out great. 

Arriving in the rain with rain jackets and pack shields this really was our Oasis. They were very hospitable and allowed us to sit out the rain. We couldn't check-in to our Villa for about 4 hours. 

By taking the train we missed the walk from Garlasco to Gropello, which was about 5 miles. But, since we had an extra day and good weather, we took a very enjoyable round trip hike back to Garlasco and actually hiked further than our original plan. Much of the hike was along a canale where much to our surprise we saw an European otter. 

We also got acquainted with or host at Villa Cantoni and her husband. Giovanna went out of her way to make our stay enjoyable. She walked us out to the edge of town to a trail through the bosci (woods) which circled around and back to town for an afternoon jaunt. Then she recommended a ristorante and met us there that evening to make sure we got good traditional plates from the region. 

The following night she and her husband, Roberto, met us for dinner. She had arranged for the owner to prepare polenta with gorgonzola for us. European"s eat late and talk long at dinner. We met at the ristorante at 7:30 and left at 11:20. Most people seem to eat dinner between 8 and 9.