Since I’ve been in Vasto, I think, scratch that, I know, that I’ve put on a few pounds thanks to the delicious meals I have been treated to at everyone’s houses. A few nights ago, Loredana had the family over for pizza and fried fish. More types of pizza than I can count continuously filled the table as everyone had their fill and then some. Mangia, Mangia!
Loredana and her family own a tabacchia right next door to their house, and her husband, Pietro has a collection of vintage scooters and cars in the basement “museum.” They have two children, Nico and Luca. Luca is 14 and is an all-star soccer (calcio) player. Nico is my age and is a big poker player. I was going to join him in a tournament at a poker club, but the entry fee was a little steep for my rusty poker skills and broken Italian. I really enjoyed being around Loredana and her family, she reminded me continuously of my Auntie Jo back home in California.
I guess love and hospitality runs in the family…