86 Countries and Still Counting: March 26, 2026

Today, we hit the big stores in Viterbo. Conveniently, they're all just a few blocks apart and include a HUGE grocery store (think Costco with just groceries); a sporting good store similar to REI (but affordable); clothing stores, toy store and lots of giant furniture stores and places like Home Depot/Lowes.

Lori was stocking up on her favorite chocolate and some casual clothes. I was in the market for some good olive oil and balsamic vinegar and scored.

I also took the opportunity to chat up a local guy as we waited in the long line at the grocery store. We chatted in Spanish/Italian and he explained the special bread and chocolate he was buying for Easter. He asked what I thought about Trump and seemed very pleased with my reaction. Everyone one I spoke to, who quickly realized I was American, had something negative to say about the USA and Trump. "Devil" is the term most often used. Happily, they didn't seem to blame me for the mess we're causing in the world. But if you favor MAGA hats, perhaps you should leave them home.

We went back to a restaurant we'd enjoyed before which was conveniently close. Our waitress (who, I believe is one of the owners) welcomed us back and seemed happy that I got the fennel salad again and was willing to take her advice on the tart, which is apparently a local specialty.

We played Uno in the afternoon, then I passed on meeting an American guy who also has a vacation home. I had an early night so I could be ready to leave by 7;00 a.m.

Photos!

Yes, that is water dripping from the toilet tank (which hangs on the wall over the toilet, instead of being attached to the actual toilet. Love the ancient stone houses but they hold damp/cold.

So many flowers I don't see at home. Yup - wild snapdragons. Also, lots of iris, petunias, etc.

This is a cool idea. You can buy travel packages in the grocery store. Want a two-night stay with hotel and dinners included and perhaps a tour? Yup - just buy one of these kits for the location of your choice.

The hydrangeas weren't cheap but not a bad price and so pretty.

Have I mentioned how large and busy the grocery store was?

Well, of course they sell truffles. Just like Publix, lol.

The giant chocolate Easter eggs are everywhere.

Dried meat/sausages. I wish we appreciated good food/ingredients as much.

Cured meats

Lots of nuts - from California.

And, the big hollow chocolate Easter eggs. They have big ones - 3 and 4 kg for over $50.

That is all pasta.

In my airBnB were a couple small packages of toasted bread. Seemed odd until I tried it. With some jam, it made a nice breakfast.

I chose the oil which was extra virgin (how is that possible?) and cold pressed, which is supposed to mean it doesn't have any bitterness.

While I waited for M, L and E to finish shopping, I sat outside one of the many fast food places.

Almost every cart had at least one giant chocolate egg.

Happy Easter!

Not just in movies! Old Italian men walk with their hands behind their backs. There's even a word in Italian who likes to watch construction projects, hands behind their back, usually wearing a hat. Matt and a few guys from the village were observing road construction in the village this way.

I ate this pasta twice. Today, I cleaned my bowl. Pappardelle (homemade, of course) with a light sauce and local, homemade pork sausage.

Fresh fennel (which we saw being harvested in a nearby field), olives and oranges. Yup, ate all that, too!

Matt got a steak.

Eileen loves Pasta - in particular, Bolognese with egg noodles.

Lori went for the ravioli.

This savory nut bread was delicious.

This is the traditional tart the owner recommended. OMG. Almond pastry, layer of sweetened ricotta and cherries. Soft and craveable. I bought a box of cookies that are similar and wanted to buy five more to bring home as gifts. But when we went back to get them, the store was closed for the Italian version of a siesta.