Belgium to Italy by bike - Living Like Kings

​Our last day in Tornelli. We felt refreshed, rested, relaxed. We also felt melancholy, we didn’t really want to leave.
 
‘I could live here.’
‘So could I.’

I’d already seen half a dozen properties we could renovate. But I was being called back to Australia and my horses. Noel was too. It’s unusual for him to be taken with a place quite so much though. The tranquillity and restfulness of this area does something to you. It slows you down, makes you pause for thought – allows you to smell the roses.
 
We were eating at a local restaurant in Palombaro for our last night – recommended by the locals - one, for great food, and two for internet, but I didn't want internet in fact I was (am) loving not having it!
 
The short bike ride along over grown lanes of lush green, found us outside a small bar. It wasn't our fault. The restaurant opened at 6 pm, we were in town at 5.40 pm. The young barman spoke good English and talked passionately of his unhappiness in Palombara.

‘It's not a place for the young, it’s okay for you.' He said. I had to bite my tongue, I still consider myself young!
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Sigh.

Outside the bar in Palombaro

Above - Images of Palombaro
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Palombaro is a charming village, with a couple of welcoming cafes, a bar, a mini-market and the restaurant. A magnificent view surrounds one half of the town; elevated veranda's had me itching to climb private stairs to enjoy the view from up high.

As we arrived at the top of the hill, ('This isn't the right way!' 'Yes it is!') The clouds dropped a few spots of rain between the sunrays and a glorious rainbow stretched down into the valley.
 
‘Do you see the type of farewell evening I’ve organised for you,’ Noel said showing off the rainbow as if he’d arranged it all.

The convivial restaurant was empty. We sat near the vibrant jasmine that had not yet opened its soft pink/white flowers to release one of my favourite smells. We could view part of the grand vista, stay dry, and provide the restaurant employees the greatest distance to walk with our food.

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With a small carafe of white wine, we asked Leonardo feed us with local fare and his recommendations. The menu prices were extremely fair and we felt no concerns with being taken for a ride. 'We would like some lamb though,' Noel said.
 
Leonardo thoughtfully nodded, I could already see his mind working.

To help wash down the wine (and keep us quiet) the Wiliam produced a plate of cheesy snacks, which I considered a starter - but that was yet to come.

What followed was a smorgasbord of yummy dishes.

'Homemade by me.' Leonardo (the chef) proudly explained.
'Homemade by my mother.'

All grown and produced locally; apple with chilli, a variety of cheeses, vegetables, fresh salad with extraordinary flavour, and wonderfully tender lamb.

We ate every morsel.

With another carafe of wine and another of water, we were fully sated in every way.

Noel paid the bill while I bathed in the moonlight, wishing the night wouldn’t end.

We had the 'snacks' to start. Three shared starters, a salad and the main course of lamb with several vegetable dishes, plus the wine.

​oh and homemade tiramisu, of course.

Total Euros $48!
And I still don't believe it!
 
It was a fitting farewell.
 
Next: Florence!