A Day With Guiseppina (3/31/1979)

Saturday, March 31, 1979
What beautiful weather!

View from the B's cherry orchard

First Guiseppina's mother picked me up to go to their house in Cafasse for lunch. It was the best lunch I've had in Italy. Because of the food and the company (including the father). Then mother drove Guisi and me to the villa and we took the A112 to Torino. I was looking for shoes and Guisi for a blouse. We walked all around the area of Via Garibaldi for about three hours!

Palazzo Madama from Via Garibaldi

Guisi found a blouse and a gift for a niece. I only got sore calves because I wore high-heeled boots! I took Guisi home to Cafasse, and then drove to my casetta/little house for a quick change.

By 20:00 I was on my own way to Bardonecchia using Signora B's 127. It needed gas. After missing a turn, I ended up in Torino again, but no gas stations were open. So stopped at a self-service where I asked the man already getting gas to help me. One needs exact change that I did not have, so we waited for someone else to arrive who had the change. He then pumped two mila (2,000) for me. Found my way out of Torino toward Susa. In Susa I got turned around and needed gas again. Had to stop at another self-service and ask another fellow for change. He obliged, pumped my gas, and invited me to his villa! Finally arrived in Bardonecchia where I passed the apartment and Signore B. But went quickly around the block. The family was just coming home from dinner at 22:00.

Ice cream! (3/29,30/1979)

Thursday, March 29, 1979
Patrizia wanted me to drive her to Grosso, but there was no car. So we walked. She bought salami, then mailed her letters to England, which I helped to write. On our way home, a B driver picked us up and took us to the villa.

That evening a guard was going to drive Patri, the kids, and me to Mathi, but the red Fiat 127 (903cc engine like the Autobianchi A112) became available. So I drove to the volleyball practice. Patri was taking her sister's place on the team coached by Denni. Elena watched and the boys and I got to participate. Did well because the net is lower. Afterwards, took the kids home and drove to Cirie for pizza. Later, ice cream, of course.

Friday, March 30, 1979
I was just telling Patri how I haven't heard from my family when the phone rang. It was the guard saying a letter had arrived for me! From Mom!

That afternoon Signora B called the Equipment Shop in the States for a bill of lading number for the missing therapy balls. I did the talking and kept saying "si" instead of "yes!"

That evening Patrizia and I went out for ice cream in Lanzo using Signora B's 127. Had a talk about Signora B and I feel much better. I then drove Patri home and took the back road to Grosso.

The maids had told me that Signora B had become friendly with the previous therapist, and even shared some of her clothes with her. I realize that I am not Signora B's type, but she does seem perturbed that I am so friendly with "the help."

Weekend with the locals (3/24-25/1979)

Saturday, March 24, 1979
The boys needed gasoline for their motocross bikes, so I was conscripted to drive Signora B's Fiat 127 to the gas station in Benne. Arturo needed another 800 lire, which I gave him. Partial payment for postage. I wanted to go bike riding and was to accompany the boys to the motocross area, but the bike had a flat tire. Instead, Patri wanted a ride to Mathi to pick up papers that she then dropped off in Cirie at the auto driving school. This time I drove the A112. Saw a nice town hall. We stopped for ice cream and an Australian was pointed out. Hmm! Then went ring shopping for Diane W. Had to be buzzed into the jewelry stores. Dropped off Patri in Mathi and took a back road to Grosso.

In the evening I was picked up by Denni, Patri and another girl. First went to the gymnasium in Mathi for a men's volleyball match (Mathi vs. Caluso) that went the full five games. Saw good playing skills. After the game we waited for a couple of the players and in two cars which also included some fellow cheerers, we went to a pizzeria in Cirie. Another large group was there singing and carousing. Each of us was served our own pizza that was the size of perhaps a small American pizza. It was bigger than the plate it was sitting on and had the typical sauce and cheese. But it was thin and crusty in the middle, and thick and chewy on the edges! You had to slice it yourself, or eat it with a knife and fork. Finished up with ice cream! (And Patri paid!)

Sunday, March 25, 1979
Gee whiz! It's an adventure enough just being in Italy! Was to pick up Patri at 9:30 to visit a friend in Balme. It was raining and when getting the car, I noticed the flat tire, which the guard then changed. The new tire had a crack in the rubber, but it would be okay if I drove slowly. Then at a stoplight past Grosso, the A112 stalled and would not start! A couple boys helped push me to the side of the road. Walked the mile to Mathi and managed to explain why I was an hour late! Went to get Denni who drove us to the car. It was only a matter of pulling a lever to adjust air to the engine (choke). Finally we were on our way along narrow winding roads. In a tunnel, the lights would not go on!

Arrived in tiny Balme, haphazardly parked, and climbed our way among houses perched on the mountainside. Could not find the English-speaking Claudio, so went to Hugo and Patrizia's two-bedroom apartment. Then went to a general store where Hugo called on the phone and put me on the line. It was an English-speaking Carla who explained the couple wanted to invite me to lunch. Another girl came into the store to also ask me the same thing in English, but I know enough Italian to have understand that! Hugo helped himself to stuff from the store apparently run by his parents. Had a good lunch with this couple, and then the English-speaking girl and her husband stopped by to practice English. We all went for a walk and we met Denni and more of Patri's friends. Went in a bar where we found Claudio, but I guess he did not want to practice English. Instead, the group of 15 or so people drank wine, coffee or hot chocolate, and sang songs, many in English, but I knew only a couple. Claudio played a guitar, or a harmonica as another fellow played the guitar. Other folks in the bar included old men playing cards and kids drinking Cokes. Many of the group did try to speak to me, mostly in Italian with a couple English words thrown in. We stayed a couple hours. Then Denni went to check the car lights and thought there was a problem with the key. I later found out it was just another problem of not knowing which lever was for what! Couldn't start the car. Patri finally got it started after coasting down a hill. She drove a while. Stopped in Lanzo for ice cream. The guard at the villa told me to drive right up to the gardener's cottage because it was raining.

Disco and New Digs (3/22/1979)

Thursday, March 22, 1979
I am so confused! I thought Patrizia/Patri invited me to go out with her sister and friends, so I got all dressed up at the appointed hour. But Patrizia wasn't ready to go. Signora B said we could take the car, so Patrizia got ready. We walked to the gate to get the car keys from the guard, and who should be waiting there but Patri's sister, Maura, and a friend, Denni. First Denni drove us to Patri's house in Mathi, and then we dropped Maura off at the community gymnasium. Then the three of us went to a discotheque in Lanzo, "Mister G." When we arrived, Patri paid the 2500 lire (generally 800 lire equals one US dollar) entry fee that included one drink. Few people were dancing on the tiny dance floor with a couple flashing lights and mirrors on one wall. Any one danced with any one, so the three of us danced together. Slow music started and a tall guy asked me to dance. He didn't know how to dance and/or had other things on his mind. At times he was tickling so much I could have died. We kept rotating on my then sore right leg for seemingly an eternity. About an hour or so after arriving we left, but stopped for ice cream with real whipped cream! Once home, the guard lighted our way to our doorsteps. I had just moved into the gardener's cottage that day.

The gardener's cottage is very tiny compared to the villa. A small living room has a couch and two chairs. The dining room has four chairs and no table. The large kitchen has a table and two chairs. Complete bath with shower head. Three bedrooms but only one is furnished with a double bed and a wardrobe. The roof extends to cover a storage area for tractors, tools, etc. The pet rabbit and pet quail reside here.

Bardonecchia Again (3/17-18/1979)

Saturday, March 17, 1979
Again we went to Bardonecchia, but this time avoided the Autostrada. Patrizia, the maid, also came. After arriving, I took a walk. What a bustling town! Mostly rental apartments for skiers. After dinner Patrizia and I apparently went out looking for a discotheque. A couple fellows in a car saw us wandering around and were persistent in trying to talk with us. Instead we went into a bar (coffeehouse atmosphere) and had ice cream.

Sunday, March 18, 1979
It was snowing hard, which apparently meant visibility was too poor to ski. Zia/Aunt and Zio/Uncle, and cousin Maria Teresa ate lunch with us. Later in the afternoon, Patrizia and I and the kids went to the railroad station for ice cream. Then we went to a games parlor where they had pinball machines, electronic games, pool, ping pong tables, etc. Got to play a couple games. We were picked up at the parlor and headed straight home to Torino. Where it was discovered that my bag was left behind. A week without a comb or toothbrush (I had substitutes). But I'll miss my camera the most. Anyway, this time I was outfitted and ready to ski, but no go.

Trip to Torino (3/11/1979)

Sunday, March 11, 1979
I was given use of the Fiat Autobianchi A112 and drove myself to Torino. Missed a turn at Caselle but saw I was headed for Torino Centro... but via the Autostrada. Made a u-turn at the tollbooths. Even before leaving the villa, I forgot most cars here need to be warmed up and stuttered to the gate. The guard reminded me that the car was cold.

Once I was in the city, at a stoplight, a woman standing on the corner gestured and spoke to me, then got in the car! Apparently wanted a ride to Piazza Statuto, where I found a convenient parking place. Started walking through Torino. Found a pedestrian-only street (made so in 1978), Via Giuseppe Garibaldi. Seemed I was drawing a lot of stares, but I may just be paranoid. Saw lots of shoe stores, and newspaper stands, but no postcards.

Via Roma arcades (GJT)

On Via Roma (covered with porticos/arcades), in a park, I walked through a group of men, one of whom stepped in front of me with a "Come vai?" Soon saw a large building that looked like a railroad station, and it was! Porta Nuova.

Stazione Porta Nuova (GJT)

No gates, anyone could walk up to the trains. They have first- and second-class waiting rooms. Lots of newspaper stands and book stores, but only one with postcards. I nearly bought him out, purchasing 35 postcards!

I sat in a park to eat my cheese and bread, but a man sat down, edged closer, and apparently wanted a drink. So I left him but was followed by another fellow who started a conversation. He also wanted me to have a drink with him. I walked towards the River Po and ended up at the piazza of the Carnevale, now a parking lot! A couple police officers looked like they had a roadblock set up with guns drawn. But no one else was around.

Across the Ponte Vittorio Emanuele I,
the Chiesa della Gran Madre di Dio on the left
and the Museo Nazionale della Montagna up on the hill

After crossing back and forth over the Po, I started heading for the car. Twice was stopped by elderly women asking directions or perhaps asking when the next trolley came. At the car I finished my lunch, then started walking in the other direction. Ran into a group of boys singing "O, Susannah" in Italian. They threw noisy kisses at me. No pinches yet! Another woman asked directions or something. Was tired, so decided to go home. Didn't miss a turn.

Also saw boys playing soccer in public parks (in the U.S., no ball playing allowed!), and outside Regio Teatro/Royal Theater I saw scores of well-dressed people, most piling out of nice Fiat buses. And lots of bars with the ever-present crowds of men hanging around.

Road Test and Grosso Canavese (3/6/1979)

Tuesday, March 6, 1979
Yesterday I was driven, but today I drove to and from Nole with Dino in the passenger's seat - a road test! I don't think they thought I was able to drive a manual shift. Once, my foot slipped off the clutch at a traffic light. Then I was commanded to stop where I saw no stop sign. Later I could not find reverse gear! On the way home I missed a turn, but knew it. I guess I passed the test because I've been told I can drive by myself tomorrow!

Thursday, March 8, 1979
Clearest day yet, saw even more snow-covered mountains to the north.

View from the front door of the villa

View from the dining room

View towards the town of Grosso Canavese

Signora B drove me into Grosso Canavese and dropped me off at the post office, but it was closed. On my way home I stopped in a Tabacchi to buy maps. They did not have airmail stamps. On the walk home, I saw a man pulling a cart full of sticks and a woman doing laundry by hand in a cement trough. One of the B drivers stopped and gave me a ride to the villa.

Friday, March 9, 1979
Somehow every little trip has some significance! Walked to Grosso but again the post office was closed. A man stopped his car and apparently was asking for directions. He said something about Regione Pianetto and pointed up the hill. So I shrugged my shoulders with a "si." I hope I was right!

Weekend in Bardonecchia (3/3-4/1979)

Saturday, March 3, 1979
The whole family in the Range Rover drove towards, through, and up into the mountains to Bardonecchia. The car had a faulty radio (or poor reception) and the family sang along. Passed a castle perched on a cliff (Castle of Marquise Adelaide in Susa) and a fortress in Exilles (il Forte di Exilles). Arrived after about 1-1/2 hours at the B family apartment, small but very modern. Even had a basement section redecorated as a den/wine cellar. Made fires in both fireplaces upstairs and down. Had dinner in the wine cellar with another family (father spoke English well and tried to keep me in the conversation). I slept in the maid's room off the kitchen with Topolino (Italian name for Mickey Mouse) sheets on the bed.

Sunday, March 4, 1979
After breakfast we all drove to Zia/Aunt Carla's house to pick up Maria Teresa and two friends. Zia Carla stayed with Elena who was sick.

View from the B's ski apartment

We drove to the foot of Monte Jafferau/Mt Jafferau and took a chair lift up to the "midpoint" where there were hotels and restaurants. The skiers continued up the mountain. I walked around taking photographs and watching the skiers (and wanted to ski myself).

View down on Bardonecchia

View up Mt Jafferau

Alberto hits a mogul

Alpine panorama

Met the family at the Belvedere Ristorante for sandwiches. As the family skied more, I sat in the sun and got a burn! Taking the chairlift down was breathtaking! Soon headed "home" to Torino in lots of traffic. Several Fiat buses carried skiers and I saw a train with those seating compartments you see in the movies! Stopped at Signora B's parents' apartment in Cafasse for dinner. They live in a tiny well-worn apartment.

Another Job Responsibility (3/1/1979)

Thursday, March 1, 1979
Another driver took me to the house of Signore B's mother in Nole Canavese. The driver was talking to me and did not see an oncoming car, which we just missed. The streets in town are narrow and crooked, with the buildings being the curbs. Women ride bicycles and motor scooters to market where they buy fresh foods every day. Elder Signora B and I had a communication gap, but Signora B called to explain why I was there. Thusly I used a phone in Italian, "Pronto!" The elder Signora B may have arthritis and I am here to give her a low back massage. The house had a steel factory in the backyard and you could hear and feel it. The chandeliers shook. Dino drove me home using a different route.

Friday, March 2, 1979
Dino drove me to Nole, confusing me with yet another route. Taken home by another driver (third one so far) and I took the backseat to a vacuum cleaner.

Today was clear enough to see snow-covered mountains to the west, the Italian Alps!