We were woken up by the sound of rain early this morning. Realizing our usual schedule of breakfast at 7, riding by 8 would be delayed, we turned off our alarm and slept in. The rain cleared by 10:30 so we set off on "the parade route" led by our guide George on scooter. It was a scenic tour of the countryside, where old buildings are mingled with new constructions which are painted in brighter colors.
Many houses have small gardens in their yards so the can grow tomatoes, lettuce, squash, peppers and beans. This yard also had a fig and an apple tree.
The fields are either sunflowers or corn, which they let dry on the plant and then harvest everything by cutting down the stalks.
We saw many signs for agriturismos, small family farms that have a restaurant or hotel or sell fresh cheese and salumi.
We also climbed a hill to see the Chiesetta Rossa, little red church, which was built on the remains of the Ezzellino castle. Ezzellino was a tyrant who was killed by the locals, along with all his known relatives, and his castle was destroyed. We could see just a turret that was left standing.
We headed back into town for lunch, but saw that the Borso church was open, so stopped for a look inside. The painting over the altar was by Passano, and showed Mary talking with a Cardinal who was holding a fishing pole (As he was known for hooking people and converting them to Catholicism).
For lunch we enjoyed zuppa de fagiole (bean and bacon soup), tagliatelle con pisani e pomodoro (pasta with tomato sauce and peas), and prosciutto and mozarella.
After lunch the two of us got back on the tandem and rode to Asolo. We got lots of looks as we rode up the narrow cobblestone streets to the castle at the top.
Kristina is in front of the lower castle. Asolo had been home to Queen Caterina Cornaro. She endured a life of asolare (enforced idleness) after she poisoned her husband (who was the King of Cypress), so that Venice would gain the port of Cypress. E scandoloso!
This was our last ride in Italy for this trip. We are so glad we brought the bike and could enjoy 4 days of riding! We rode 350 Km.
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