"Torreglia, the home of 'Natural' Gelato" Torreglia by mapakettle

Ma Kettle and I went flipped a coin Saturday morning to see where we would go that day. The coin bounced off the hard tiled floor, and rolled under our futon (the most uncomfortable thing we have ever experienced). We couldn't see how it had landed, so we ditched that idea, and just randomly picked a point on our rather dog-eared map. Torreglia sounded neat, I could pronounce it, so our decision was made.

We did a quick search on the computer, and found it was located in the foot hills of the Euganean Hills, only a short distance to the south of Padova.

The owner of our local Tabacchi shop, located on Sacro Cuore, has always been our best source of information, and he didn't let us down. Turns out transport was simple, we only had to buy tickets for the 'local' buses, the ones that travel just outside city limits, the ones with A, AT, T, and so on indicated on the front. Total cost, 3.40 euro for both of us. The buses departed from the train station.

Private residence, tours available...

We missed our stop... Great start to our new adventure. Plus, clouds were forming overhead, and a few drops were felt prior to climbing on board our bus. However, we were not to be deterred. Our quest had started.

The bus driver got to the end of his route, and, as he pulled into a turn-around, looked rather oddly at us, and, catching his drift, we found out we should have jumped ship two kms earlier. He offered to take us back, but, being Canadian, we didn't want to impose.

The view was wonderful. The air was different, the hill side was a beautiful emerald green, and little stone houses, with chickens wandering about within their walled enclosures, were spotted here and there. This was what I envisioned many months ago in Canada, this was the Italy I immediately thought of when I 'saw' Ma Kettle and I walking the rural countryside. We had found it.

so peaceful, so serene...

The road was narrow, and winding, with low stone walls on either side. Most of the hills were covered by chestnut trees, with mile upon mile of vineyards, turning green before our eyes.

Our trek back to Torreglia was most enjoyable, very peaceful, serene, with an occasional rooster adding to the rural atmosphere. Vines were climbing every structure we saw, one completely covering a utility pole, and the trees were alive with song birds, filling in the moments of silence.

Torreglia is a fairly modern town, which has been developed on the plain at the foot of the hills, while the older part is located up on the hill. On the top of Monte Rua there is a retreat in which, due to the strict rules of the monks, women are forbidden to enter. Ma Kettle, optomistic as always, decided we should see if they might bend the rules, but, alas, everything was closed, and gates locked.

The town is 'very' well maintained, with wide open spaces, and the usual traffic circle in the centre of town.

Immediately in front of the traffic circle, I spotted a gelateria. Now, I don't want to sound piggish, but I had promised the kids I would sample as much Italian crusine as I could, and the sign described this gelato as being made with all natural ingredients. I really had no choice, a promise must be honored.

Might I say, that was the best gelato I have ever tasted, but I will save the description for my restaurant 'tip' page.

Unfortunately, we ran out of daylight, but surprisingly rain never materialized. The weather was great, lots of sunshine, with a cool breeze which allowed for good walking.

If you are in the mood to just wander the Italian country side, going from village to village, we suggest you start at Torreglia. No pressure, no crowds, little traffic, and the occasional little bar along the way so you can sample the local vino. After all, this is Italy.

• Pros:fresh air, the hills, the feel...
• Cons:absolutely nothing, and we mean nothing...
• In a nutshell:great place to wander, and enjoy the countryside...