it seems every hill in this area of italy - lazia - has a town
sant'oreste more impressive than most given it's height
it's a low-gear climb in bambino up to the centre of town
the peak of this hill further up and another trip for another day
we park where we can and start walking up through the streets
cobblestone abounds underfoot and multi-story houses surround us
the higher we go the narrower the lanes and the smaller the houses
it becomes maze-like but it's a functioning town on a working day
a cobblestone repairer happy to show and tell his particular skill
a small articulated truck slightly narrower than the lane zooms by
the locals walking, talking, sitting, greeting and welcoming of us
there are small businesses in the smallest of premises in every street
a restaurant with a elf adorned sign is tempting but sadly still closed
but not so a cafe offering an outside table on a flower-potted deck
cafe freddo our new favourite drink - iced espresso - a local staple
we have 1 drink and a cake each - 5 euros thanks - decent prices
reversing our steps back to bambino and a sign spotted - outlet
descend the hill and set the controls for said shopping centre
weird - it's huge - but there's no traffic - we are 1 of 6-8 cars
maybe it's closed - or under construction - or weekends only?
we walk up the stopped escalator and expect to be turned away
nope - the shops are open - and there's a lot of them but it's deserted
it's totally impressive with every shop facing onto an outdoor facade
that twisting and turning in multiple directions and with large features
bright orange and yellow modern sculptures and arched walkways
the shops themselves well stocked and well staffed - clothing rules
there are homeware shops also so a chance to obtain a few essentials
the sun now high and hot - we are retail sated - time to head home
petrol low - call into a station on a b road and to an empty bowser
strange looking pumps - ah - electric top-ups - and lots of them
outnumbering the fossil fuel equivalents and a great thing to see
confirmation if any is needed that this country is future-planning
another fine day in this fine part of the world - we are loving it
