a big day planned today - destination - lake bracchiano
3 towns on it's perimeter and all recommended for a visit
slip out of town early-ish and now a familiar route east bound
there's serious celebrations taking place in one town we traverse
too much to ignore so we exit the car and stand solemnly as one
speeches are being made - i suspect some kind of anniversary
all the while the brass band is seen expiring in black uniforms
for today is already evolving to be a stinker and they in full sun
a relief for all as they strike up a tune and then lead the parade
but we are heading in the opposite direction - next stop calcata
this town comes highly (trip) advised - we drive in - we park
we walk through an entrance containing fluttering pigeons
no idea what is to follow but o-m-g this place is exquisite
a small town perched on a cliff face over a lush valley
it is very condensed and clearly a tourist destination
we are entranced - and it's walking only in a labyrinth
plentiful of the smallest of bars, cafes and artisan stores
we are welcomed and beckoned to inspect homes and shops
a cafe freddo taken to allow time to soak it in - we will return
push on - we cruise down to the volcanic lake and hit town one
trevignano romano - car parked and a walk to lakeside and - wow
a mirror lake, sunny day, clouds dotted, swans cruising, camera clicking
lakeside outdoor seating areas serviced by restaurants across the road
we pick one, are seated then order and consume a meal of lake fish
it just does not get any better - setting, food, service and ambience
it's all very dream like - and there's more to come - driving on
just out of town we see people lolling at lakeside - we join them
a swim in this most pristine lake is heavenly (alcohol infused)
then we drive on to the town of bracchiano and it's castle
we are welcomed to inspect the cathedral set for a wedding
then we pay the euros down and join a guided tour of the castle
wow - unlike any other - small(ish) but an engaging history
rooms adorned with artwork, furniture, frescoes and weapons
scaling up to the ramparts and a stunning view out over the lake
said wedding reception is being hosted within the castle walls
so today's army is a team of caterers preparing for the big event
next stop - town number 3 - anguillara sabazia - but we hold back
we park ourselves lakeside and gelato-indulge and a quick swim
let's leave investigations for a return visit for this lake demands it
having circumnavigated the lake we then reverse the drive home
it's been a full day of totally satisfying discoveries - again....
