Italian Adventures – We Bought a House in Italy!

Puzzalenta no more!!!

After 10 days of bidet baths and smelling myself on a Wednesday night, I decided to pick a location that I wanted to explore, book an overnight stay and enjoy a real shower.

I decided on Orvieto for my first Friday, since it is close by, I know the centro storico and there is a market day on Saturday morning. I know it’s hard to believe but I have never been to the market in Orvieto.

I was SO excited at my shower-adventure weekend that I accidentally pinched my hand in the door when I tried to close the door jam. It hurt like crap, instantly swelling and blood started pooling. So field trip diverted momentarily while I grabbed a giant bandaid.

I checked into Hotel Duomo, dropped off my stuff, and headed out to la Piazza for a glass of wine and some snacks before starting work meetings. Hotel Duomo is located in a great location, just off the main square by the Duomo. It is comfortable and reasonably priced.

SIDETRACK: Heather & I stayed here back in 2017 when we needed to pick Liz up at Fiumicino early in the morning. I had rented a house for 5 weeks at Querceto di Castellina, just outside of Castellina in Chianti. We would have had to get up super early in the morning to make it to Rome for Liz’s flight so we decided to roadtrip and explore along the way, spending the night in Orvieto. This is when we discovered Todi and Lake Trasimeno…Ciao Ciao Disco Dancing and Pool Party!!!

My room at the hotel has some very dark paintings, not dark as in color but as in content. But there is a nice hot shower and a very comfortable bed so I am not complaining!

In the morning I grabbed some breakfast at the buffet downstairs and then headed out to the market. I thought I knew where it would be but I was wrong so wandered around a bit, not seeing a single nonna with a market bag anywhere. So I stopped in the Farmacia and they set me in the right direction – the market is in the square just behind the Farmacia. The Farmacia staff are generally very helpful and nice (FYI).

I was not super impressed with this market but enjoyed looking around and watching all of the locals. I bought a few vegetables and some more towels and then headed out to explore Castiglione dei Lago. In my research of market days, including special markets, Castiglione was listed as having a special antique market so off I went to find fun and interesting items for the Casale.

It was only about a 35 minute drive from Orvieto so I arrived in no time. I easily found a place to park and was a bit surprised, given it was a special market in town. Another couple arrived as I did and we went about searching for the parking pay meter to no avail. After several attempts in locating a it, I found some locals who said that parking was free today given the event. WooHoo! I was about to experience my first antique market on my own.

I wandered into town, which surprisingly was quiet given the special market. I strolled her and there, with no indication that any special event was taking place. However, I did admire the quaintness of the town – definitely worth a visit. I walked up to the hilltop fortress, down to the path towards the water…Niente! Boo!

I headed out back towards Monteleone d’Orvieto, thinking it would be great to explore ‘my town’ and grab some lunch.

Much to my surprise, Monteleone d’Orvieto was VERY sleepy! There were no people wandering the streets, there were no cafes or trattorias…Niente! But I have to admit, it was serene and peaceful.

It’s been a great day but now I am seriously hungry. I thought I was going to find food in Monteleone, but no. BOO! While I didn’t want to be THAT patron who comes too often, at this point I was desperate and headed to Osteria La Piccola Lanterna El Gaucho, my Go-To place when I need good food.

La Osteria experience deserves it’s own post.