From the Apennines to the Waves - April 4-5, 2009
Want to remember it!
It was a great get-together here in Romagna, wasn't it? It's not for me to say, since I'm part of the organizing team, but we felt like our friends were happy, and that's what mattered. The gathering began on Friday, and for all those in attendance, who were numerous, we organized a simple dinner: basically...fish...caught, cooked, and eaten "scottadito"! It was simple, almost like a refresher on maritime folklore. For the occasion, our fisherman friend "TONINO" and his team (wife and friends) not only caught the fish, but also cooked it for us in the traditional manner of those who go to sea.
The accompaniment of good Sangiovese and sparkling white wines helped create a lively and cheerful atmosphere. Our husbands, who had improvised as waiters, were remarkable! Nice, easygoing (so much so that we even considered hiring them at home), and with that Romagna-style apron, they looked almost sexy! (Oh, happy eyes of love!). The next day, Saturday, a dull day that bodes ill—too bad! Undaunted, however, with nearly all the cars open, we set off in a convoy. Unexpectedly, but these things can happen, we get lost in the countryside of San Mauro Pascoli, not without its charm, but unplanned, when it starts to rain, slowly at first, then increasingly heavily, forcing those who can to close their hoods. All this while Paolo, our secretary, is waiting for us at Villa Torlonia, somewhat anxious due to the tight timetable. We finally find the right road and arrive at our destination, somewhat disappointed because the rain has taken a bit of the shine off both the natural and the organized scenery. Never mind! We set off one at a time, timed, headed for Ridracoli, under a veritable deluge; our prayers for sunshine have sadly gone unanswered. The road is barely visible. The cars kick up a cloud of water vapor that creates a light mist. Difficult route! In those conditions, the road book was essential, as the road signs were poorly visible. A mandatory stop in the municipality of Sogliano al Rubicone to receive the gift of a blessed olive branch for the upcoming Easter and to have the passage control sheet stamped, which was so wet it was almost unusable. It was also a fun adventure, if you like: dabbing water into the passenger compartment is a great pastime, isn't it? We tested, once again, our personal adaptability and the endurance of our cars, which, with such a varied route and prohibitive weather conditions, were subjected to considerable stress, especially the older ones, but overcame it with great determination. So here we are in Ridracoli: a magnificent spectacle, the dam that forms a reservoir capable of meeting the water needs of the entire Romagna region; The Idro - Ecomuseum and natural beauties, including flowering primroses, are interesting and will fill us with wonder. Sunday offers us a beautiful sunny day. Traveling along beautiful panoramic roads suitable for MG drivers, we leave the Apennines to get closer to the waves. First, however, a stop in the small and ancient village of Sant'Agata Feltria where the Rocca Malatestiana, built on a rock known as the "Sasso del Lupo" (Wolf's Rock) seems to come towards us. The Mariani theater, all in wood and dating back to the seventeenth century, is stunning. After the visit, octagons point towards Rimini, precisely at the canal port. The Nautical Club welcomes us and the aperitif, served on the panoramic terrace, immerses us in an almost summery and true VIP atmosphere. The view is of the sea which is calm and glittering in the sun, the sailboats pass by slowly and the marina, right in front, is a "forest" of trees and luxurious hulls: beautiful Lunch, worthy of the occasion, leaves us relaxed and reluctant to leave each other. We don't want to break the spell... but the distances call. Everyone thinks about their own route home and, slowly, we all begin to say goodbye with "friends, we hope to see you again soon" and... kisses... kisses... kisses!
Lella Damicelli