Friday, July 4th
Friday was my day to visit Nizza Monferrato. I chose Nizza Monferrato mainly because it was close by and was easily reached by train. Jan decided to join me since she was done with school. I realized once I was on the train that I validated my return ticket and not my ticket from Acqui Terme toNizza Monferrato. Jan also stamped the wrong ticket as she was copying what I did. It was a short 20 minute ride on a nice new regional train. Piemonte has many nice new regional trains.
When we arrived inNizza Monferrato, we went to the ticket window and explained what had happened. I showed the very nice man both of my tickets and told him it was much too early in the morning for me and I was not paying attention when I validated the wrong ticket. He asked what time we were returning and then said he would accompany us on the train to explain the situation, something I think would only happen in a small town.
Friday was market day in Nizza Monferrato.
We stopped at a pasticceria where I bought a wonderful brioche filled with crema (creme). We walked a little further and found a bar for coffee. The woman in the bar told us where we could find tourist information and also told us about some of the interesting things to see in Nizza Monferrato. Thank goodness Jan has a good sense of directions.
We easily found an informagiovani (which is similar to a tourist info spot). I asked the woman if the tower was open for climbing. She made a call and set up a private tour for us. I was thrilled!
Here’s the tower
She walked us over to the building where we waited for Matteo. He was so kind and spent time telling us much of the history, including information about some of the battles, of the town of Nizza Monferrato. The tower was not a very difficult tower to climb. There were only a few sets of stairs and one winding staircase.
The top had some sort of sun roof bubble that opened and closed.
The views were lovely at the top.
Here is Matteo.
and here we are…
After taking some photos of the top of the tower and the view, we headed back down and thanked Matteo. We took more photos of the building, which I believe was the Palazzo Comunale (town hall) and then continued to walk around the town.
Jan’s compact flash photo card was full. She asked a woman in a store we were browsing in if there was a photo place in town. It was right next to Benetton and easy to find. They did not sell compact flash cards but were able to copy all of her photos onto a CD. While we waited for it to be finished, Jan visited part of the market area and I went shopping. I bought a purple tank top which was on sale for 10€ (which would be $16.00). I like to think of it as $10.00.
Here’s a few more photos I took of this cute little town…
For lunch, we stopped in a panificio (bread store). Jan bought a slice of cheese pizza and I bought a roll and then went to a supermarket nearby and bought some yellow plums and some cheese. We ate our lunch by the river near the bridge that took us back to the train station. I enjoyed the beautiful views of some of the rooftops while eating lunch there.
When we returned to the train station, we saw the man from the ticket window. I believe he was leaving soon to go home for lunch. He explained to another train person (someone that seemed just out of high school) what happened with our tickets.
While we waited, I took some photos of the beautiful buildings near the train station and took photos of all the important train things (the validating box, the partenza board, etc.). Maybe I’ll write up a post one day with a little lesson on trains in Italy, or at least what I know about trains.
When the train arrived, the train guy went with us and explained to the train guy onboard what had happened. I again told him that it was too early for me and I was just not paying attention. He was very nice, smiled, and punched both of our tickets. This train was an even more modern train and was very comfortable. The views were wonderful. I tried to take a few photos but they probably will be blurry since the train was going fast. Here’s one…
Once back in Acqui Terme, I went to Balalah to use the internet and then walked around Acqui taking more photos.
I keep forgetting to mention about the smart cars. Santa Margherita seemed to be full of Smart Cars. I have also seen many in Piemonte and here in Bologna. Most of them that I have seen so far have been black, silver, or creme colored. I have also seen a few red and blue ones but no fancy colors yet. I have taken quite a few photos of them. Here’s my Smart Car post.
At 5:30, I met Jan, Diana, and Birgit at the wine bar. It was not open yet. Birgit suggested gelato. It didn’t take any twising arms for me or Jan. I had a wonderful pesca e anguria (peach and watermelon) gelato. We headed back to the wine bar after our gelato.
After some wine, we said goodbye to Diana and Birgit and then wandered around looking for a place for dinner. Jan was not that hungry. I knew I had to eat or I would have a headache for sure. The one thing that has been sort of difficult for me in Piemonte is the food. Many of the restaurants here have mostly meat dishes and only a few dishes without meat (I don’t eat red meat and pork). We went to try a restaurant Jan thought I would like but it was closed. We ended up going back to Hotel Royal, the place where we had pizza the night before. I ordered the same pizza and it was just as good. Jan ordered pesto.
After dinner, we went back to the hotel. I stayed up til midnight packing. Somehow, although I have not really bought very much at all, my bags seemed heavier and fuller. I know a tank top cannot take up that much room!
I really enjoyed Acqui Terme and the area very much. I have to thank Diana for all of her suggestions. The place we stayed at (Relais dell’ Osso) was a great place to stay. I also have to thank Jan for her companionship and her help with directions. I don’t think I ever figured out Acqui. There are many winding roads and I was always lost, but it was ok to be lost most of the time. I either found someone friendly to give me directions or I discovered new places. Oh, and also, thank you, Birgit for the shopping tips and help with Alessandria.
It is now Sunday night but I am again too tired to write more. I will try to catch up tomorrow. There is a 24 hour train strike so I will be spending the day here in Bologna.
Ciao!!
ps…happy belated July 4th to my family and all of my US friends – oh and GO RED SOX!!
Free internet here – Yay! I am off to explore for the day (on foot as all public transportation is on strike today) – more later…
Next up – Saturday ~ long travel day to Bologna
shave ice & gelato 
Piemonte generally and Acqui Terme in particular seem really lovely and it sounds like you’ve been having a wonderful time with some great friends. Now, I’m looking forward to hearing about Bologna!
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Hi Girasoli, I enjoyed reading about your train episodes to Nizza. I didn’t know you liked SMART cars. They are pretty cute. I wouldn’t want to drive them on the freeways of Los Angeles though! :)
It’s been really fun reading both your blog and Jan’s blog at the same time. She mentioned running out of memory in her flash cards too.
Sounds like your Red Sox are doing very well!
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H G: Sounds like a wonderful adventure – thanks for your travel logs – feel like i’m just tagging along. Your descriptions of the people, places and food make it all too real for me:)
Sox, another story:(
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I agree with Kathy, it’s been fun to jump back and forth between your blog and Jan’s during your time together. Now she’s in Venice and you’re in Bologna – best to both of you!
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