Today there are strikes and marches across Italy to protest the situation in Gaza. Local public transportation, ports, schools and public services have been affected.
We are fortunate that the travel goddesses are with us today. When we emailed the owner of the apartment in Bassano del Grappa to say that we were unsure of the reliability of the train schedule due to the strike, he told us that he would come to Treviso and pick us up for a fee of €50. That seemed reasonable to us considering the uncertainty of schedules and the likelihood of rain today. We set a pickup location and time and on the dot, Francesco drove up and with commentary about local sites, he brought us to Bassano del Grappa. We learned that the town is named for the Mt. Grappa rather than the popular Italian brandy. We are grateful for his kindness. In addition to a tour around the city, he bought us an aperitivo (all before noon!)
When we arrived in Bassano, we saw people dispersing from a public demonstration to protest the situation in Gaza. These events are happening all over Italy today.
Before the rain, Francesco gave is a brief tour of the city. There are two major piazzas. Piazza Libertà and Piazza Garabaldi.
Nearby is a statue of Jacopo Bassano (1510), a famous artist who lived his entire life here. He took the name of the village (Bassano del Grappa) as his surname.
We are staying in a small apartment which is larger than our last accommodation and it has a well-equipped small kitchen.
Francesco tells us that the restaurants in Treviso are better than the restaurants here. We haven’t had a chance to compare but we had some terrific meals in Treviso. Sunday lunch at All’Antico Portico was delicious roast veal and polenta.
And ravioli with eggplant, tomatoes, and bacon.
After lunch we attended an organ concert at the church of Sant’Augustino. The organ was built in 1858.
So we are grateful to be in Bassano del Grappa and the kindness of people along the way – especially Francesco who brought us here. Now, we’re waiting for the rain to stop so we can check out the sights! We will stay here 4 nights total.
Hoping all is well with you!
Sharon and Larry