tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91391843714542160032009-06-29T15:12:29.553-07:00Villa Mimma (English)Villa Mimmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998324593919040973info@villamimma.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9139184371454216003.post-89139919792359525362009-06-29T15:01:00.000-07:002009-06-29T15:11:46.335-07:00Newsletter - June 2009<span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#cc0000;"><strong>Spring Events Summary</strong></span></span> <div><div><div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong><span style="font-family:arial;">Open</span> Air Swimming Pool - Casale Monferrato</strong></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#cc0000;"><strong>Special Offers</strong></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#cc0000;"><strong>News from Treville</strong></span></div><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"><div><br /><strong><span style="font-size:100%;color:#cc0000;">Spring Events Summary</span></strong></div><div></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/Skk68oYUGEI/AAAAAAAAAao/usXMUHmHJOE/s1600-h/P1000446.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352874445412505666" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/Skk68oYUGEI/AAAAAAAAAao/usXMUHmHJOE/s200/P1000446.jpg" border="0" /></a>Spring has been a busy time as usual with many guests staying with us throughout April and May. Some have come back for the second time and have shared in family events like <span style="color:#cc0000;">Alberto's 70th birthday</span> party when Paola put together a menue for a king!</div><div><br />The family also saw about 25 couples coming to Villa Mimma to celebrate Claudia's 40th birthday. On Easter Monday Claudia organised a reunion of friends from school, uni, social networks and even work. People came from Switzerland, the UK, as well as from various parts of Italy, such as the Riviera, Milan, P<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/Skk68nWXE9I/AAAAAAAAAag/O6weB-f_BcI/s1600-h/claudia40.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352874445135877074" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/Skk68nWXE9I/AAAAAAAAAag/O6weB-f_BcI/s200/claudia40.jpg" border="0" /></a>avia, Rome, Bologna...The day was gorgeous and everybody enjoyed the tranquillity of Villa Mimma's courtyard, the local wine and the buffet of salami, pizzas and pasta that was prepared. The children (approximately 25, aged between 2 and 12) mingled in groups, with the boys kicking the football for most of the day on the road. Even if some people knew only a few of the others, everybody joined in the chatty atmosphere and had a great time. <span style="color:#cc0000;">Claudia certainly will never forget this celebration and the many wishes she recived throughout the day, including all the messages she received from those who could not be there: they will always be special.</span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><span style="color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div>In May Treville took part in the </span><a href="http://www.comune.treville.al.it/manifestazioni/manifestazioni.htm"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Riso & Rose festivities</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"> and Villa Mimma hosted <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/Skk7NC1GBtI/AAAAAAAAAa4/gQPOHuN7eSI/s1600-h/Immagine-060.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352874727390447314" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 151px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/Skk7NC1GBtI/AAAAAAAAAa4/gQPOHuN7eSI/s200/Immagine-060.jpg" border="0" /></a>book presentations and painting exibitions. One of the events of the day saw the classic guitarrist Marco Panzarino playing with the flute of Manuela Santagata in the Romanic church of San Quirico. Marco and his wife, who is a pianist, were guests of Villa Mimma and left us this memory of their stay: "Il mio soggiorno a Villa Mimma e' stato un momento intenso di serenita' e calma, che mi ha permesso di esprimermi musicalmente in un ambiente simpatico, sereno ed artistico. (My stay at Villa Mimma was an intense moment of tranquillity and serenity that allowed me to express myself through my music in a serene, peaceful and artistic location.)"</span></div><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"><div><br /><strong><span style="font-size:100%;color:#cc0000;">Open Air Swimming Pool - Casale Monferrato</span></strong></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/Skk6881e8wI/AAAAAAAAAaw/qyGrZnGj0OA/s1600-h/pool-whole.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352874450903560962" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 151px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/Skk6881e8wI/AAAAAAAAAaw/qyGrZnGj0OA/s200/pool-whole.jpg" border="0" /></a>Often people ask if there is a pool at Villa Mimma. At the moment no, but this is a big dilemma as we often wonder whether it would be worth it having a private pool. In fact, not far away from Villa Mimma, at the edges of Casale Monferrato, there is a beautiful complex that offers an open air swimming pool with changing facilities, deck chairs, pic-nic areas. There is also a play ground with a football pitch and volleyball court, trampolines and areas shaded by two large gazebos. For the summer 2009 we have decided to offer our guests </span><a href="http://www.villamimma.com/pool-summer2009.html"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">FREE ENTRY</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"> to this pool, so check it out and book soon to take advantage of this great opportunity!</span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#cc0000;"><strong>Special offers</strong></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Golfers - 10% discount on the accommodation</span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Schools in the UK - 20% discount on the accommodation</span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">TCI, ANBBA, Surrey Alumni - 10% discount on the accommodation</span></div><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"><br /><div><span style="font-size:100%;color:#cc0000;"><strong>News from Treville</strong></span></div><div>Congratulations to </span><a href="http://www.comune.treville.al.it/"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Piero Coppo</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"> who was reconfirmed major of Treville for another 5 years with 84.75% of the votes! </span></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9139184371454216003-8913991979235952536?l=villamimma.blogspot.com'/></div>Villa Mimmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998324593919040973info@villamimma.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9139184371454216003.post-60040629736032755322009-06-19T13:40:00.000-07:002009-06-29T15:12:29.663-07:00Summer 2009 - New deal: FREE POOL ENTRY<div align="center"><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ffffff;">.</span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;">FREE POOL ENTRY 4 VILLA MIMMA's GUESTS - SUMMER 2009</span></strong></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">We spent the day in the </span><a href="http://villamimma.blogspot.com/2009/06/swimmingpool-in-casale-monferrato.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">open air pool of Casale</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> today and it was a great family day out. We all enjoyed it, managed to swim and have fun in the water as well as relax under the trees. </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><strong></strong></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><strong></strong></span></div><ul><li><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><strong>The pool is</strong> <strong>50mx21m</strong> with a big slide. It is 1.2m deep to one side and 2m to the other. There is <strong>also a children pool</strong> with three smaller slides. </span></div></li><li><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><strong>Sun beds</strong> around the pool are free to be used as well as <strong>deck chairs</strong> scatteres all around the grass area, under the trees. </span></div></li><li><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><strong>Changing rooms</strong> with <strong>lockers</strong> are cleaned and were available for use. </span></div></li><li><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">A <strong>sandy football</strong> pitch, <strong>beach volley</strong> area, <strong>basketball</strong> court, <strong>table tennis</strong> and <strong>trampolines</strong> are all available to use, with balls provided - my boys had a go at basketball, football and table tennis!. For the little ones there is also a <strong>play area</strong> with swings and various climbing frames with slides. </span></div></li><li><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">There is a <strong>bar</strong> that sells food (e.g., pizzas, sandwitches, hot dogs, fruit salads, water mellons, etc.), drinks and ice-creams. We took our own <strong>pic-nic</strong> and sat under the trees, but there is the option to eat there too.</span></div></li></ul><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#cc0000;">We have spoken to the owners of the pool and we have managed to sort out a deal so that we can now offer the pool entry for free to our guests. So if you are coming to Villa Mimma this summer 2009, you can be assured that we will absorb the cost of the entrance to the pool within the rent of your accommodation, for as many days as you wish to go.</span></strong></div><div align="justify"><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;color:#ffffff;">.</span></strong></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9139184371454216003-6004062973603275532?l=villamimma.blogspot.com'/></div>Villa Mimmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998324593919040973info@villamimma.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9139184371454216003.post-31496088585751456152009-06-18T01:08:00.001-07:002009-06-18T01:14:09.149-07:00Villa Mimma helps the Cabrini Children's Society<div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/Sjn24LiYnBI/AAAAAAAAAVw/SzahWtrg2ZQ/s1600-h/worth_abbey.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348577477509291026" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/Sjn24LiYnBI/AAAAAAAAAVw/SzahWtrg2ZQ/s200/worth_abbey.jpg" border="0" /></a>On Sunday 31st of May 2009 the <a href="http://www.cabrini.org.uk/">Cabrini Children's Society</a> held a fund raising event at Worth Abbey (UK). In the wonderful landscape surrounding the church, more than 400 people gathered for a meal and entertainment aimed at celebrating the success of the past 25 years of working with children and families in need.<br /><br />Villa Mimma's owners, Paola and Alberto, are very fond of the work of the Cabrini Children's Society. In fact they have been able to appreciate the Society's work personally over the past 7 years. <span style="color:#cc0000;">Paola and Alberto have therefore supported the event by donating a week of free accommodation in the apartment "Le Alpi" at Villa Mimma</span>, as the prize of an auction that was histed during the celebrations. This raised £500 for the Society and the winner of the draw is Lulu Martin-Davies, Senior Social Worker at the Pureley agency of the Cabrini Children's Society.<br /><br />It has been a pleasure to be able to help fund raising for the Cabrini Children's Society and we wish Lulu and her family a wonderful stay at Villa Mimma.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9139184371454216003-3149608858575145615?l=villamimma.blogspot.com'/></div>Villa Mimmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998324593919040973info@villamimma.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9139184371454216003.post-31958554336149230992009-06-12T14:28:00.000-07:002009-06-19T14:05:43.579-07:00Swimming pool in Casale Monferrato<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SjLNFgvxcTI/AAAAAAAAAVo/q3FnM6N9afo/s1600-h/piscina.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346561202215547186" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SjLNFgvxcTI/AAAAAAAAAVo/q3FnM6N9afo/s200/piscina.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Along the bank of the river Po, through Casale Monferrato, you come across a public outdoor swimming pool, called "Centro Nuoto Montecarlo".<br /><br /><div align="justify"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SjLLOxGbdkI/AAAAAAAAAVg/1nrEn3-aj8M/s1600-h/slide.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346559162201110082" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SjLLOxGbdkI/AAAAAAAAAVg/1nrEn3-aj8M/s200/slide.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div align="justify"><div align="justify"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SjLLOxGbdkI/AAAAAAAAAVg/1nrEn3-aj8M/s1600-h/slide.jpg"></a></div><div align="justify">This is a lovely area immersed in the woodlands of the park of the river Po where you can find a large swimming pool with a big slide, deck chairs all around, pic-nic areas, football and volleyball pitches, play area, trampolines, changing facilities and off course a bar.</div><div align="justify"><br /></div></div><div align="justify"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SjLKxBOpmEI/AAAAAAAAAVI/vhbU2n8KHzU/s1600-h/park.jpg"></a></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><div align="justify"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SjLK9n_s-YI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/W8DyH9Bcsvg/s1600-h/gazebo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346558867699202434" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SjLK9n_s-YI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/W8DyH9Bcsvg/s200/gazebo.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SjLKxBOpmEI/AAAAAAAAAVI/vhbU2n8KHzU/s1600-h/park.jpg"></a></div>Entry fees: €7 per adult and €5 per child for a whole day.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Opening time: 10am and closes at 7:30pm (summer season only).</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><strong><a href="http://villamimma.blogspot.com/2009/06/summer-2009-new-deal-free-pool-entry.html">New deal</a> for Guests of Villa Mimma - <span style="color:#cc0000;">Pool entry included in the accommodation price</span>!</strong></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9139184371454216003-3195855433614923099?l=villamimma.blogspot.com'/></div>Villa Mimmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998324593919040973info@villamimma.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9139184371454216003.post-32841205938353978442009-03-25T15:04:00.001-07:002009-03-25T15:24:08.547-07:00Riso & Rose 2009 - festival of the arts<div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><strong>ARTS MEET TOGETHER</strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><strong>Sunday 3rd May 2009</strong></span></div><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">This year Treville participates to the Riso & Rose festival of the Monferrato villages with a display of different forms of art: paintings, music, literacy, ceramic.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">Here is the programme:</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><strong>10.00am</strong>: Official opening in the courtyard of <span style="color:#990000;">Casa Devasini</span>, where there will be a book market organised by Treville's Library Giuseppe Spina.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><br /><strong>10.30am:</strong> <span style="color:#990000;">Villa Mimma</span>: Inauguration of the painting exibition “Colori di Maggio” (May colours) of the memmbers of the Cultural Club Piero Ravasenga of Casale. At the same time, the small <span style="color:#990000;">church of San Giacomo</span> will be opened to show the “Rose in Ceramica” (ceramic Roses), collection presented by the potters of the Circolo Ravasenga.<br /><br /><strong>3.30pm</strong>: At <span style="color:#990000;">Villa Mimma</span> the Library of Treville will present some books, e.g. "La Principessa di Millefiori” (which is a children's story);"Gli uomini del piccolo fiume” (novel for young adults); "lettura animata” (animation of literature pieces); At the end of the presentation, children will be given a game produced by the Library called "Treviltour", where you can go around a path displaying some of Treville's hot-spots and road signs, which gives penalties or prizes depending on where the counter stops. The winner is whoever gets to the arrival, i.e. the Library itself!<br /><br /><strong>5.30pm: </strong>Jazz Concert with Luca Calabrese Quintet (Luca Calabrese – trumpet, Giorgia Barosso – vocal, Franco Russo – keyboard, Giorgio Allara – bass, Chicco Accornero – drum) in the terrace of <span style="color:#990000;">Casa Devasini</span>. Aperitif offered by the Rata Birata wine-bar of Treville.<br /><br /><strong>7.30pm:</strong> Sunset Concert at the <span style="color:#990000;">Pieve Romanica of San Quirico</span>: tangos of Astor Piazzolla, and musics of Leo Brouwer and Jachques Ibert played by the flute and guitar of Manuela Santagata – Marco Panzarino (in case of rain the concert will be held in the Council Room).</span><br /></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9139184371454216003-3284120593835397844?l=villamimma.blogspot.com'/></div>Villa Mimmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998324593919040973info@villamimma.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9139184371454216003.post-81482570374785259442009-03-11T15:37:00.000-07:002009-03-11T15:47:17.517-07:00Venaria Reale and the Egyptian sunken treasures<div align="justify"><a href="http://www.egitto-tesori-sommersi.it/en/Default.aspx"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312064882716429858" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 131px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/Sbg-3cYjziI/AAAAAAAAAUw/-oibUWMnQ48/s200/egypt-venaria.jpg" border="0" /></a>Venaria Reale is hosting a unique exhibition of the sunken treasures of Egypt! This is a unique opportunity to view the artefacts hidden in the sea after cities of majestic splendour such as Alexandria of Egypt were submersed by the water.</div><div align="justify"><br />Here is <a href="http://www.egitto-tesori-sommersi.it/en/Default.aspx">a link </a>to the official website of the exhibition, which will be at Venaria until the end of May 2009.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9139184371454216003-8148257037478525944?l=villamimma.blogspot.com'/></div>Villa Mimmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998324593919040973info@villamimma.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9139184371454216003.post-8031786988978942062009-01-09T13:42:00.001-08:002009-01-09T13:48:15.277-08:00Snow at new year!<span style="color:#990000;"></span><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289413398594723858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 215px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SWfFdiVuIBI/AAAAAAAAAT4/SwigCILh3yE/s320/wandtapijt-jan-2008--trevil.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;">The new year started with the snow in Treville!</span></strong></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:courier new;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:courier new;">Happy 2009 to all our friends and guests that have enjoyed this enchanted little corner of the World over the years.<br /></span></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SWfFV_4LYDI/AAAAAAAAATw/XjT8SS5h2zg/s1600-h/wandtapijt-jan-2008--trevil.jpg"></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9139184371454216003-803178698897894206?l=villamimma.blogspot.com'/></div>Villa Mimmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998324593919040973info@villamimma.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9139184371454216003.post-45760222026048249472009-01-05T06:13:00.001-08:002009-01-05T13:01:56.071-08:00Newsletter - December 08<span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">Villa Mimma: overview of the year</span></strong><br />And here we are at the end of another year, under the snow and with the fire on! Too many things to tell, but I will try to catch some of the highlights. </span></span><br /><ul><li><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>Back again</strong><br />This year we had many guests who came back for the second time, some who were here only a few months before and some (Jean and Ginette) who came back all the way from Canada and enjoyed another holiday with us. This is most rewarding, especially when guests become friends, spends time in the courtyard and in the veranda! I have asked Jean and Ginette: "<span style="color:#cc0000;">Why did you come back to Villa Mimma?</span>" and this is their answer: <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SWJBffNT2vI/AAAAAAAAARw/uofBc469Mlw/s1600-h/J&G.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287860921695460082" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SWJBffNT2vI/AAAAAAAAARw/uofBc469Mlw/s200/J%26G.jpg" border="0" /></a>"<span style="color:#990000;">why did we return at Villa Mimma....we find that we are returning home in Italy. We feel part of the family. Your parents and Andrea make you very comfortable when you arrive. They always give you a warmth welcome. when we got to our house....she had bought 2 kinds of cheese....some cold meat (she remembered thatJean loved it) orange juice and some milk....its little attention like this that you appreciate. In Treville it is a small quiet village with beautiful people. It is a place that you never forget in your heart. At night sometimes your mother came and chatted with us. we were always having supper outside in the gazebo....after playing cards. we had time to relax before heading the other big cities. we also met your Dads mom. she is quite in shape for her age. We had a visit of the basement and the other part of the house....very special. We wish Villa Mimma a long lasting life and God bless you all. .. Jean and ginette</span> "<br /></span></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong><br /></strong></span></span></div></li><li><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>Children writer Anna Vivarelli presents her books.<br /></strong><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SWJBfSRIGmI/AAAAAAAAAR4/cwG3RNOp3N4/s1600-h/vivarelli.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287860918221806178" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 170px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 128px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SWJBfSRIGmI/AAAAAAAAAR4/cwG3RNOp3N4/s200/vivarelli.jpg" border="0" /></a>On the 12th of April Villa Mimma hosted a workshop organised by the village library aimed at children, where the writer Anna Vivarelli presented some of her books, interpreting her stories for an audience of little readers and their parents. The children were captivated by her fantasy tales and most of them went home with books under their arms. </span></span><br /><br /></div></li><li><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>Tapestry exposition<br /></strong><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SWJBfoU4FoI/AAAAAAAAASA/HtiZWuen4Vs/s1600-h/gente.jpg"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SWJ0JhHswOI/AAAAAAAAATg/VbzwOmvMn4k/s1600-h/tappeti.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287916619344691426" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 170px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 128px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SWJ0JhHswOI/AAAAAAAAATg/VbzwOmvMn4k/s200/tappeti.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SWJ0KsTxE5I/AAAAAAAAATo/65UCHszz3Ws/s1600-h/gente.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287916639527965586" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 170px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 128px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SWJ0KsTxE5I/AAAAAAAAATo/65UCHszz3Ws/s200/gente.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SWJ0JASWdcI/AAAAAAAAATY/36HfitknTiU/s1600-h/strada.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287916610530997698" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 170px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 128px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SWJ0JASWdcI/AAAAAAAAATY/36HfitknTiU/s200/strada.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SWJ0IgdX4_I/AAAAAAAAATQ/BgEpu5aJzrk/s1600-h/major.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287916601987294194" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 170px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 128px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SWJ0IgdX4_I/AAAAAAAAATQ/BgEpu5aJzrk/s200/major.jpg" border="0" /></a>One of the highlights of the year was the carpetry exposition of Vera Vermeersch's work. From the 3rd to the 11th of May in the ex-church of San Giacomo in Treville, people had the opportunity to come and appreciate the beautiful rugs in wool produced by hand tufting in </span></span><a href="http://www.veravermeersch.be/"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Vera's atelier</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"> in Belgium.<br /></span></div></li><br /><br /><li><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>Cooking with Paola<br /></strong></span></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SWJB8p1YQFI/AAAAAAAAASg/kZZkipJq_U4/s1600-h/gnocchi-oct2008.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287861422764081234" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 170px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 187px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SWJB8p1YQFI/AAAAAAAAASg/kZZkipJq_U4/s200/gnocchi-oct2008.jpg" border="0" /></a>Sharing an Italian meal with my family is always one of the hights of people's vacation, especially those who stay for a few nights. Although we cannot offer proper cooking classes or proper restaurant meals, it is always possible to prepare a meal together and to sit around the table to eat it in good company. We now have two agas, one is in my Mum's kitchen and one is in the veranda, so it will be possible to cook using a stove with wood birning fire instead of electricity or gas!If you are after a proper cuisine class, instead, we know where it is possible to arrange a cooking lesson for something between €20 and €60 per person, depending on the duration of the teaching session.<br /><br /></span></span></div></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>Wifi at Villa Mimma<br /></strong>Thanks to Glen hard work we now have a wifi network at Villa Mimma. It is linked to my family's private line but if you really cannot stay away from your emails and need to connect to the Internet, I am sure you can beg a password from my Dad! </span></span></li></ul><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">Reviews are important<br /></span></strong>Reviews are proving to be vital for Villa Mimma survival! We now have quite a number especially on TripAdvisor. If you have been and want to leave your comment, even very brief, or if you want to read what people say about Villa Mimma, these are the sites to check: </span></span><br /><a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g194712-d596725-Reviews-Villa_Mimma_B_B-Casale_Monferrato_Piedmont.html"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Trip Advisor Website</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"><br /></span><a href="http://www.tripadvisor.it/Hotel_Review-g194712-d596725-Reviews-Villa_Mimma_B_B-Casale_Monferrato_Piedmont.html"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Trip Advisor Website</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"><br /></span><a href="http://www.slowtrav.com/reviews/default.asp"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Slow Travel</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"><br /></span><a href="http://www.italiadream.it/1760_forum.htm"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Italia Dream</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"><br /></span><a href="http://www.homelidays.com/"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Homelidays</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"> </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">I think I have summarised an exciting 2008 year for Villa Mimma. We are now looking forward to the festivities and the year to come. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"><span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong></strong></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"><span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>From Paola, Alberto and Andrea I wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2009! </strong></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Claudia</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9139184371454216003-4576022202604824947?l=villamimma.blogspot.com'/></div>Villa Mimmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998324593919040973info@villamimma.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9139184371454216003.post-1085646553566152202008-11-29T15:43:00.000-08:002008-11-29T15:54:42.896-08:00First snow: ready for skiing!<div><span style="font-size:130%;">The first snow has fallen - heavy and thick!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">If it stays it will be a white Christmas!</span></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/STHWBaOWioI/AAAAAAAAARg/as7U2ZE83XY/s1600-h/Nevicata_20081128+(4).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274231958335294082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/STHWBaOWioI/AAAAAAAAARg/as7U2ZE83XY/s320/Nevicata_20081128+(4).JPG" border="0" /></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274231957198049106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/STHWBV_Nj1I/AAAAAAAAARo/ATeo8vzH8YY/s320/Nevicata_20081128.JPG" border="0" /> <div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/STHV5tQyzNI/AAAAAAAAARY/8Sw7DAAqQos/s1600-h/Nevicata_20081128+(3).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274231826006854866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/STHV5tQyzNI/AAAAAAAAARY/8Sw7DAAqQos/s320/Nevicata_20081128+(3).JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9139184371454216003-108564655356615220?l=villamimma.blogspot.com'/></div>Villa Mimmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998324593919040973info@villamimma.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9139184371454216003.post-16718776451611987802008-10-25T06:45:00.000-07:002008-10-25T07:03:11.772-07:00Farm shop and historical beauty at Lucedio - Piedmont<a href="http://www.principatodilucedio.it/index.htm" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261088125945706690" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 140px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SQMjxq8E-MI/AAAAAAAAANc/GeSo9RDv44w/s200/archway-Lucedio-500.jpg" border="0" />Lucedio’s Abbey</a> was built in 1123 by the Cistercian Monk, coming from The Fertè, on the grounds of the marchionesses Ranieri of Monferrato.<br /><br /><div align="justify">The Cistercian reclaimed the territory introducing for the first <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SQMjw3qG9NI/AAAAAAAAAM8/uB9ZmBDv5EI/s1600-h/Abbey-of-Lucedio-500.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261088112180131026" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 145px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SQMjw3qG9NI/AAAAAAAAAM8/uB9ZmBDv5EI/s200/Abbey-of-Lucedio-500.jpg" border="0" /></a>time in Italy the cultivation of the rice at the beginning of the XV century. With the passing of time the Abbey became a true economical and political power: three Popes passed from Lucedio, confirming the role of the Abbey and its lucky geographical position along the <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SQMjxCoNetI/AAAAAAAAANE/axn4GtGlX3g/s1600-h/Abbey-square-by-night-500.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261088115124959954" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 101px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SQMjxCoNetI/AAAAAAAAANE/axn4GtGlX3g/s200/Abbey-square-by-night-500.jpg" border="0" /></a>Francigena Way.<br /><br />Because of its increasing political and economical power and its location, Lucedio was the reason behind some of the fights between the Italian dynasties. Owned by the Gonzaga family and later on by the Savoys, at the beginning of the XVIII century the Abbey became property of Napoleon. Subsequently it went to the marchionesses Giovanni Gozani of San Giorgio, ancestor of the present proprietor, the Countess Rosetta Clara Horses d' Olivola Salvadori of Wiesenhoff.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SQMjxntjSXI/AAAAAAAAANU/e_J-9a2-b58/s1600-h/Corridor-flooring-arches-50.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261088125079472498" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 139px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SQMjxntjSXI/AAAAAAAAANU/e_J-9a2-b58/s200/Corridor-flooring-arches-50.jpg" border="0" /></a>The splendid medieval rooms of the Abbey are opened to the public for guided tours, wine and food tasting events, receptions, congresses and concerts; some of the rooms are also used for television filming or are used as the setting for some adverts.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SQMmuo-2bRI/AAAAAAAAANk/PwsrUROxldg/s1600-h/cerimony-tables-500.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261091372415741202" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 142px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SQMmuo-2bRI/AAAAAAAAANk/PwsrUROxldg/s200/cerimony-tables-500.jpg" border="0" /></a>From the naturalistic point of view it must be remembered that Lucedio is located inside a protected area whose regulation, together with technologies of low environmental impact used in Lucedio’s Farm, facilitated the return of the typical fauna of the rice field: as well as the frogs, a number of herons and of Italian knights have chosen Lucedio as their residence.<br /><br />As well as visiting the historical part of the Abbey, it is possible to visit the Farm of the Principato of Lucedio and, in particular, to see the machinery used for the entire production cycle of the rice. It is also possible to combine the visit of the grounds with a sampling experience of the typical products of the territory followed by a tour of the Farm shop “Temptations of the rice” where visitors can buy all the products of the "Principato of Lucedio". </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9139184371454216003-1671877645161198780?l=villamimma.blogspot.com'/></div>Villa Mimmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998324593919040973info@villamimma.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9139184371454216003.post-11418295498619351612008-10-14T15:38:00.000-07:002008-10-14T15:48:21.575-07:00Price freeze - 2009 at the cost of 2008!<strong>SPECIAL OFFER DEADLINE: </strong><strong>30th November 2008</strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;">Book Villa Mimma for 2009 before the end of November and you will pay the same price as 2008.</span></strong><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">The prices for 2009 will soon be published and then the new prices will apply.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;"><strong>Hurry!!! Book now and save!!!!</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9139184371454216003-1141829549861935161?l=villamimma.blogspot.com'/></div>Villa Mimmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998324593919040973info@villamimma.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9139184371454216003.post-47188542303759415602008-09-30T12:49:00.000-07:002008-09-30T13:41:14.881-07:00Theatre - Carlo Felice in Genoa<div align="justify"><br />For those who love concerts and the opera, there is a variety of theatres that are reachable in approximately an hour from <a href="http://www.villamimma.com/" target="_blank">Villa Mimma</a>. </div><div align="justify"><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SOKLO-5WxiI/AAAAAAAAAMs/n9GZaqcI-ko/s1600-h/carlo-felice-300w.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251913204985415202" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SOKLO-5WxiI/AAAAAAAAAMs/n9GZaqcI-ko/s200/carlo-felice-300w.jpg" border="0" /></a>Here I would like to point the attention to the theatre in Genoa, the "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teatro_Carlo_Felice" target="_blank">Carlo Felice</a>". This is a new theatre that was rebuilt after the original theatre was bombarded during the Second World War, as nicely described on the <a href="http://www.carlofelice.it/teatro.asp?parentZ=2020&itemID=2020&imgPath1=theatre&imgPath2=theatre" target="_blank">theatre's website</a>.<br /></div><p align="justify"></p><p align="justify">Its fame is due to the fact that the <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SOKLO-buGWI/AAAAAAAAAM0/0e9HIMsAcRs/s1600-h/carlo-felice-interno-300w.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251913204861114722" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SOKLO-buGWI/AAAAAAAAAM0/0e9HIMsAcRs/s200/carlo-felice-interno-300w.jpg" border="0" /></a>inside is like being in a "covered" square. The photo shown in the main website doesn't give you the full feeling, so why not taking a trip there? </p><p align="justify">The calendar for the 2008/2009 season can be found through the following links:<br />- <a href="http://www.carlofelice.it/stagione.asp?categoria=2&parentZ=1020&itemID=1020&imgPath1=calendar&imgPath2=opera%20and%20ballet" target="_blank">Opera and ballet</a>;<br />- <a href="http://www.carlofelice.it/stagione.asp?categoria=1&parentZ=1030&itemID=1030&imgPath1=calendar&imgPath2=symphonic%20season" target="_blank">Symphonic season</a>.<br /><br />If you attend any event or if you visit this unique theatre, please do let me know and I'd love to see some recent pictures.</p><div align="justify"><span style="color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9139184371454216003-4718854230375941560?l=villamimma.blogspot.com'/></div>Villa Mimmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998324593919040973info@villamimma.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9139184371454216003.post-39864109482554342192008-09-06T16:46:00.000-07:002008-09-06T16:55:22.509-07:00September in festival - Food and WineOn the weekend of the 13th/14th of September in Asti there is the <a href="http://www.festivaldellesagre.it/" target="_blank"><strong>Festival Delle Sagre</strong></a>, where the big Campo del Palio (the square that hosts the traditional <a href="http://villamimma.blogspot.com/2008/09/palio-di-asti-21st-of-september-2008.html" target="_blank">horse racing event </a>- this year on the 21st of September) hosts stalls from about 50 local towns, where you can sample the food and wine of the region. On Sunday there is also a <a href="http://www.festivaldellesagre.it/temisfilata.php" target="_blank">parade</a> with floats representing traditional farm themes. The official website is in Italian!, but it can give you an idea of what to expect.<br /><br />Also, in Asti there is the <strong><a href="http://www.doujador.it/" target="_blank">Douja d'Or</a></strong> wine festival from the 12th to the 21st of September, where you can sample around 400 local wines (you can also buy them!). Some information in English can be found on the <a href="http://www.worldeventsguide.com/event/503/Asti-Italy/Douja-dOr-Wine-Festival-.html" target="_blank">world events guide</a>.<br /><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9139184371454216003-3986410948255434219?l=villamimma.blogspot.com'/></div>Villa Mimmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998324593919040973info@villamimma.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9139184371454216003.post-47990267534560037802008-09-02T15:45:00.000-07:002008-09-02T16:02:50.424-07:00Palio di Asti - 21st of September 2008The traditional festival of the "Palio di Asti" is getting closer again.<br /><br /><div align="justify"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SL3FUJ_1w9I/AAAAAAAAAMU/6HKOHBCkPAc/s1600-h/palioAsti-cavalli.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241562491400864722" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SL3FUJ_1w9I/AAAAAAAAAMU/6HKOHBCkPAc/s200/palioAsti-cavalli.jpg" border="0" /></a>The medieval town of Asti is hosting its renowned Palio on Sunday the 21st of September, although celebrations will start on the Friday and Saturday before then. Music, food, wine, market stalls, parades, fireworks... will be part of the fun.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SL3FLwoo3iI/AAAAAAAAAMM/T-H_QCJCKIA/s1600-h/palioAsti.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241562347153710626" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SL3FLwoo3iI/AAAAAAAAAMM/T-H_QCJCKIA/s200/palioAsti.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div align="justify">The first notion of the Palio goes back to 1275, so it has been around for quite a few centuries.</div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Don't miss the opportunity to take part in it if you are in Piedmont at the right time!</div><div align="justify"> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9139184371454216003-4799026753456003780?l=villamimma.blogspot.com'/></div>Villa Mimmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998324593919040973info@villamimma.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9139184371454216003.post-41600930037515469612008-08-28T15:45:00.000-07:002008-08-28T16:00:19.140-07:00A day at the beach - Arenzano<p align="justify"></p><br /><div align="justify"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SLcquqTLRQI/AAAAAAAAALs/yRHBs_6FW8w/s1600-h/arenzano.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239703672585929986" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SLcquqTLRQI/AAAAAAAAALs/yRHBs_6FW8w/s200/arenzano.jpg" border="0" /></a> If you decide to spend a day on the beach, you better aim at the village of Arenzano near Genoa. In fact, you can reach it very easily from Villa Mimma by joining the A26 motorway towards Genoa. When you are by the coast, you need to leave Genoa to your left and follow for Savona. The Arenzano exit is easily found and you won't find yourself stuck in traffic because you would have avoided Genoa completely. It takes less than an hour from your accommodation at Villa Mimma to the beach!</div><div align="justify"> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239706998653897458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SLctwQ3kyvI/AAAAAAAAAME/lNpA7_aAE-c/s320/Arenzano_beach.jpg" border="0" /> <div align="justify"></div><p align="justify">Once you are in Arenzano, you are spoilt for choice. Its sandy beaches are split between public beaches and different private beaches where you can hire a sun-bed or an umbrella with deck-chairs for the day. If you are quite keen in a bit of privacy and in the comfort of your own area, though, don't leave too late especially in August because you could be disappointed and find everything full. </p><p></p><div align="justify">The village offers plenty of restaurants and bar, both along the seashore and in the streets.</div><p align="justify">Don't forget to try a bit of "focaccia" and if you like basil and fancy a restaurant, you must have the "trenette al pesto".</p><p align="justify">Enjoy your day!</p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9139184371454216003-4160093003751546961?l=villamimma.blogspot.com'/></div>Villa Mimmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998324593919040973info@villamimma.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9139184371454216003.post-37583930087152005862008-08-25T01:23:00.001-07:002008-08-25T01:42:37.392-07:00Shopping for food and wineIf you are staying at Villa <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Mimma</span> and are looking for a food store, you have various options. In order of size, from the tiniest to the biggest, here are some ideas, although the best way for you to know the area is to take a drive and see where it takes you:<br /><br />1 - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Treville</span><br /><br />There is a butcher with the most wonderful meat, ham and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">salame</span> (he makes them), ravioli (made only on some days or on order) and a deep freezer with ice-creams, pizzas, vegetable, etc.<br /><br />Also, there is "La <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">rata</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">birata</span>", which is a wine-bar that serves hot-meals and that also has a small food section with fresh produce such as cheeses, bread, milk, butter and basic provisions. It has also pasta and sauces!<br /><br />2 - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Ozzano</span> (2km from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Treville</span>)<br /><br />If you want a bit more of a choice and some fresh fruit and vegetables, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Ozzano</span> is your nearest option. Along the main road that cuts through <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">the</span> village, there is a food store that has everything. It is very small compared to a supermarket, but has all you need.<br /><br />3 - Supermarkets<br /><br />Well, for a proper supermarket you are spoilt for choice if you are prepared to drive for 10-15 minutes. You can either go to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Casale</span> to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Iper</span>-Coop (a real shopping centre) or you can go towards <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Asti</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Moncalvo</span> and stop at the Penny supermarket, which faces a Gulliver supermarket, where you can find all you need.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9139184371454216003-3758393008715200586?l=villamimma.blogspot.com'/></div>Villa Mimmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998324593919040973info@villamimma.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9139184371454216003.post-42286481467391435612008-06-28T03:38:00.000-07:002008-06-28T15:18:11.300-07:00Last Minute - €550 week/6people July/August 08<span style="font-size:78%;color:#ffffff;">.</span><br /><div>There are still a few weeks available at Villa Mimma for July/August 2008, some in self-catering accommodation and some in B&B. Lovely base for your holiday with children or to explore Piedmont, Liguria, the Lakes and the Alps. Also, great for golfing, horse riding or simply relaxing!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><span style="color:#000000;">Amazing offer </span></strong>: <strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">€550</span></strong> <span style="color:#cc0000;">for a week for 6 people!</span></span><br /><br /><a href="mailto:info@villamimma.com"><span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>Contact us</strong></span></a> ASAP if you would like to take advantage of this promotion.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SGYa3e4JefI/AAAAAAAAAIo/bJE_uJv8HPE/s1600-h/cortile_tavolini_people.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216886758838991346" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SGYa3e4JefI/AAAAAAAAAIo/bJE_uJv8HPE/s200/cortile_tavolini_people.jpg" border="0" /></span></a></div><div></div><div>We would love to welcome you in our corner of paradise.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9139184371454216003-4228648146739143561?l=villamimma.blogspot.com'/></div>Villa Mimmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998324593919040973info@villamimma.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9139184371454216003.post-65584448214453615612008-06-22T00:56:00.000-07:002008-06-22T14:48:39.107-07:00Natural Park of the River Po - Valenza<div align="justify">I have already written about the river Po and the natural trails that you can enjoy near Vercelli. <a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SF6rRMFOimI/AAAAAAAAAIg/Heph5y-w8As/s1600-h/PonteValenza_riverPo_tabell.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214793730330888802" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SF6rRMFOimI/AAAAAAAAAIg/Heph5y-w8As/s200/PonteValenza_riverPo_tabell.jpg" border="0" /></a>You can also enjoy the river if you go towards Valenza from Casale Monferrato. We discovered this area because we were particularly interested to find a place where the children could dip their toes in the water without too many dangers. </div><div align="justify"><br /> </div><div align="justify"><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SF4G6feO1SI/AAAAAAAAAIY/P4EVxmBjKrY/s1600-h/RiverPo_ponteValenza_walk.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214613020492092706" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SF4G6feO1SI/AAAAAAAAAIY/P4EVxmBjKrY/s200/RiverPo_ponteValenza_walk.jpg" border="0" /></a>We stopped at at the bridge over the Po, parking on the Valenza saide of it (be careful to park before the Natural Park sign because you may get a ticket - we did!, although it was only a warning). Here not only you can enjoy strolls along the banks, but you can reach the shore and enjoy the wide pebbly beaches and low water level. </div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SF4GRq0WN_I/AAAAAAAAAII/PiKvyBH6-y0/s1600-h/RiverPo_ponteValenza.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214612319163004914" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SF4GRq0WN_I/AAAAAAAAAII/PiKvyBH6-y0/s200/RiverPo_ponteValenza.jpg" border="0" /></a>This is a photo taken near the spot that we chose. We were there during a Spring weekly day, when Italian schools were still open so there was only another family on the other side of the river.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">The weather was hot and the children enjoyed bouncing flat pebbles in the water. We dipped our toes in the chilly water, but I cannot say if it is safe to swim there as the currents can be quite strong. It was a lovely spot and very easy to find so we are planning anotehr visit at the first occasion.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9139184371454216003-6558444821445361561?l=villamimma.blogspot.com'/></div>Villa Mimmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998324593919040973info@villamimma.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9139184371454216003.post-82347712511074026892008-06-21T04:36:00.000-07:002008-06-21T04:42:39.676-07:00Harley Davidsons meeting in Piedmont<div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">There will be a <strong>Harley <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Davidsons</span></strong> meeting in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Casale</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Monferrato</span> on the 6<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">th</span> of July 2008. This is the 5<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">th</span> meeting of this kind in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Monferrato</span> region where the bikes will travel around the villages and stop for refreshments before heading to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Casale</span>.<br /><br />They will pass through <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Treville</span> too, where they will be offered a glass of wine - cheers!<br /><br />Villa <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Mimma</span> will offer <strong>15% discount</strong> on the accommodation price for bookings between the 28<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">th</span> of June and the 13<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">th</span> of July 2008 to people attending the meeting.</div><div align="justify"> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9139184371454216003-8234771251107402689?l=villamimma.blogspot.com'/></div>Villa Mimmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998324593919040973info@villamimma.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9139184371454216003.post-58671430884477344082008-06-20T13:41:00.000-07:002008-06-20T14:02:44.718-07:00The Natural Park of the River Po - Fontanetto Po<div align="justify">The River Po is the largest Otalian River that starts from teh Monviso Mountain in Piedmont and stretches across Northern Italy from the West to the Eastern coast, where it ends in the Adriatic sea.</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">There are many walks and stretches of the river where you can enjoy peaceful strolls looking for natural beauty spots, searching for animals and plants, dipping your toes in fresh waters. </div><p align="justify">Here are some photoes to tickle your imagination so that if you are in Piedmont you may want to dedicate one day or half a day to this marvellous part of the region. </p><p align="justify"><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SFwXCgT0pyI/AAAAAAAAAHg/KGiQfmZCmIA/s1600-h/Fontanetto_Po_tabellone.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214067800388445986" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SFwXCgT0pyI/AAAAAAAAAHg/KGiQfmZCmIA/s200/Fontanetto_Po_tabellone.jpg" border="0" /></a>You can reach the river Po from Fontanetto Po, on the way to Vercelli. At the beginning of the walk that takes you along one of the banks of the river there is a map to show you where you are and what you can expect to see.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SFwXjDvZULI/AAAAAAAAAHo/eLR7gH-m788/s1600-h/Zona_pic_nic_po_vercellese.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214068359655149746" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SFwXjDvZULI/AAAAAAAAAHo/eLR7gH-m788/s200/Zona_pic_nic_po_vercellese.jpg" border="0" /></a> Not far from the end of the road where you can park your car, there is an old water mill with a picnic area where you can find some tables and benches if you want to stop for some refreshments before or at the end of your walk.<br /></p><p align="justify"><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SFwZZ_Q9hvI/AAAAAAAAAIA/wB7UYGbV5KY/s1600-h/Fontanetto_Po_passeggiata.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214070402858190578" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SFwZZ_Q9hvI/AAAAAAAAAIA/wB7UYGbV5KY/s200/Fontanetto_Po_passeggiata.jpg" border="0" /></a>Lines of trees are growing along this stretch of the river and you can walk for miles along this sheltered lanes, listening to nature's sounds and the gurgle of the water of the river nearby.<br /></p><div align="justify"><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SFwYtEgWOUI/AAAAAAAAAH4/BlkEuyUWGxY/s1600-h/PO_vercellese.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214069631170787650" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SFwYtEgWOUI/AAAAAAAAAH4/BlkEuyUWGxY/s200/PO_vercellese.jpg" border="0" /></a>You finally reach the river bank, although here it is not particularly suitable for bathing as the banks are quite steep and covered with wild vegetation. </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9139184371454216003-5867143088447734408?l=villamimma.blogspot.com'/></div>Villa Mimmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998324593919040973info@villamimma.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9139184371454216003.post-81952500258270842542008-05-31T17:00:00.000-07:002008-05-31T17:02:11.728-07:00Festival of the flowers in Piedmont (Italy) - 15th JuneFor the lucky who are in the Piedmont/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Monferrato</span> area on Sunday the 15<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span> of June, you may want to take a trip to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Cella</span> Monte, near <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Casale</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Monferrato</span>.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Cella</span> is a lovely village with all the houses brought back to the original limestone bricks typical of this part of the world. In June they celebrate the fact that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Cella</span> Monte is proud of its flower-displays throughout Spring and Summer, so they have a festival dedicated to it. If you can go, do it because it is definitely worth it with many events organised throughout the day as well as the usual Italian music and food/wine.<br /><br />Also the wineries and the private "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">infernot</span>" (cellars excavated in the limestone) of the area are open to the public for visits.<br /><br /> Unfortunately the website of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Cella</span> Monte doesn't seem to have a detailed programme of the day, but I can assure you that it would be a lovely experience of the Italian life!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9139184371454216003-8195250025827084254?l=villamimma.blogspot.com'/></div>Villa Mimmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998324593919040973info@villamimma.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9139184371454216003.post-21448316404162635172008-05-24T11:25:00.000-07:002008-05-24T11:29:43.379-07:00Weather - Rainy May!Well, we cannot say that May has been the usual self this year!<br />We are used to lovely weeks of sunshine where people can take strolls in the lovely medieval villages that are scattered around the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Monferrato</span> hills.<br />Last week for example it constantly rained and when it stopped it was very cloudy and miserable.<br />We feel sorry for all those tourists who came to our Piedmont area on holiday in the past week or so and missed on the usual cheerfulness of blooming flowers and bright skylines. We hope you had a good time anyway and that this gives you a reason for coming back another time, when may be you will be luckier with the weather.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9139184371454216003-2144831640416263517?l=villamimma.blogspot.com'/></div>Villa Mimmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998324593919040973info@villamimma.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9139184371454216003.post-45084140561544263262008-05-23T13:46:00.000-07:002008-05-23T14:06:40.100-07:00La Mandria - Regional Park in Piedmont<div align="justify"><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SDctt8FhHHI/AAAAAAAAAGw/1_ltiAOw0wQ/s1600-h/LaMandria-bikes.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203678161696529522" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SDctt8FhHHI/AAAAAAAAAGw/1_ltiAOw0wQ/s200/LaMandria-bikes.jpg" border="0" /></a>North of Turin, near the hunting palace <a href="http://www.lavenaria.it/index_eng.shtml">La Venaria Reale</a>, there is a beautiful regional park called <a href="http://www.parcomandria.it/storia/eng/index.shtml">La Mandria</a> certainly worth a visit, especially on a beautiful day. La Mandria was created in the 16th century as a hunting reserve for the Savoy family and also was used as a holiday retreat for the King and his Court. There are several buildings that can be visited, including Royal apartments.<br /><br />We went just for a couple of hours after visiting La Venaria Reale and we did have a relaxing time indeed. Scattered around the grounds there are farms that have been transformed in restaurants, bars and other attractions. One has a bike-hire facilities so for only a few Euros we got a bike each and pedalled around the park. The children absolutely loved it!<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SDctzMFhHII/AAAAAAAAAG4/ijClr1UzwBE/s1600-h/LaMandria-horses.jpg"></a></div><div align="justify"><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SDctzMFhHII/AAAAAAAAAG4/ijClr1UzwBE/s1600-h/LaMandria-horses.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203678251890842754" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SDctzMFhHII/AAAAAAAAAG4/ijClr1UzwBE/s200/LaMandria-horses.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div align="justify">We spent a few minutes at the stables where there were two little foals and a few ponies and horses. We fed them straw that was around the paddocks and loughed at the little ones still struggling to stand steadily on their legs!</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">We ended up having an aperitif at one of the bars, enjoying the sunshine of 6pm. The children asked for some crisps. Since they didn't have any, compliment of the owner, they served us a massive portion of roasted potatoes with rosemary: delicious! </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">If I'd known it before, I probably would have spent the day at La Mandria, visiting the various buildings throughout the day. It is a much more child friendly environment than La Venaria Reale as you can have a mixture of sight-seeing and free-running!</div><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SDctzMFhHII/AAAAAAAAAG4/ijClr1UzwBE/s1600-h/LaMandria-horses.jpg"></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9139184371454216003-4508414056154426326?l=villamimma.blogspot.com'/></div>Villa Mimmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998324593919040973info@villamimma.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9139184371454216003.post-88408455009416083052008-05-21T14:11:00.001-07:002008-05-23T14:06:10.182-07:00Venaria Reale - Turin<div align="justify"><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SDSS19hWHfI/AAAAAAAAAGo/UqV9EcT9n-0/s1600-h/Venaria_vasca_pesci.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202944925264911858" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SDSS19hWHfI/AAAAAAAAAGo/UqV9EcT9n-0/s200/Venaria_vasca_pesci.jpg" border="0" /></a>"<a href="http://www.lavenaria.it/index_eng.shtml">Venaria Reale</a>" is the hunting residence of the Savoy family between the 16th and 18th century. The palace is set in a magnificent park north-East of Turin, at the edge of hills stretching towards the Alps and covered in woodlands. </div><br /><br /><div align="justify">The palace was used as an army camp and left in disuse for centuries, but it was restored to its original splendour in the new millennium. The interiors of the palace are quite bare and there is no furniture. Instead, the rooms are hosting an exhibition of paintings and rugs mixed with film and photography art that recreates the court life.</div><br /><br /><div align="justify">We went with our children who found the palace a little bit boring though! The gardens instead have been also restored and it was lovely to stroll around them on a sunny day.<br /></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202942034751921602" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SDSQNthWHcI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/Ckofjxj7vjo/s200/Venaria_parco.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="justify">On a practical note, when you reach Venaria you need to follow the indication for the palace that take you to a side entrance. To your right there is a long road with trees either side if it and entering a gate that indicates "La Mandria" park. You need to park along this road. During the week it is free parking, while at weekend there is a fee to pay. You can then walk to the side entrance of the palace or enter from the gardens. Tickets for the gardens and the palace can be bought jointly or separately.</div><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify">If you intend to have lunch there, it is better if you take your own lunch. We found the cafe in the gardens to have only a limited choice of sandwiches, especially for children. We also had a coffee and ice-cream in a kiosk by the roses archways.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9139184371454216003-8840845500941608305?l=villamimma.blogspot.com'/></div>Villa Mimmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998324593919040973info@villamimma.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9139184371454216003.post-76458290960406831932008-05-15T08:12:00.001-07:002008-05-17T04:30:23.538-07:00Recycling... the old way: barrels and gates!<a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SC6-xthWHZI/AAAAAAAAAF4/dbmVSagnlh0/s1600-h/barile2_250.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201304380901825938" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SC6-xthWHZI/AAAAAAAAAF4/dbmVSagnlh0/s200/barile2_250.jpg" border="0" /></a> <strong>Do you know how our elders recycled their old wooden barrels?</strong><br /><br />This is an old wine press that we have in the cellar of Villa Mimma. It is made of wooden slats kept together by metal ribbons.<br />The wooden slats were used in the wood-burning aga and fire-stoves in the households while the metal ribbons were used to build gates!<br /><br /><p></p><p></p><p><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SC6_59hWHaI/AAAAAAAAAGA/nOlSuiIshVs/s1600-h/Cancello1_250.jpg"></a></p><p></p><p><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SC6_59hWHaI/AAAAAAAAAGA/nOlSuiIshVs/s1600-h/Cancello1_250.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201305622147374498" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SC6_59hWHaI/AAAAAAAAAGA/nOlSuiIshVs/s200/Cancello1_250.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p>This is the front gate of Villa Mimma and it was made using the metal from old barrels.</p><p>I've been to Villa Mimma many many times in my life and it was only last April (08) that my Mum told me this fascinating story. So armed with my camera I went in the cellar hunting for barrels and took some fab pictures of a few samples. Then I moved onto the gate.</p><p><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SC7AithWHbI/AAAAAAAAAGI/GxZYrOTJ3N8/s1600-h/cancello3_250.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201306322227043762" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SC7AithWHbI/AAAAAAAAAGI/GxZYrOTJ3N8/s200/cancello3_250.jpg" border="0" /></a>Taking a closer look, you can see the holes of the original nails and the battered metal that was straightened to make the gate!</p><p>You never stop learning! </p><p><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_qhk9riTUEbA/SC7AithWHbI/AAAAAAAAAGI/GxZYrOTJ3N8/s1600-h/cancello3_250.jpg"></a></p><p></p><p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9139184371454216003-7645829096040683193?l=villamimma.blogspot.com'/></div>Villa Mimmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998324593919040973info@villamimma.com0