Not in Kansas anymore....(Feb 11, 2010)

I headed out from Franciacorta in the snow. The roads were clear though so nothing major fortunately. Now here I am in what can only be described as the perfect picture of an Alpine village. This is a town called Cogne in Val D'Aosta in the northwest corner of Italy. Gone are the rows of naked vines, the earth tones on the stucco-faced housed. All this is replaced with chalets, wooden buildings, soaring peaks, lots of snow and signage in French as well as Italian - magnificent. I have driven the roads of the Amalfi Coast, the Italian Riviera and the lakes but I must say that today was the most intense driving I have done in Italy. Perhaps it was the snow, the lack of familiarity with the roads, the avalanche warnings that I passed every few kilometers or so, or maybe it was the ravine that awaited me to my right should I make one false move. Mamma Mia... I drove through national park called Gran Paradiso - grand paradise - aptly named. The views are spectacular! Now I am nestled safely in a lovely little inn called Notre Maison. Dinner, breakfast and a bed all for 68 euro - can't beat it. As I sat at dinner the fire was roaring, the wine was flowing and I was green with envy as every one around me was talking about a fabulous day of skiing. But alas, no rest for the weary - I am off to Piedmont in the morning. See you soon!