We've been here since Saturday morning. For the most part, the weather has been very kind to us.

We aren't thrilled with our vacation rental. But we are also not very picky.

We'd give it a six on a scale of 1-10. The website photos are certainly flattering. The location is not as idyllic as the description would have you believe. The kitchen is fairly well equipped and easy to cook in. The beds are as hard as rocks, but we just lined up pillows on top of the mattresses to sleep on.

The biggest issue is that it is VERY damp and moldy. However after running the heat and leaving the windows open for two days, it is getting much better.

If you are picky or intolerant of minor discomfort, don't book here. With all that said, we are content.

The town of Sezze is fun because we are the only Americans. I get the feeling they don't see many. When people hear us speaking English to each other, they think we are Germans speaking in English. Go figure. Maybe we have Germanic accents to the Italian ear, or maybe it is because Nancy LOOKS so German.

We have not found a decent place to eat in town, however. It is full of Tavola Caldi places with really bad food. The pizza is criminal.

So we are mainly cooking for ourselves. There is a butcher shop on every corner and one is more enticing than the next. This is absolutely carnivore heaven.

Artichokes are EVERYWHERE. Big ones are 2 for one Euro. Baby ones were 20 for 3 Euro. Five litre jugs of house wine from the Conrad are 4 Euro. And it is very easy to drink.

Today we decided to take a drive down to Terracina on the coast. On the way, we detoured to an absolutely AMAZING restored borgo/abbey. It has apartments to rent, a locanda, and there is lots of restoration yet to do. The Locanda's rates are 55E single and 80 double. BEAUTIFUL. When I get home, I will post a photo essay. I also want to research SlowTrav to see if someone else has already written about it. It is the place that St. Thomas Aquinas died.

Got to go, it is getting late and I want to drive up to the archealogical site at the top of the mountain before we head back to Sezze. I made Nancy drive today so she could get some practice. She is not happy with me about the experience.

Thanks, please write more as you have time. Sounds like you're making the best of all situations and enjoying the bumps as well as the pleasures ... as it should be.

Hope you find some better restaurants soon!

Ciao deb,
I saw Shirley and John and their friend today, they'll stay a month, why don't you come over for a couple of days? I know you love artichokes, but how many can you eat?
Just kidding.
I'll see Colleen tomorrow, we'll toast to you!
While eating at Osteria del Teatro!!

Here is a closeby listing from the Slow Food Osterie d'Italia---maybe it will change your luck.

Antica osteria Fanti - Priverno

Buon appetito....

Thanks for the info, Jim. We were in Priverno yesterday. But we weren't looking for food at the time. Too, bad.
We've decided to leave Sezze a day or two early and make the drive to Puglia via a very slow route. We haven't settled on the route yet.
BUT, Nancy has not seen the Amalfi and wants to detour that way.
So, if we do, we will stop into Sorrento to make an appearance at the Web Cam.
If we make that decision, I'll get online the day before and post our debut time (Mountain Time, of course)
Sorry, Alex, I'd love to come see you, but it isn't in the cards this year.
We may check in from Puglia for your SlowChat though!

If anyone is within driving distance of Anzio\Nettuno this coming weekend you MUST consider coming into Nettuno for the biggest festival of the year. A huge street party to celebrate their patron saint. They are erecting the most beautiful, huge lacy lighting designs across the streets and on the lamp standards. We are hanging around till dark just to get a chance to see them illuminated.