Finally in Finale

Italian wine, Italian pasta and Italian style - bellissima (a “Dispatch From” episode).

Early evening view over the harbour from our accommodation.

This region of Italy is well known and touristy, which is why we have avoided it up until now.

I was wrong.

But only a bit.

Let me explain:

It’s beginning October and almost winter in Switzerland, at least in the mountains where we live.

Rainy too.

You have two weeks holiday before it’s full gas for a winter of ski service, rental and sales.

The gram is flooded with friends enjoying summer temperatures further south.

The wife has cabin fever.

Dangerously so.

What do you do?

You book a spontaneous trip to the closest piece of Mediterranean coastline you know of - that’s what you do.

(Thank me later, gentlemen).

Where’s that?

Finale Legure, in our case.

A six hour drive south south west.

Unless, of course, you are told - I mean decide - to swing by the massive and well known market in Domodossola.

L-R: Fresh produce at the market in Domodossola is amazing; Flowers too.

Then it might be a tad longer.

But I digress!

Now, it’s still busy in Finale - as it’s a cycling Mecca - but because it’s out of the summer high season, it’s manageably frantic.

I wouldn’t easily visit here in high season.

But for this trip, this time of year?

Perfetto 👌🏽.

L-R: Playing at the beach; Sunrise view from our accommodation.

Accommodation prices are better.

They have availability.

Beaches are empty.

Yes, the weather is a bit colder, granted, but not too bad.

I mean, just see last week’s post to compare.

And our rare find of an AirBnB?

Classico italiano:

• Dangerously small mountain road to get there, check.

• Almost kill a dosen pedestrians, check.

• Italian hospitality, check.

• Croissants and focaccia delivered first thing in the morning, check.

• You arrive 20min later than you said but you’re told “issa perfetto tima”, check.

So, all in all, I’m sticking to my previous decision to not visit the region in high summer.

But I’m kicking myself we didn’t during the edge periods before.

Will we be back?

Well, if Enrico will have us after this stay (our 5yo son is well known for his wildness), for sure!

Our humble abode in Finale.

That’s it for this week!

Any interesting stories or thoughts to add?

Simply hit reply and let me know / comment below (so we can all benefit).

Have a great week!

—

Until next time ✌🏽.

Cornelius

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