April 2004, Easter Sunday in Italy. Picture roof tops made of tile. Doorways that beckon you in. Picture a place so peaceful that you want to get left behind just so you can explore every hidden nook. Wanting to knock on any door just to be welcomed in to stay awhile. I can only describe it all as magnificant!

On the plane ride from USA to Rome, I watched the movie "Under the Tuscan Sun", so when we arrived in the little town of Cortona. I was enchanted all over again. Our group stayed here for awhile before returning to the bus for a short trip to Lake Trasimeno. After leaving the lake we went to a place called Podere Bello located in Perugia. Here we sampled and bought olive oil, cheeses, salami, ham, mushrooms and peppercini's.

Our little group of 7 sat down to lunch in the Ristorante Cucina Tipica. We had a pasta dish followed by sliced roast of Lanb, potatoes, salad and wine. After dinner we had a chocolate Tiramisu and an after dinner liquor. The food was very good. Eating Alfresco, is definately a treat. You can relax and don't have to hurry. This place reminds me that I have to slow down and take it easy sometimes.

Enjoy my "Taste of Italy". Linda