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Friday 27 October (Day forty!)

I’ve been looking forward to today. We are touring the Caffarel chocolate factory!

I leave first for the coach, Krish lagging behind this morning. But all is well and soon we are off towards Pinerolo – the factory is near there in the town of Luserna San Giovanni.

It’s another hazy day – the smog level is really high – we can’t see much of the countryside as we speed past the hazy scenery.  Soon enough we are at the factory gates.

They lead us into a room and it’s like Christmas. On the table in the centre are plates of Caffarel chocolates and biscuits.  As well, there is still and sparkling water, lemon tea and coffee. I opt for coffee and watch as the inevitable feeding frenzy sets in. People swoop on the plates like they haven’t eaten for months and everything is gone into mouths and pockets in minutes!

The room houses some lovely historical objects – tins, spoons, paintings and photographs… the history of Caffarel is fascinating.

Continue reading “Chocolate! The Caffarel Factory tour”

Thursday, 26 October (Day Thirty-nine)

Today was a relaxing day!

We went to Vanchiglia, just a short walk away in the Mole / university neighbourhood.

I was hungry and ran into a student hangout called La Piadonza. Here they make a flour tortilla in a press in front of you, put it on the griddle and fill it. I chose smoked salmon with something called  squacquerone (I haven’t found a translation but it’s creamy) and arugula, and glad I did. It was delicious and light. A great lunch.

I love the little glimpses of the hazy Mole from these streets.

Vanchiglia on the surface looks like any other neighbourhood but it’s become trendy. There are lots of little artisan shops and cafes and I feel at home here, like it’s a sort of  mini Hoxton or Shoreditch.  I wonder how it will be in five years. There’s even a little circus that puts me in mind of Arnold Circus – Largo di Montebello.
Continue reading “Trendy Vanchigilia”