Ghosts. June 6th

"I am not sure if I believe in ghosts but sometimes you just never know." Gary Mintier

We got up early, ate breakfast and went to the airport to pick up Kathy, Patty, and Amanda.  We were also turhing in our Panda for a larger one. First to Budget to turn in the Panda and then to Hertz to pick up the larger car. All this before Patty's flight arrives. By the time we get all of our stuff in the car, I realize we need a bigger one.  We find Patty  (we are a little late) and they wait for Kathy and Amanda's flight, while I get the upgrade.  With all of us finally in Rome, and in a bigger car,Mary Ann and I go to pick up her bag that was finally found. We walk all over Rome's airport and finally get the bag released. Mary Ann is in pain from her sore foot, but she is very happy to have her clothes back
We drive down to Teggiano where we are staying during our visit to the sisters ancestors home town of  Monte San Giacomo.  They sleep on the ride down except for a lunch stop for pizza in Monte Cassino, famous for the distruction of the abbey during WWII.

 Monte Cassino Abbey rebuilt

The castle where we are staying is great.  1200 years old but very much updated on parts of the inside.

One room

Our room

Our hostess is away so she has one of the caretakers, Anna, help us get settled.  We joke to her about ghosts,but she says there are none unfortunately. Patty, Amanda and I walk to town to get more Euros and some beer.   What a great litte town.

 The Town

 Main street

 Our castle

 Happy traveler

 Happy traveler #2

Good beer

We couldnt find the ATM right away so I stopped in a store to ask directions

 

Great directions 

Back home after a short walk through the town and we need to hurry because it looks like a storm is coming across the valley. We get back and the sky opens up and the wind begins to blow.  The next thing we know is that one of windows blows out and lands on the floor.

Ghosts?

Amanda surveying the damage.

We get the suitcases out of the rain that is blowing in and wait out the storm. Anna comes to see how we are and when she sees it, says "Mama Mia" at least 5 times. A little later she says jokongly, that it is my fault for asking about ghosts.  They clean the mess  up and cover the hole with a board and insist that at least 2 of us stay in a different apartment which Mary Ann and I agree to because there are many steps in it from the bedroom to the bathroom.

Because our host was not there when we arrived, she had arranged for us to eat at her favorite restaurant. Her treat.  

We walk there and can see more of the damage the storm has done in the town.  But what a treat the meal is.  No menu. Just what the chef makes and all of it in the local style of the Teggiano area.  We eat for 2 or more hours.  Really a nice treat after an adventure filled day.
Tomorrow we go in search of Ancestors.