Maggie's Farm

He's back from 9 days in a mountain villa overlooking the Adriatic in Abruzzo. He'd only been to Italy once, as a kid. Naturally, I had questions:

Any mishaps? Just left my backpack with money and passports in a cab. Luckily, he soon noticed and caught up with us as we entered the Rome airport. 

How was the house? Gorgeous, but hard beds. Nice pool with mountain views.

Like the women? Dangerously sexy and well-dressed.

Natives in Abruzzo speak any English? Not really.

See any relatives? My 85 year-old aunt had her driver take us around to see my Mom's relatives.

Go to the beach? Twice. 

Eat any pizza or pasta? My daughter did.

Have some vongole? Yep, raw and in sauce.

Grilled octopus? Of course. That's a dumb question.

Any risotto? They don't make risotto in southern Italy.

Calamari? Yep, raw on toast and in sauces.

Fresh white anchovies? Of course.

Mussels?  We had a mussel pie.

Swordfish or tuna? No. 

Cinghiale? Looked, didn't see it on a menu. 

Breakfasts? Just espresso. 

Wine? Too much, usually. 

See any gyms in the towns? Nope. 

Would you return? I'd just stay there.