Rest day in Romagna's Plains

Hello from Christina and Giuseppe www.italybestsecrets.com
We depart Portico di Romagna, driving towards Forli' and Ravenna. After a couple of delays caused by roadworks and a stop for a "piadina", a typical Romagna snack (like a flatbread with yummy fillings), we arrive at our destination a little later than expected. The accommodation is a 4 star country style villa/beauty farm surrounded by conifers, fruit trees and rose garden. We were really excited as we thought we could have a massage or beauty treatment, but unfortunately the therapist was unavailable, as Monday is her day off. We retreat to the swimming pool, where we were visited by mosquitoes and the family's dog, a young playful jack russell called Achille. The rooms are stylish and comfortable, but smallish. Dinner is enjoyable, but not our best. The guest sitting room is decorated with antique furniture, colourful ceramic plates and rugs. We set out the next day for a spot of birdwatching, near the Adriatic coast, with the local road maps showing all the best points, however, once we arrive in the area, there is a lack of signs (although lots of signs for hospitality and horse-riding). In the end we give up, and are back on the main road, where we pass a pumpkin market! Yes, that's right, a market dedicated solely to pumpkins, not just the eating variety but decorative gourds. The large pumpkins are enormous and would need to be transported by a minivan. We proceed towards Venice and stop for a seafood lunch in Chioggia, which was certaily worth doing, in terms of quality and price. Back on the road where shortly we arrive at Conegliano, where our relatives are waiting for us. We plan to spend time together, and tonight will visit a local agriturismo producing prosecco. Tomorrow - a short drive to Cison di Valmarino, famous in the region as one of the smallest charming villages, and for its recently restored castle. We sign off now, baci, Christina and Giuseppe. The next episode will be from the Dolomites.