The blessing of our situation was that our wonderful Mason was home in the States with his dad, so we were sans a busy, inquisitive toddler. Melissa, Lily, Grace and I were the travelers, and we had pack packs each, strollers, and carseats. We got on the train in the morning to Rome, then on to Padova, then Vicenza. It seems easy, and it was, yet having to haul two babies in their carseats/strollers, and the bags on and off the trains was a bit of a challenge. Trains don't wait for people who haven't boarded, they just get going! Thankfully, when we did think we may not make it, some Italian would see us and step in to help and haul. Grace was a crowd pleaser at those moments and Lily was a novelty. The Italians cannot fathom why a three week old would be outside, much less on a train (mama mia!)! When we finally arrived in Vicenza we had three hours to get to Nove and the shops. So, we quickly taxied to base, rented a car and were on our way over to the little town.
There are three different shops which were open and we wanted to check out. The first one sold mostly religious figures and themed ceramics, a lot of Mother Mary and baby Jesus'. They were beautiful pieces but not what we were looking for. The second stop was closed, however there were items outside in a garage that were one euro a piece... a good deal, but again, not what we were looking for. The third stop was VBC, the store we had visited last time and the one we most anticipated. The owners son was there, and when he heard our traveling story, he was happy to stay open after hours so that we can collect what we want.
Collect we did, I finished a bit of our colorful plate collection with bowls, got a BEAUTIFUL tiled sunflower plate to match the serving bowl, as well as presents and a set of espresso cups and saucers. I love the espresso cups because they are different, vibrant colors and it just makes me smile when I have my espresso in the morning. I also was able to pick up some baby gifts and another sunflower bowl for a dear friend who has continually threatened to hold mine captive, she likes it so much :0). Melissa picked up a fair amount too, together we bought so much that he gave us a bowl for free! I didn't think I was buying a lot, but I guess when you take into account all the travel, and the purchases, he probably thought we were incredibly silly! Haha!
Our way home was a bit more interesting, because we chose to buy a duffel bag and cram as many ceramics as possible into it, then carry it home. Add that to the other large items being hauled on and off the trains (carseats, stroller, back packs) I was incredibly soar at the end of the day. Oh, I forgot to mention that in the morning we made our way to the train station, having missed our train because we didn't get out in time, and the taxi driver said to us, "Today is a strike!" I looked at him and just hung my jaw, at the same time trying to figure out what the heck we were going to do! Thankfully, we didn't have to do anything different; the strike didn't start until 1130 that morning and we got out at 1050... just in time.
It was a quick trip, but a good one. It made me smile as I thought of how two American moms with babies were brave enough and confident enough to set out and do such a crazy trip on their own. It's a trip that I won't soon forget :). Thanks Melissa!
Caio tutti!
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