Arrival at Belveglio (Asti)

24.05.2009 - 25.05.2009

The Alitalia flight from JFK to Milan was smooth except for sitting across the aisle from an argumentative Italian family. The mother and father yelling at their teenage son for refusing to wear his sweater. The mother started slapping and trying to grab at her son, who in turn begins hitting her! Other Italian passengers continue reading their newspapers, while the Americans stare in disbelief and discomfort. The son eventually puts on the sweater and suffers through a hot flight.

We arrived in Milan on time, and my suitcase comes through the baggage claim. But Ron's is nowhere to be seen. After everyone claimed their bags and left, we made our way to the baggage information desk. Three Italian women behind the desk chatting amongst themselves and sneering at the disgruntled passengers who lost their bags. Not a very comforting scene. Luckily, as we stood in line, a man who sorts unclaimed baggage shows up with Ron's suitcase. It came through another carousel...

We pick up our Avis car rental, and a pianist who is going back to Belveglio to play a concert at the castle where we are staying in. Our GPS kicks in and we arrive about 2 hours later at the beautiful, old (15th century) castle...the door opens and we are greeted by Viorica, a Romanian women who works for Marlaena, the owner of the castle. Marlaena Kessick is a famous flautist who organizes concerts in the Asti and Milan areas. She invited me to do 2 concerts of world music, which was very exciting because it is the first time I am travelling abroad to do solo concerts. The budget allowed for the festival to cover Ron's ticket as well...and I am enjoying being a "sugar-mama"!

Viorica doesn't know I am partly of Romanian origin, and when I begin speaking Romanian to her, she becomes very excited. A connection opens which continues deepening as the days progress. The weather is hot, and we are thrilled to know there is a pool at the castle...