Cultural Sweet Spot?

Col de Glandon, France

We spent our last day in France on Saturday, and I had dried my tears by the time we were in Italy.  We have landed in the beautiful Val d'Aosta, which is in the most north western area of Italy. This lovely, verdant valley is nestled the arms of the mighty Alps on both sides.  Really spectacular!  The old town of Aosta is just that; really OLD.  It dates from Roman times, which is rarely a pretty story.  The area's ancient people we either killed or sold into slavery. There are many remains of the Roman Porta Praetoria still standing, dating back to 25BC.

 Why this is such a cultural sweet spot for me is that it was once a part of the Burgundian empire, and later part of the House of Savoy.  Consequently, the area is bi-lingual; Italian and French.  I can communicate to some degree! The only thing missing is a Boulangerie for my daily bread pilgrimage.

Part of the ancient wall in old town Aosta

Our fresh snow this morning.

We are staying in a small town up on the hillside overlooking town. There are innumerable such small villages scattered over the hillsides; all very old, mostly residential, and very small.  The narrow alleyways don't allow any cars, and there are several old but still operating springs/wells in town.

Aosta downtown

We attended a artisan exhibit in the city center. Wood carving is a big deal here, and for some reason mortar and pestal are especially prized.

We have had only one ride so far.  It has rained a lot since we arrived.
Today we visited the Castillo de Fenis, and have decided that we are finally done with visiting old castles unless they are filled with the extravagant
excesses of the period or done by Crazy Ludwig... It was so dreary and dark we don't even have a picture that turned out good enough to post.

From our one ride here.  Heidi, Grand Pere is looking for you!

A small town near us.  I think it belongs in Silicon Valley....