Sunday, October 19, 2008

Robbie and the chocolate factory

Thank goodness for GPS, otherwise our 1.5 hour drive to the chocolate factory in the hills of Piemonte might have taken even longer (even though it was allegedly only 20 minutes from the hotel).

Though the debate is still open as to whether it really counts as a "factory" since they are importing the chocolate from Belgium, I would personally contend that there was enough confectionery assemblage taking place to warrant the title.

You can see how scrumptious the hazlenut bars look, and I almost had my mom fooled that you really are allowed to dip your fingers in the pot to sample the melted chocolate.







Evidently, the oompa loompas were showing their solidarity with the railway workers' union by joining in a not so uncommon "sciopero" (strike), so we had to settle for meeting the owner and his small crew of chocolate assembly people.

This last photo is of Robin and my mom (in the mirror), in the small town of Novi Ligure (just a few miles from Gavi), in her quest for a pair of stivali (boots). I personally liked the Kate Middleton (remember, Prince William's gal?) look of the ones below, but, evidently my opinion did not prevail and her search for Italian leather may end up coming to a conclusion at South Coast Plaza.

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