Trial By Fire

July 21

It's Saturday again and time to go explore.  We thought we would check out the market in Caserta, a nearby town.  The markets are where you can get fresh veggies, fruits, cheeses, and stuff on the cheap.  The locals shop markets first, small shops second, and big stores last.  A GPS is the way to get around in these parts (for an American anyway), so I plugged in the coordinates off the internet and we set out. 

...Hmm, this doesn't look like we're on our way to a market.  Wow, this road is bumpy, watch that pothole!  Hey, are those tobacco plants they are hanging to dry?  Yes, we ended up in the middle of nowhere.  I just wanted the family to see how they grow and process tobacco, and what Italian cows look like (for you Grammy and Poppe).  No really, we were lost, the farming italians thought we were crazy I am sure, but as luck would have it, (again) we eventually found the area we were looking for.  We had a bite, because my men don't shop well on an empty stomach, hit the market and realized what a neat town Caserta is.  We'll be back to see the Royal Palace.  This is a picture of one of the streets in Caserta with mountains in the background.   

Oh, I forgot to tell you that this was the day I decided to drive for the first time off base.  I think it was in the grande plan from above that we "took the long way".  I was forced to drive the small streets and back roads, do crazy turnarounds and such.  It was fine, and a big hurdle for anyone living over here.  You just have to do it.  I even got the trial by fire for drivng at night in another town and on the highways after we attended a BBQ.  Whew!  Glad the first time is over with!  P.S.  The mini is soooo fun to drive!  P.P.S.  That doesn't mean we still don't need your prayers for safe keeping on the streets over here.  Keep 'em coming.