Almost Ferragosto in Turin

Crossing the Montgenevre pass we enter Italian territory heading for Cesana Torinese, a cousin's summer residence. I'd never seen such high mountains, and I feel like singing "Heidi, the little goats are waving at you" (not even in Switzerland had I seemed to find such altitudes!) Cesana is a pleasant spot for families, while Sestriere is more fashionable. In summer they have a different effect, though! The next day we set off for Turin. - Arrival in Piazza Statuto, Caffe Marino (GRAN BAR MARINO 11, P. STATUTO 10100 TORINO TO Tel. 011544063) - After much wandering in a sun-drenched, hot and deserted city: a few scattered tourists and a few elderly people and immigrants park near one of the many arcades of this lovely, elegant city. - Visit to Piazza Castello, the Royal Palace and the adjoining gardens - 1.30 pm pizzeria in the gardens, pizza and mineral water €14.5. - The lunch is good.

- Cremeria Fiorio, Via Po, ice cream €3.7 (for the first time I taste the gianduia flavour) - tourist office, - Mole Antonelliana, the river Po, the church of the Gran Madre (with a plaque to the fallen), arcades and porticoes, the church of S. Francesco da Paola: a shocking impact, an extremely ornate Baroque church. In the early afternoon we move off in the direction of upper Lazio