Italy by Daniele Somenzi

Italy Just to say that I have visited Italy too, I will tell you about one of the many times I set off on my Garelli 50cc from Cinquale, in the province of Massa, where I live. I had made up my mind that on that Saturday I would set off for Cappella di Casalmaggiore, a little village of 300 souls where I was born. The moped was in order, I looked at it and dreamed for many evenings, as if I had to unload onto it all my desire to travel. I was 17, and that morning, waking up, I discover it had started to rain. Furious, I get dressed anyway and set off in the rain. Towards Pontremoli, the Cisa pass. Having a 4-gear Garelli comes in handy uphill, then the rain stopped. Finally the descent begins just after the little church, but my numb hands hurt, so I am forced to warm them on the engine. At Parma I enter the city, obviously unable to go onto the motorway, I am forced not to.

After various ordeals I exit on the opposite side, the centro torri area, to head towards Colorno and finally Casalmaggiore. 4 hours were needed, but my trusty little Garelli did not leave me stranded. People laugh because I am wearing a helmet, but who cares. If I should fall, at least I am protected. After crossing the bridge over the river Po, I enter Casalmaggiore and then here I am at Cappella, tired, wet but satisfied. bye