Boxing Day

A quiet morning at home with the family. Andrea’s girlfriend, Bea, joined the family for lunch. She didn’t seem too impressed with Cipo’s Christmas gift, a calendar featuring Venice’s finest Gondoliers. He does like a good joke and Bea finally found her real present inside a box stuffed full of balls of newspaper.


Bea and Andrea.

After lunch and we had a trip out to Montogrotto Terme, near Padova. This place is famous for its thermal springs and the many luxury hotels that offer the full spa treatment. It is a favourite place for Monica’s Aunt Giusi who was staying there for the Christmas break. We spent the afternoon in a posh hotel while the family caught up on all the latest family news.


Antonella, Monica, Giusi and Margherita.


Antonella and Roberto.

In the evening we treated ourselves to a Pizza at a trendy place in Mestre, close to Venice. Here I was introduced to another Italian secret, “Tartufo affogato al caffé”. This is a heavenly mix of vanilla and chocolate ice cream drowned in espresso. Ice cream, chocolate and coffee. What on earth could be better? A true masterpiece!


At Ae Oche in Mestre.


Tartufo affogato al caffé.