Travel: Day Trip to Ventimiglia, Italy

Well it was semi-"spur of the moment" trip to Italy's border town of Ventimiglia.

Hilltop Old Town of Ventimiglia

This lovely seaside town is the first one over the Italian border from the French Riviera. On Fridays this town is mobbed - and I mean mobbed - every French person shows up with bags in hand to shop shop shop. In addition to the daily food market, Friday is the day when "vendors" (read: flea market) show up, set up tables and display everything from leather goods, clothing, shoes, "pashmina" type shawls/scarves, toys, curtains, towels, bedding, pots and pans - you name it, and I am sure someone is selling it. The crowd does get to be a bit too much in summer, so we prefer to go mid-week and pick up whatever we need. When we want to shop the street vendors, we will go in May, June, September or October - parking is available and the weather is delightful. After all that shopping, regardless of when we go, we treat ourselves to lunch at any of the restaurants along the water. Not only is it reasonable, but it is good!
Today we decided to go, because the forecast was for overcast skies - perfect for early August shopping. We needed the incredibly delicious Parmigiano Reggianocheese....not only is it fresh, but the pricing cannot

be beat. Remember that as you glance at the photos, the prices are for Kilos...which is 2.2 lbs! Fresh pasta is a must also. The prices for produce are such great value, too. The peaches were in and smelled so delicious...there were still strawberries for sale and they were picture perfect in shape and color - not to mention taste!
Well, I'm making soup right now with the package of soup greens we bought for 2 Euros (about $2.60)...It'll make a big batch enough for 4 servings...for 2 Euros!!!! We'll top if off with some freshly grated cheese and some of the fresh tortellini we brought home!
Enjoy the pictures (under photos tab) while I go back to stirring the pot of soup! mmmmmmm good!