Confirmation, Caffè and Carnavale

After much discussion and deliberating, we both confirmed and came back to our original plan of the terrace half of the top floor. So, the other half is available if anyone is interested. Having scoured the floor plan for days, the whole gang was ready to walk through "The Wow Project" together. This time we were able to determine where the load bearing versus interior walls were and picturing the space  was SO much easier. 

We are hoping we can keep some of the original features like the door knocker and floor tile.

Both the ceiling brick and the original chestnut beams were recently painted (maybe 100 or so years ago) but could be sand blasted and restored.

We also discovered that the two extra structures on the terrace were bathrooms from the previous configuration, but will be gone freeing up more space for the terrace. Yay!

Since we start making our way to the bonsai show in Belgium tomorrow, we scheduled a meeting for the afternoon of the 19th when we get back to Massa. Niccolo will have different options for flooring, fixtures and finishings that are available within the base price. 

Then by February 29th, he expects a "Yes, but...." response from the department in charge of historic preservation. Once he has the 'buts' he'll be able to provide us with a more detailed proposal with price breakdowns on our choices.  For now, we shook hands and informally agreed to move forward. Yay!!

We headed to the bar and celebrated with sweets and coffee. Which gives me the perfect segue to discuss coffee culture in Italy, here is my understanding.

• A caffè (which in Italy means espresso) can be ordered any time of the day or night, no judgement.
• Before lunch a man can order a macchiato (espresso with a little bit of milk), if a man orders one after lunch it's assumed he is having stomach problems.
• If a man orders a cappuccino it's assumed he's having breakfast and will also order a pastry.
• If a man orders a cappuccino after lunch he must be American.

Melissa however ordered none of these. She instead had a Caffè al Ginseng. This is an espresso mixed with ginseng root extract. It's reminiscent of a chai tea latte and has a nutty slightly sweet flavor. It is said to help keep you alert and help with digestion. I'm definitely having one next time.

Later in the square there were kid's festivities for Carnavale. On weekends starting about a month before Ash Wednesday, Italy celebrates with parades, elaborate masks and costumes, traditional pastries and lots of colorful confetti There was a DJ, snack booths, face painting, pinatas and a bonfire. The Piazza was packed with families and kids in costume. So fun!

Tomorrow we head northeast to Feltre, Italy to view a private bonsai collection of an international bonsai professional. Then we'll be in Germany the next night, which means, it's time to pack.

Ciao, a dopo!