Alexandra's Rallying Cry...

"Look at that one! It's so CUUUUTE! (but not as cute as mine) And that one! Look over there!"

You guessed it: last weekend, Florence and I went to another Fiat 500 rally. There were about a dozen of us who showed up (it was a nasty day), and we had a great time inspecting all the others. There was one that was designed for (don't laugh. On the other hand, go right ahead) racing. And this was at the factory level: its body was designed with air vents to provide extra air flow to the engine, among other details.

The cutest one at the rally.

After a period of mutual admiration, we all got into a line and set off. Of course, I was squealing about how cute the thing was the entire time. Because it was.

We drove for about 30 minutes or so, and then we ended up in the main street of a village. At that point, our leader stopped the car. Typical Italian form (even on a highway) dictates that, when you have to stop your car unexpectedly, you get out of the car to investigate. So we all piled out, and found out that we were just going to hang out in this town for 40 minutes or so. We were parked in the main road of town, and no one entering could get by.

Blocking the street

I never thought I'd say this, because I thought they were nasty and pasty the first time I had them, but I got a powerful hankering for roasted chestnuts. I asked around hopefully at a few stalls (they were having a Christmas fair), to no avail. Florence and I ambled through the village, looking at the stalls, admiring the presepe that was out (and enjoying watching the dad explaining to his 18-month-old that she wasn't to touch -- she wasn't having any of it), and so on.

And then we found them! Roast chestnuts! Florence shares my early opinion, and didn't have any, but she did get some hot chocolate to satisfy her taste buds' exigencies.

When everyone was sick of it, we got back in our cars, vroomed up the engines, and were on our way to the next destination. As I told Florence, it would have been a lovely drive had it not been dark and foggy. It was dark and foggy.

The next destination was our final one. The others were staying for dinner, but Florence and I (unbeknownst to Florence) had an appointment with a bunny (this was the day Faith arrived). We toodled home after a lovely afternoon.

Love,

Alexandra

Racing car

Fancy dash!

Note the airflow vents!

Check out the hood! Must be another racing one.

Cool sunroof

Great faring!

A dash almost like mine

Note the suicide doors 

Traveling model. This one has been to France.

The fellow on the right completely restored his, and is very proud of it. 

We still can't get over how small these cars are!

Florence and I were both smitten with the color on this one.

Lining up!

And they're OFF!

In Mantegnana, on the hunt for chestnuts!

Our final destination.