Forli

 Forli was definitely the highlight of the trip for me. The Jefferies are serving in Forli as the Branch President and in the primary. What an inspiring group of saints. We were able to eat homemade Italian meals complete with 5 courses with some incredible families. As impressive as the food was, I was more impressed by the faith of these saints.  

Laura and Alberto love the gospel so much, and they have such an incredible family. I look forward for the day when they will be baptized.

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The Rossi family is a great inspiration! They are raising the third generation of saints. There are 5 returned missionaries in the Forli branch, and 4 of them are in the Rossi family. We had so much fun eating with them. They are hilarious!

The Sisters serving in Forli were great. They served as my interpreter at church.

 When we went to church, I was overwhelmed by the spirit and love from the members. Even though I couldn't understand a word, the spirit was abundant. I am grateful for the sister missionaries for translating for me The work of the Lord is truly hastening throughout the world. I'm so grateful for Scott and Deane for their example and sacrifice in serving a mission.

Castrocaro

Another small town off the beaten path. We went to Castrocaro, about 10 minutes south of Forli. The main sight in town is an old castle that sits on the hill overlooking the town. The castle has fallen into ruin, but people in town are volunteering to fix it up. It's about halfway done, it might take years to fully restore it.

These tools were used to perform amputations!

This is where they stored the olive oil.

One of the olive trees.

The sign says adulterer.

Brisighella

I know I'm way behind, so here's some more of Italy. 

We traveled to Brisighella, a small town about half-hour southwest of Forli. We loved going to these small, picturesque towns, without any other tourists around. It was a piece of Italy not many tourists see. 

A fountain in the park.

A WWI memorial, but I thought it looked like an old lady.

This odd street is called Via degli Asini (Donkey's Road). The Donkeys stayed in stables (you can see a door on the left), and they carried chalk to the end of the street. The road was covered so the chalk would not get wet from the rain, snow, etc.

Several businesses now occupy the stables.

Perched high above the town is the Torre dell'Orologio (Clock Tower). Built in the 1800's on an already existing defensive structure. For whatever reason, the clock cycles every six hours.

Incredible view of the Italian countryside.

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Scott and Deane outside of the Castle.

From the castle, you can see the Church of the Osservanza. Built in 1520

Small passage in the castle basement.

View of the clock tower from the castle.

Portico di Romagna

We traveled to two small towns about half hour south of Forli. Predappio (the hometown of Mussolini) and Portico di Romagna (a quaint, medieval town whose main site is a stone bridge built in the 1600s).

 

In Forli, we had some Doner Kaybob

Since we were in the town where Musilin was born and buried, we thought it would be interesting to see his tomb. I was surprised by the number of visitors and the honor given him. Later we learned it's a pilgrimage for Fascists. We probably shouldn't have gone.

I loved the narrow streets!

The farmer let us try some of his grapes. Best grapes EVER!

I wish I could have seen where this goes.

Piadinas were one of my favorite things we at in Italy. They're only found in this region.

The owner of the restaurant.

The Nutella piadina was REALLY good!

 

San Marino

Probably our favorite place in Italy...wait it's technically not Italy. San Marino is its own tiny country entirely surrounded by Italy.

The views winding up the mountain to the fortress were incredible.

Some of the prisoners were pretty talented.

We climbed to the top of this tower. On our way down, some other tourists locked this door locking us in the tower!

I wish pictures could do it justice.

Taking in the view.

San Marino's hous of government.

These uniforms rivaled the Swiss Guard at the Vatican.

We bought a nativity scene from this really nice couple. She is actually from America, but met her husband and moved to San Marino over 30 years ago.