Val Formazza e Domodossola

Buonasera studenti (as I commence writing it is 6.45pm)

Sabato, quinto di gennaio, una maestra di inglese della scuola primaria e suo marito, drove me to Val Formazzo an Alpine (or mountain) valley very close to the border of Switzerland.  The valley lies approximately 1200 metres above sea level. In the summer months, you would see the spectacular Cascata del Toce. In winter, however, as it is now, the waterfall has mostly turned to ice. On the day I arrived, it was a very cold minus 3 degrees celsius and the strong winds made it very difficult to stay outside for too long. At one point, there was a small blizzard which I have tried to capture in one of the photographs below but it is quite blurred. There are only a few permanent residents of Val Formazza, although there are numerous cabins available to rent for the winter skiing season. Many Italians choose to stay in Val Formazza for their Christmas vacation (usually 10 days in total).

Another interesting fact about Val Formazza is that the water that falls from the top of the valley in summer, is directed into man-made dams and used to produce hydroelectricity. The electricity it generates is usually enough to maintain the energy requirements of the valley throughout the year.
Because Val Formazza is so close to the Switzerland border, the residents and many of the local tourists, also speak German. You may notice, the architecture is also quite different from most other parts of Italy. Even the menu at the restaurant where I ate lunch, was written primarily in German.

	This photograph was taken right before I went to lunch. There was an unexpected mini blizzard. I felt like Mary Poppins as it was very difficult to walk through the strong winds and snow. I felt like I would fly away. Year 2s and Year 3s from last year, do you remember the Italian words for 'snow' and 'wind'?

On the journey back toward Baveno, we stopped at Domodossola, an ancient Rome province which serves as an important railway junction between Italy and Switzerland. It was lovely strolling through the town, both the modern (early 19th century) part and the beautifully preserved medieval town centre (Piazza Mercato), some of which was built in the 14th century. It is very difficult to imagine buildings thousands of years old unless you see them with your own eyes. They are so intricately designed and yet stand with majestic grandeur. What are some of the oldest buildings in Australia do you think?
Right before I left Domodossola, I discovered an amazing presepe carved into wood by an 18 year old artist, as well, a brightly lit, Christmas 'ball'. It reminded me a bit of Cenerentola's pumpkin carriage. What do you think?

Signore Isaia e Fruttero off to the ball!

Fino alla prossima volta.
Signora Isaia