Maybe Milano is an ok area after all..
Today we rented some cars and drove up to Omegna to visit Bialetti and Alessi. Rus had been trying for years to have an interview / factory tour with Bialetti, and this year we finally had the opportunity. The drive itself was up through tunnel after tunnel with lush greenery and foggy rain the entire way.
Once we arrived in Omegna, a small factory town at the foot of the alps, we learned that they could not do it earlier because the factory was undergoing machinery changes. The women were very kind, and they allowed us to take photos throughout the entire factory. When we reached the packing area, I was taken back to my time at Dickson’s last summer (and empathized with the workers packing and stacking the boxes, also because their jobs are soon to be replaced by machines)
The best part was after our lunch (at a place they recommended). When we returned, they had gift bags for each of us, which included a small moka express.. it is only for 1 cup, and they seem quite cheap, but they were free nonetheless, and simply added to the overall feeling of welcoming. To top it off, the sun had come out by that time, and we could see the snow from the Alps peeking out above the valley. We said goodbye, and it time for Alessi.
Every year, Rus has gone up to the Alessi factory. Sometimes for a factory tour, other times for interviews in the Museo Alessi (an archive of all the prototypes and other items from Alessi’s past). For us, it was only a visit to the store.. but it was a good visit! We probably bought too much, but with smiles on our faces we packed into the cars and began to drive back. As we turned onto the highway, the mountains in the distance glowed under some of the most beautiful lighting I have ever seen – complete with soft blue clouds in the sky above and bright rays of sunlight filling the space below. It was wonderful.
.. and so was the orange juice squeezed from my very own Philippe Starck ‘rocket’ juicer.. 
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Comments ( 2 )
smashing driving photos rob. heard you found a place to stay so hope everything works out for you for the rest of july
lizsu added these pithy words on
Jul 14 08 at
4:27 pm
wow… ok i have spent way too much time reading your entries, so much to do… but holy moly, they’re addicitng! i would love to read a published version of this… rbo’s journey of enlightenment? you are very talented at working in your experiences and adding interesting, brief, and humorous details to make a very enjoyable read. you inspire me to go there to! sorry you have to come home… you know what i mean…
lots of love from your coolest sister
marcie added these pithy words on
Jul 15 08 at
10:50 am
