9:45 was pick up time from the the Albergo Bologna. Two cars in convoy. Giorgio, Claudia, Tim and Dave in the lead car and Eraldo and myself in the second. We didn’t know where we were going and I did mention the Musio dell’ Automobile, however it was closed for two months for renovations. To our surprise we ended up at the the original Fiat factory, now a shopping and cinima complex called 8 Galleria. This is the building with the test track on the roof that was used in the first ‘Italian Job’ movie.
Then in the centre of the roof track is ‘Lo Scrigno’ (jewel box) a small art gallery with works by Canaletto, Matisse, Modigliani, Renior, Manet and Picasso. The roof top gave us clear views of the city as well as the snow covered Alps, especially after a few days of rain. After a shot of coffee we headed off again in the two cars in convoy around the hugh precinct of Mirafiori, Fiat owned car factory that builds Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Lancia. After a stop at an Olympic stadium for ice hockey and the Soccer stadium it was time to meet other members of the family for lunch.
An old house converted into a restaurant and function centre, The Oasis, was the place for the family lunch. Two other large groups were also having lunch. One group celebrating a young girl’s 1st Holy Communion and the other a birthday celebration. Giorgio had arranged a cake and candle, that was impossible to blow out, for Tim. It was his 24th Birthday. Going around the table there was Giorgio, Claudia, Marta, Kristina, Alberto, Valentina, Mauro, Tim, Dave, Eraldo and Nona. Yet another six course Piemonte meal with very drinkable wine, “fizzy” water and coffee. The meal concluded after about three hours then back to the hotel for a rest.
Kristina picked up Tim and Dave at 9:00 pm to go to a fringe concert her boyfriend was playing in. Apparently they had a great time and arrived back at the hotel at about 2:00 am. Dave had to get up at 5:00 am.
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