When I was in Italy last week, we went to Abbateggio (the reason will soon become clear as i develop my 'Family History' blog). We stayed at a wonderful place called Casa Giumentina. We really received an exceptional welcome from the owners, and I offered to edit/translate their website (http://www.casagiumentina.it/index.php). I would be very grateful if you could have a look both at the website and at my edited version below, and let me know what you think - is it clear? (I've already mentioned to the owners that they should quote distances in the directions). Many thanks .

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Your Hosts

Mariangela and Ezio are special people. They combine the dynamism of city dwellers with the love and respect for nature typical of country people.
After living in Milan for many years, they took the plunge and followed their dream, which was to experience the tastes, sounds, sights and slower pace of life in the mountains. They moved to the Majella National Park in Abruzzo, a hundred and twenty miles due east of Rome. Their love for this part of the country is evident in every aspect of life at their 'Casa Giumentina', from the attention to detail to the healthy breakfasts lovingly prepared every morning by Mariangela from local natural products.

The House

Casa Giumentina is a country house dating back to first half of the 19th century, situated in the Giumentina Valley within the Majella National Park. Mariangela and Ezio have restored it using the building materials and style of that time, with careful consideration for the surrounding countryside.

The colour scheme and detail of each room is designed to represent a typical flower of the valley, evoking the natural beauty of the area, and bringing visitors right into the magic atmosphere of the Majella.

There is a spacious kitchen which visitors are welcome to use.

The Park

The Hermitage of San Bartolomeo in Legio can be reached on foot from the Guimantina Valley, and within a few miles, there are plenty more interesting sights, such as:

- The Hermitage of Santo Spirito a Majella
- The Hermitage of San Giovanni all’Orfento (Caramanico Terme)
- The Grange of San Lorenzo (Roccamorice)
- The Church of San Tommaso (Caramanico)
- The Basilica of San Clemente a Casauria

Rooms

The rooms have been restored using local stone, in keeping with the style used in the Abruzzo mountain region, with care taken to recreate the original atmosphere. The wooden beams and traditional furniture make the Casa Giumentina friendly and welcoming, just like the surrounding Majella countryside.

Every room has an en-suite bathroom. No detail has been neglected: the lampshades are entirely decorated by hand, in each room representing a different flower. Even the blankets and bedspreads are made by local artisans in the typical Abruzzo style.

Where we are

From Pescara:
• Follow the signs for Chieti-Roma: A14 /A25 then take the slip-road for the Pescara-Chieti motorway
• Continue towards Rome to the level-crossing at Alanno-Scafa
• Follow the signs for Abbateggio. About 300 metres before the turnoff to Roccamorice turn right towards Casa Giumentina.
From Rome:
• Take the motorway towards Pescara and L'Aquila
• Take the A25 towards Chieti-Pescara up until the tollbooth at Alanno-Scafa
• Follow the signs for Abbateggio. About 300 metres before the turnoff to Roccamorice turn right towards Casa Giumentina.