Post by Diarist on Oct 24, 2015 22:03:52 GMT 1
We drove back to Susa then headed SW to the town of Bardonecchia which is at the Italian end of the Fréjus Road Tunnel and the Fréjus Rail Tunnel. The valley here isn't so narrow or steep-sided as that to the north from Mont Blanc. We had lunch then took a few photos and headed back to Turin. I left Sally at the hotel while I went to fill up the tank and check the water and tyre pressure. I had a young man at the service station give the car a quick clean, while I went across the road for an espresso and to read the newspaper.
After about 5 minutes an officer sat at my table and asked me about the car. I explained that it belongs to a friend in France, I'm just borrowing it for my honeymoon in the Alps. He introduced himself as Tenente Colonello Luigi Cardese. I replied that I'm a British Army Captain and my name. To cut a long story short, Sally and I have been invited to the Officer's Casino this evening. Luigi is a battalion commander in the 1st Alpini Division which is being formed. This will be an interesting evening.
After about 5 minutes an officer sat at my table and asked me about the car. I explained that it belongs to a friend in France, I'm just borrowing it for my honeymoon in the Alps. He introduced himself as Tenente Colonello Luigi Cardese. I replied that I'm a British Army Captain and my name. To cut a long story short, Sally and I have been invited to the Officer's Casino this evening. Luigi is a battalion commander in the 1st Alpini Division which is being formed. This will be an interesting evening.