Charming Inés Sastre, anchorwoman at the Festival di Sanremo sends her love live to her granny in Pescara. Surprise and curiosity in Abruzzo.

An Austalian guide book quotes Ernest Hemingway "When fall comes, there is no better place than Abruzzi" below a fine photograph of Anversa degli Abruzzi in the shadow of the remains of the Norman castle. Only 426 inhabitants, little hope for the future: youths are leaving. Maybe the new Gabriele d'Annunzio Literary Park and the natural reserve established in the Gole del Sagittario will foster development. Mayor Gabriele Gianni says there are two agritour centres, but a hotel is badly needed.

The famous statue included in the legacy of late archbishop Mario Peressin is now in the Vatican Museum. The 52-cm-tall bronze was donated to Peressin by an Italian American doctor, Joseph Palisi, originary of Sicily, who died 7 years ago. A later copy of this work was found in Pompei. Archeologists are studying the two statues.

A course of vineyard and winery practice mostly targeted at wine-makers will start this March in local Roxan winery. Silvano Falone says Montepulciano has conquered European markets thanks to the perfect geographical position which allows it to reach 12.5º - 13º without additives. Lessons will be held by expert enologists, bookings at 085.8505830 or 085.8505187.

Great succcess for this first edition, which was also the occasion of a twinship Tortoreto - Villa Santa Maria: awards given for fish and for meat dishes, with the aim to promote the best products of the area.