I met up with the rest of the group after my meeting at the laboratory.  They were at the open market.  This is like a flea market, but is the "largest open market in the world".  We hopped on the bus and traveled to Alba.  Alba is southeast of Turino.  It is known for it's truffles (not the chocolate, the mushroom).  



It took about 1.5 hours to get there.  On the drive there, we got to see some of the countryside.  There were terraced fields of vineyards.  Sorry about the quality of the pictures, but on this trip, there is no stopping to smell the roses or to take photos of scenery. 






Alba is a nice town.  We ate lunch at Piazza Duomo - la piola.  It was a 4-course meal - antipasto, ravioli, cheese plate, and dessert.  We had a short amount of time to walk around and I found a park where you can rent a bicycle.  There are bike paths along the river.  I also have a photo of Tennessee's state tree - the tulip poplar!


Bikes for rent.   This would be neat in Coolidge Park in Chattanooga.





FIAT display

Cathredral.  Some archeologists were doing excavations inside.


Bike paths along the river Tanaro.





The Sister City of Alba is Medford, Oregon.  This sign is proudly displayed in the park.

Tennessee's state tree