Acqui Terme and More....

Acqui Terme is about 32 miles south of Alessandria; it's history dates back to 173BC when it was occupied by the Romans and was on a main road to Turin. The hot sulphur springs have been famous since this was the Roman town of Aquae Statiellae and over the centuries has drawn many to its' restorative waters. (Note: No, don't ask. I did not take this picture.)

In 1870 Giovanni Ceruti designed a little pavilion, known as La Bollente, for the spot at the center of the town where the waters bubble up at 75°C.

Legend has it that newborn babies were brought to the fountain and immersed for a few seconds. The survivors were called “sgaientò” (meaning “scalded”), the traditional nickname for for the locals. People flock to the fountain and carry small containers which they fill with the water; they drink it on the spot or carry it home for later consumption. I didn't drink any but I did stick my fingers into the water and yes, indeed, it is hot.

Santa Maria Assunta, was built in the late 10th century and consecrated in 1067.

Inside is this beautiful stained glass window. Can you see the symbol? Makes one think of the back of our dollar bill and the Freemasons and the Illuminati...and Dan Brown and Umberto Eco. For others, the eye in the triangle is the all-seeing eye of providence. Fun stuff to ponder.

Another BIG church with a beautiful rose window and a great view...

Here's that symbol again...hmmmmmmm. Ponder, ponder, wonder, wonder.

When one tires of pondering, one can take time to rejuvenate.

Later that night, returning home refreshed and rejuvenated, Kim and Henry become Banana Gram competitors.

Can you spot the victor?

Disguised Americans taking a walk...