Exotic Dinner in Udine, Italy: A town of many scents

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Linden in bloom

We arrived in Udine around 6 p.m., after a long trip that started in Budapest that morning. This was our first day on the road, on our way to Portugal.

We would travel in total for five days by car, spending four nights in carefully selected Air BnBs. We were eager to immerse ourselves in new cultures.

Udine was full and heavy with the scent of linden flowers. The linden trees were in bloom and the intoxicating smell was what infused our trip to Portugal with senses. This was in the middle of June.

We found the sweet linden in bloom in Italy, France, and Spain too. The linden blooms look like in the photo below.

We checked in at our hotel, called Hotel Alle Due Palme, a colorful exotic place with very kind staff. We wanted to step outside for an ice cream when we heard thunders. There was a big storm coming.

This photo was taken after the rain had stopped.

Luckily, our hotel had a famous international cuisine restaurant as well, so we decided to go for dinner there.

Dinner at Due Palme

They took our order quickly and we received some fresh bread with olive oil for the waiting. The kids were curious, looking around and watching people. There were groups celebrating different events, there were other families with kids as well.

Our dinner arrived and we were surprised by the delicious taste and colors on our plates. We were hungry and happy. We felt taken care of and welcomed in that place which was unique in design, and language, a bit romantic, yet so exotic.

If you have the chance to stop here, check it out. The food and service are really good.

The following morning, our breakfast was a marvelous mix of buffet specialties. There was something for every taste. The staff was very kind to the kids and made special cocoa milk for each of them in big mugs.

We went for a quick tour in the downtown before continuing our trip.

A bit of town history

Located in the northeastern part of Italy, Udine has a rich history that spans centuries. Its origins trace back to Roman times. The city flourished under various rulers, including the Venetian Republic, which influenced its architecture and cultural heritage.

Throughout the Middle Ages and Renaissance, Udine’s strategic position along trade routes contributed to its economic growth and artistic development.

The city’s historic center features a blend of architectural styles, from Gothic to Baroque, reflecting its diverse influences.

Udine’s prominence as a center of learning and culture continued through the years, producing notable scholars and artists.

Today, it stands as a vibrant city that beautifully balances its historical legacy with modern vitality.

We didn't take photos in the downtown, except for this one. This marvelous capture offers a glimpse into the town’s rich historical heritage.

We established we would go back and visit the town properly like tourists, some other time.

I’ll save these links for reference (not affiliated):

• Locals Guide to Udine: https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2022/mar/27/locals-guide-to-udine-italy-modern-art-film-ancient-former-capital
• Udine, Italy: a cultural guide https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/italy/friuli-venezia-giulia/articles/Udine-Italy-a-cultural-guide/
• About Udine: https://www.britannica.com/place/Udine

The next stop on our trip

Further on our adventure, we would cross Italy arriving in Susa. The town is still in Italy, close to the border with France, in Piedmont, province of Turin.

Stay tuned for the next story about our wonderful time in the small town we chose to explore.

Have you been to Italy? Have you visited Udine?

Let me know in the comments if you experienced the Italian cuisine, culture etc.

Stay human, be loved,

Gabby

***I originally published this article on Medium.***

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