News July 19 2006 – Postcard from Italy – Page 2

Drive into the Dolomites

To start, we drove from Bologna to Chioggia, near Venice, for a boat trip and another sumptuous meal with a glimpse of Venice before returning to the cars for the drive to Montegrotto Terme where we caused quite a stir lining up all the cars for the obligatory photo shot in the town square. Another huge meal… how do they stay skinny over there?

Up early the following morning for the drive into the Dolomites, what a superb bit of scenery and what an awesome road, both up and down the mountain. It was hard to capture the majesty and scale of the mountains on my little camera but there are a couple of shots that attempt it. Fantastic driving into falling snow when it was about 23 degrees at the bottom of the mountain. A few slippery patches to test out the reactions and handling of the Zonda as well.

Then on to Lake Garda which is absolutely beautiful. We were surprised to see one of the waterfront restaurateurs handing out free champagne and antipasto to all the participants, we assumed it was because of the arrival of all the Paganis which were to spend the night parked outside his restaurant… turned out he was celebrating the arrival of his first child, which we were all happy to help him do.

The following day we headed off to Verona via a race track for a few hot laps. Another enjoyable day and the "speedo" shot attached will give you some idea of the fun we were having.

I'm sorry more of you were not able to join my wife & me. Perhaps with more notice some of you may be available next year. And with the next available build slot for a Zonda being in April 2007, the timing couldn't be better for one lucky Aussie to take delivery in Europe and enjoy a few weeks (or months… or years) over there before bringing the car back.

I know you won't hesitate to call if you want me to arrange it!

Kind regards, Adam Kaplan

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