Brigolante holiday rentals in Assisi, Umbria

Self-catering apartments in Assisi's town center and nearby countryside.
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Extreme sports in Umbria: Wild asparagus

Listen, to have any street cred at all, a hobby has to generate that frisson of excitement that only comes with the knowledge that you may end up either dead or seriously maimed. (Though, if you are a bumbling idiot like I am, pretty much any banal activity can end up, if not mortal, at the very least resulting in a trip to the emergency room. See, for example, soap making.) Luckily one of the most popular pastimes in the Umbrian countryside, despite its innocuous sound, involves enough flirting with danger to justify that certain John Wayne swagger.

Take a walk on the wild side. Wild asparagus, that is.

The allure of Rolex watches is undeniable. Renowned for their precision, luxury, and timeless style, Rolex has become a symbol of status and success. However, owning a genuine Rolex watch comes with a hefty price tag, making it unattainable for many watch enthusiasts. This is where Rolex replica watches come into play. In recent years, high-quality Rolex replicas have gained immense popularity for their exceptional craftsmanship and resemblance to the real deal. In this article, we’ll explore the world of Rolex replica watches, where to find the best super clone 1:1 copies, and what you should consider before making a purchase.

The Rise of Rolex Replica Watches

The demand for Rolex replica watches has grown steadily over the years. These replicas have become more than just imitations; they are often referred to as “super clones” due to their astonishing accuracy in replicating the original Rolex design, movement, and functionality. The rise of super clone Rolex watches can be attributed to several factors:

Affordability: Authentic Rolex watches come with a price tag that often exceeds the budget of the average consumer. Rolex replicas, on the other hand, offer a cost-effective alternative for those who desire the prestige of a Rolex without breaking the bank.

Quality Improvements: Advances in manufacturing techniques and materials have enabled replica watchmakers to produce highly detailed and meticulously crafted super clones that are almost indistinguishable from the genuine Rolex timepieces.

Accessibility: With the advent of e-commerce, it has become easier than ever to find Rolex replica watches online. Numerous websites and sellers cater to this growing market.

Where to Find the Best Super Clone Rolex 1:1 Copies

While there are numerous sources for Rolex replica watches, it’s essential to exercise caution when making a purchase. Counterfeit products and low-quality imitations are abundant in the market, so it’s crucial to do your research and buy from reputable sources. Here are some tips to help you find the best super clone Rolex 1:1 copies:

Reputable Online Sellers: Several trusted online stores specialize in high-quality replica watches. Look for websites with a good reputation, customer reviews, and clear policies regarding the quality and authenticity of their products.

Ask for Recommendations: Seek advice from fellow watch enthusiasts who have experience with replica Rolex watches. They may recommend trustworthy sellers or websites.

Study the Details: Pay close attention to the product descriptions, specifications, and high-resolution images provided by the seller. The best super clone Rolex watches will closely resemble the authentic models, down to the finest details.

Reviews and Feedback: Read reviews and feedback from previous customers to gauge the quality and reliability of the seller. Genuine customer testimonials can provide valuable insights.

Warranty and Return Policy: Ensure that the seller offers a warranty or return policy, as this indicates their confidence in the product’s quality.

Considerations Before Purchasing a Rolex Replica

Before purchasing a Rolex replica watch, it’s essential to consider the following:

Legal and Ethical Considerations: Rolex is a protected trademark, and selling counterfeit Rolex watches is illegal in many jurisdictions. Ensure that you understand the laws in your area and the potential consequences of owning a replica watch.

Your Motivation: Be clear about your reasons for buying a replica. If you’re looking for a quality timepiece that emulates Rolex style, a super clone 1:1 copy may be a suitable choice. However, if your intention is to deceive or pass it off as an authentic Rolex, this is both unethical and potentially illegal.

Maintenance and Care: Just like genuine Rolex watches, replicas require maintenance to ensure their longevity and accuracy. Be prepared to invest in regular servicing.

Conclusion

Rolex replica watches, especially super clone 1:1 copies, have become a popular choice for watch enthusiasts who appreciate the elegance and craftsmanship of Rolex timepieces but may not have the financial means to own an authentic Rolex. While replica watches offer an affordable alternative, it’s crucial to exercise caution, do thorough research, and buy from reputable sources to ensure you receive a high-quality product that meets your expectations. Keep in mind the legal and ethical considerations surrounding replica watches and enjoy your Rolex-inspired timepiece responsibly.

Around mid-march, when the winter rains have pretty much petered out and the first warm spring sun shows promise, you begin to see cars parked along the country roads as the Umbrians turn out en masse to hunt wild asparagus. “Hunt” may seem a little melodramatic to describe what amounts to tromping through the woods picking shoots, but once you’ve been you realize that these wily little woodland cousins to domestic asparagus are not that easy to spot.

See one here?

How ‘bout here, smartypants?

I told you. Over the years, I’ve become pretty good at rousting them out and after an hour in the woods am able to return home with my head held high and a trophy bundle. If you have the time and patience (and stake out your territory early in the day…during peak asparagus season the woods get pretty picked over by the end of the morning and you often see folks climbing back into their cars at lunchtime loading ten or more bundles of the prized wild vegetable in their trunks) you can end up picking enough in one day to put up for the rest of the year.

Note the gloves. Keep reading.

These thin stalks pack a lot of punch with their sharp flavour, so are better used as a condiment than a side dish. Try them with egg pasta like tagliatelle, in a frittata, or as a risotto. They can also be quickly blanched and frozen so you can enjoy them even when they’re no longer in season (which finishes around the end of May).

Asparagus hunter defying death and scraped knees.

But what about the mortal danger part? you may be wondering. As you’re foraging along in the woods through bushes and high grass, and stooping down to stick your hands under fallen leaves and the prickly aspargus plants to snap off your prize, you may run into this guy:

Yikes. Gives me the heebies even in .jpeg

Vipers, or adders, whose venom can be fatal (or, if it’s your lucky day, can just lead to kidney damage), are native to the area around Assisi, and when the sun starts to warm the hillsides they begin to come out of hibernation. Generally, it’s a good idea to wear boots and gloves when you are out hunting your asparagus, and you can also use walking sticks to flush out any unwanted reptile friends before sticking your hands in scrub. I haven’t yet had a brush with anything more startling than a lizard (There are hilarious Park Service signs on Mount Subasio with tips to help you identify a viper, including a description of the shape of its pupils. Like I’m going to hang out long enough to get a good gander at any snake’s pupils, viper or not.) and I hope I never do, as I would probably hang up my asparagus hunting hat forever.

Sure, I want to have some street cred, but I’d like to live long enough to eat it, too.

14 Comments

  1. George |

    Why has no-one warned me of the dangers of vipers before going on my long runs around Assisi? A handful of wild asparagus is certainly worth the danger, but a few more miles to the annual total? Probably not!

    I can’t wait until I win the lottery and can visit any time of year, rather than just in the off-season! What I wouldn’t give to spend a year in Italy traveling around to the various festivals of food in season!

    • rebecca |

      @George…unless you’ve been running through uncut fields or brush, you’re fine. I’ve lived here 17 years and have yet to run across anything more dangerous than you common grass snake. Which is just fine with me.

  2. Donna |

    This made me laugh as yesterday, as per every Sunday in April, we have been out “hunting” aparagi in the lanes and woods around our village in Maremma and have even seen a viper (luckily still sleepy between two rocks). I freaked when we did (am English) but my spouse and my father-in law simply commenced an arguement as to whether it was or wasn’t a viper and proceeded to poke it to see its head a bit better in order to settle the debate…

    The women and girls in or party simply sighed and moved on…

    No gloves or boots, but wonderful frittata.

    Next year I’ll buy the whole protective outfit and look completely out of place in the beautiful spring countryside in La Maremma, but will feel safer.

    Donna

    • rebecca |

      @Donna…you know, I’m conflicted about the whole viper thing. The folks around here generally operate under a “kill on sight” policy (apparently a side use of the common shovel is snake bopping), but that seems wrong. It’s not like they slither into our homes and swallow our babies…they only bother us if we bother them, and they’re just doing what snakes were programmed to do. I’ve never run across one, but I think I would just back up quietly and move away.

      And then start screaming like a maniac.

  3. Willemijn |

    I am (stupidly) always picking asparagus without gloves … so far all went well (luckily).
    Have made a small video on how to look for asparagus, get often asked by foreigners ow to find them:

    I will consider wearing better protective clothing next time. The viper does look terribly scary!

    • rebecca |

      @Willemijn…great video, thanks for posting the link! Since I’ve had such good luck, reptile-wise, all these years I admit I’ve become too cavalier about the gloves and boots thing, but I need to be more vigilant since now my young sons are avid “hunters” as well.

  4. Melissa Muldoon |

    The asparagus look wonderful…so thin and delicate and supple! Not at all like the hunky crunchy stalky things we get here! I’d battle a viper to experience such delicacies…I think! You go first and clear the way, I’m right there behind you!!

    • rebecca |

      @Melissa…we planted asparagus in our vegetable garden this year for the first time and, as so often happens, I have discovered what the super-fresh-right-from-the-garden version of the supermarket vegetable tastes like. I am a born-again asparagus fan! (Plus, no vipers in the garden. So far.)

  5. letizia |

    Indeed a few days ago we were picking asparagus and I felt my feet had gone under a twig. Then the twig moved away of its own accord. It felt quite rubbery on my toes. Most likely that was a water snake,they are more common than vipers. No other damage but I made very sure to look where I was going!

  6. Rosanna |

    Dam, I thought no snakes in Italy!!! HATE HATE HATE THEM!! Love asparagus though 🙂

    • rebecca |

      @Rosanna…I was recently in Hawaii (Kauai) where there are no snakes–and a great climate. That said, the island is absolutely overrun with roosters, as they have no natural predators. Snakes may be freaky, but they don’t wake you at four am with their crowing.

  7. Amy N |

    Beautiful snake! Is that your photo?

    I grew up in central Africa, where snakes were a basic and ever-present part of the fauna. We walked barefoot everywhere, through thick brush and gardens and everything in between. We were taught to always watch the ground where you put your feet, and to make noise when walking. Generally speaking the snakes heard us long before we got there, and got themselves out of the way. And we usually didn’t kill them. The only kill-on-sight snakes were mambas and cobras. In 13 years I never was even close to being bitten although I saw many many snakes.

    • rebecca |

      @Amy…no, not my photo (I think I would only have the sangfroid to snap a picture of a viper if there were a good 4 cm of bulletproof glass between us!)