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The Compass: Your Guide to Italy and Beyond
Welcome to the 31st Fighter Wing travel page. Here you'll find the latest version of the Compass - your guide to Italy and beyond - travel destination, tips and ideas to help plan your next day trip, weekend excursion or vacation.
Please share your experiences with other Team Aviano travelers. Send your travel articles, tips or photos to Public Affairs at avianonews@aviano.af.mil.
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'50s-era festival in Sesto al Reghena, May 17-19
A '50s-era festival starts Friday at the Piazza Castello 4. The event features American cars, vintage clothing and gifts and bands covering '50s music. For more information, visit http://www.pordenonewithlove.it/it/eventi-news/o/2064/.
Mountain biking in Fiaschetti di Caneva, May 18
A non-competitive mountain bike ride starts at 9 a.m. from the Fiaschetti main square. For more information, visit http://www.eventiesagre.it/Eventi_Vari/7463_Maggio+Fiaschettano.html.
Walk in Magredi, May 18
A group walk begins at 8:30 p.m. at the Cordenons swimming pool. For more information, visit http://www.turismofvg.it/Evento/104513/Voci-notturne-nelle-Risorgive.
Wine, Oil tasting in Valvasone, May 18
A wine and oil tasting event starts at 11 a.m. in the Chiostro ex Convento. The event features more than 50 types of wine and oil from the Friuli Venezia Giulia region. For more information, visit
http://www.turismofvg.it/Evento/104816/Giornata-Nazionale-della-Cultura-del-Vino-e-dell%E2%80%99Olio.
Mountain biking, trail run in Germany, May 18
The Hohenfels U.S. Army Garrison annual mountain bike race takes place at noon. A trail run will begin the same day at 9 a.m. The event costs $25 per person, per event to enter, and includes admission, giveaways and a food coupon. There are four divisions: women's open, men's open, men's seniors and men's masters. For more information, visit http://www.facebook.com/events/247521888718811.
Symphony concert in Sacile, May 18
A symphony concert starts at 9 p.m. at Teatro Zancanaro. The event costs 8 euro. For more information visit
http://www.turismofvg.it/Evento/102719/Primavera-musicale-2013-Concerto-sinfonico.
Food festival in Passariano, May 18-19
An all-day food festival will be held at Villa Manin. The event features food tastings, live music, art exhibitions and sports competitions. For more information, visit
http://www.prolocoregionefvg.it/sapori-pro-loco-2013/.
Horse show, market in Cordenons, May 18-19
A horse show and agriculture market starts on Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at 10 a.m. in the town square. The event features a horse show, flowers and food and drink booths. For more information, visit http://www.turismofvg.it/evento/89507.
Outdoor festival in Costa, May 19
An outdoor festival starts at 10 a.m. at Via Zovenzoni. The event features activities, souvenirs and food and drink booths. For more information, email Aviano.community@gmail.com.
Open gardens in Friuli Venezia-Giulia, May 19
Several private gardens are open with free admittance to the public in various locations around Friuli from 10 a.m. to sunset. For more information, and a complete list of open gardens, visit http://www.pordenonewithlove.it/it/eventi-news/o/1985/.
Guided rose garden tour in Pordenone, May 19
A guided tour of ancient and modern rose gardens starts at 10 a.m. at Parco Galvani. For more information, visit www.lacompagniadellerose.com.
Tough Mudder in Germany, July 13-14
The event is in Furnstenau. Tough Mudder competitions are a series of obstacle courses that run from 10-12 miles long and test runner's strength, stamina, determination, and camaraderie. For more information, visit http://toughmudder.de/events/nordwestdeutschland-2013/ or contact the group's Facebook page for Aviano members: http://www.facebook.com/groups/442249055853793/.
Select gas stations open on Sundays, holidays
Check here each week to find out which local gas station(s) offer full-services during Sundays and holidays to use NATO gas coupons. Self-service gas stations are still available for cash and credit card payments.
Sunday, May 19: Esso S.P 7
Driving on AP Highway heading toward Aviano, the station is halfway between Area F and Aviano on the right-hand side.
Neighborhood networking
The "Vicini Americani" (American Neighbors) program is designed to connect Americans in their Italian communities. Under the program, Team Aviano volunteers - designated as Community Liaisons for their respective comunes - help to welcome newcomers, organize local gatherings and inform people about upcoming community events. For more information, or to get engaged within your town, visit
http://www.aviano.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=20117.
Cordenons volunteer meeting, May 29
The Cordenons Vicini Americani chapter will host a volunteer meeting from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Gran Gelato in the town square. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/347745442014020/?context=create.
Sacile motocross, go-kart event, June 1, 2
The Sacile Vicini Americani chapter will help sponsor an all-day motorcross and go-kart event at in the town square. The event costs 2,500 euro for teams of 4-8 people.To register for the event, visit the tourism office in the Sacile town square. The event will also feature an American car and motorcycle show. To enter a car into the event, email Sacile.community@gmail.com.
Markets
Vendors sell fresh produce, flowers, clothing and goods from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the following markets:
-The Azzano Decimo outdoor market takes place in the city square every Monday
-The Aviano outdoor market takes place in the city square every Tuesday
-The Pordenone outdoor market takes place in the city square every Wednesday and Saturday
-The Sacile outdoor market takes place in Viale Zancanaro every Thursday
-The Cordenons outdoor market takes place in the city square every Friday
Antique Markets
Vendors sell clothing, furniture, art, household goods and more from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the following antique markets:
Saturday:
-The Azzano Decimo antique market takes place in Piazza Libertà with about 40 exhibitors
-The Spilimbergo antique market takes place in Corso Roma every third Saturday of the month
Sunday:
-The Gradisca d'Isonzo antique market takes place in Piazza Unità d'Italia with about 200 exhibitors
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All trips are offered by the Information, Tickets and Travel Office unless otherwise noted. Registration deadlines are used to make decisions about cancelling trips due to lack of participation. ITT will still accept sign-ups if the trip is not cancelled.
Barcelona July 4-7:
A trip to Barcelona leaves the Area 1 community center July 4 at 9:30 a.m. and returns July 7 at 2 p.m. Tickets cost 459 euro for adults, 599 euro for single adults, 370 euro for children 3-10, and 120 euro for children 2 and younger. A passport is required for sign-up. For more information, call ITT at 043-430-3107, or email ITT@aviano.af.mil.
Gardaland amusement park May 25:
A trip to Gardaland leaves the Area 1 community center at 7 a.m. and returns at 10 p.m. Tickets cost 59 euro for adults, 30 euro for children 3-10 and are free for children two and younger. For more information, call ITT at 043-430-3107, or email ITT@aviano.af.mil.
Aqualandia Water Park May 26:
A trip to Aqualandia leaves the Area 1 community center at 8:30 a.m. and returns at 6:30 p.m. Tickets cost 45 euro for adults, 23 euro for children 3-10 and are free for children two and younger. For more information, call ITT at 043-430-3107, or email ITT@aviano.af.mil.
Whitewater rafting June 1:
A whitewater rafting trip to Slovenia leaves outdoor recreation June 1 at 8 a.m. and returns at 6:30 p.m. Tickets cost $85. Children must be at least 13 years old to attend. For more information, call outdoor recreation at 0434-30-8623.
Verona oil tasting, 'Medieval Times' dinner June 1:
A trip to Verona leaves the Area 1 community center at 7:30 a.m. and returns at 1 a.m. the next day. Tickets cost 69 euro for adults, 34.50 euro for children 3-10 and 10 euro for children two and younger. For more information, call ITT at 043-430-3107, or email ITT@aviano.af.mil.
Croatia by boat June 1:
A trip to Croatia leaves the Area 1 community center at 4:30 a.m. and returns at 11:30 p.m. Tickets cost 89 euro for adults, 44.50 euro for children 3-10 and 10 euro for children two and younger. For more information, call ITT at 043-430-3107, or email ITT@aviano.af.mil.
Venice by train, gondola ride June 1:
A trip to Venice leaves the Pordenone Train Station June 1 at 7:45 a.m. and returns at 10 p.m. Tickets cost 59 euro for adults, 29.50 euro for children 3-10 and 10 euro for children two and younger. For more information, call ITT at 043-430-3107, or email ITT@aviano.af.mil.
Downtown Aviano pool free for base personnel
The downtown Aviano indoor pool is available for use by base personnel free of charge while the base outdoor pool is closed. Members must present their military identification card and sign-in upon arrival. Appropriate clothing and gear must be worn when using the facility, to include non-skid shoes, swim caps, and a tight-fitting swimsuit.
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What you need to travel
Have appropriate documents on hand when traveling. Some Aviano travelers have recently been stopped and questioned by officials about their legal status in the European Union. Team Aviano members, when asked, usually present their tourist passport. Presenting the tourist passport first is still the best practice. However, this can raise questions. Either the tourist passport has no entry stamp (because the member entered the EU with their no fee passport or military orders) or they have a stamp that is likely more than three months old. Both of these scenarios will leave unanswered questions. The officials will either wonder how you got in without a stamp or they will wonder why you are still here more than three months later. The only way to satisfactorily answer these questions is to have all of your documents handy. In addition to the tourist passport, military members should have their military orders and military ID card and dependents should have their no fee passport/visa and soggiorno. Newly arrived dependents who have not yet received their soggiorno will be fine as long as they have a valid visa. Even with these documents you may have to educate different authorities about your legal status in the EU and explain how you arrived. Please remain patient whenever authorities inquire. Should you have any questions, please contact the legal office at DSN 632-7843 or passport office at DSN 632-4593.
Transporting pets in your vehicle
Italian law requires pets to be restrained while traveling in a vehicle. When traveling with one pet it must be restrained to prevent it from climbing to the front and distracting the driver. A leash can be used to secure the pet in the backseat. If you travel more than one pet, Italian law is specific about the type of restraint necessary. The animals must be either placed in a cage or placed in the back of the vehicle separated from the passenger compartment by a net or similar device. If the separating device is permanently installed it must be approved by the Italian ground transportation department. Restraining your pets will not only help in arriving safely but it will also avoid tickets and fines. The penalty for following this law is a fine ranging from 71 to 286 Euros. If you have any questions, please contact the legal office at 632-7843.
Snow tires or chains mandatory on autostrada, mountain roads beginning in November
Members should check their current tires for M+S, M/S or M-S. If tires have these markings, they are authorized as snow tires under Italian law. Motorists are required to have snow tires or snow chains on board all vehicles effective Nov. 15 through April 15, 2013 when driving on the following autostradas in Italy: A4 Venezia Trieste, A23 Palmanova Udine, A28 Portogruaro Conegliano and Raccordo Villesse Gorizia. Snow tires or chains are also required on any moun-tain roads, including the road from Aviano to Piancavallo. This does not include via Pedemontana Occidentale, commonly referred to as Mountain Highway. For more information, contact the 31st Fighter Wing Safety Office at 632-8240 or visit www.autovie.it/Home.aspx or www.autovie.it/cms/data/browse/news/000062.aspx.
Know before you go
Before traveling out of the Aviano area, the 31st Fighter Wing anti-terrorism office recommends first reviewing the information available on the State Department website: http://travel.state.gov. The site includes any applicable travel advisories for the areas you may transit during your travel. Additionally, the State Department has this material available on their mobile application. Search for SmartTraveler in your mobile device's app store.
Passports
While many of the world's most sought out locations are only a short plane, train or automobile trip away, to get to some of these destinations, Aviano members will need a passport.
Avoiding crime while traveling
Crime can happen anytime anywhere and becoming a victim can be a quick way to ruin an enjoyable trip.
Travel Europe by train
The idea of catching a train might sound like a throwback to travel 100 years ago, but in Europe it's a snap and relatively inexpensive to boot.
Driving on the Autostrada
The Autostrada is the main highway system in Italy and is similar to the Interstate highway system in the US. The Autostrada is the fastest way to get around Italy.
Etiquette when visiting art in churches
Much of the art in Italy is in Catholic churches. You are entering a place of worship and are expected to dress and act accordingly.
Culture - Integrating into Italian markets
Open air markets are one of the most picturesque aspects of Italian life style. At the market you can mingle with locals, walk with them through colorful stalls and purchase all sorts of merchan-dise. You can smell the fragrance of fresh fruits, flowers or tempting ready-to-eat Italian food passing by a "rosticceria."
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Base Operator/ Locator:
International: 011-39-0434-30-1110
In Italy: 0434-30-1110
DSN: 314-632-1110
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31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Commercial: 011-39-0434-30-7555
DSN: 314-632-7555
Unit 6140, Box 100
Aviano AB, Italy
APO, AE 09604 |
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This Weekend in the Community 