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One of several parts of the Lemene river winds its way through downtown Portogruaro, Italy, under a bridge festooned in fall colors.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes
One of several parts of the Lemene river winds its way through downtown Portogruaro, Italy, under a bridge festooned in fall colors.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes

europe quick trips

Portogruaro combines historical buildings, modern shopping close to Aviano Air Base

Plenty of Americans assigned to Aviano Air Base know the Italian city of Portogruaro because of where it leads.The city of about 25,000 is more than just a landmark, it's also a great city for shopping.

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The Vicenza Cougars line up during a recent football practice at Caserma Ederle, Italy.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes
The Vicenza Cougars line up during a recent football practice at Caserma Ederle, Italy.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes

Vicenza football in rebuilding mode again

Almost half the 35 players who came out who took the field before school started are freshmen.

Aviano senior Giacomo Fabbro follows through on a kick in practice under the eyes of assistant coach Ken McNeely.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes
Aviano senior Giacomo Fabbro follows through on a kick in practice under the eyes of assistant coach Ken McNeely.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes

New players will have to fill roles for Saints to repeat successful season

Only a handful of players return from last year’s squad that went 6-0 in the regular season before losing to Rota 26-21 in the Division II semifinals.

Along the paths of Parco di Villa Varda in Italy, there are dozens of benches for those wanting to take a break from a jog or just relax with a book or gadget - parts of the park offer free Wi-Fi.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes
Along the paths of Parco di Villa Varda in Italy, there are dozens of benches for those wanting to take a break from a jog or just relax with a book or gadget - parts of the park offer free Wi-Fi.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes

europe quick trips

Parks and regulations: Park near Aviano is peaceful with miles of trails

Parco di Villa Varda near Aviano Air Base offers opportunities for exercise, relaxation and sightseeing — just don't bring your dog or bike.

Grotte Caglieron wasn't that crowded during a recent weekend visit, though it's likely to get more visitors when work is completed to restore more access and when summer vacations start.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes
Grotte Caglieron wasn't that crowded during a recent weekend visit, though it's likely to get more visitors when work is completed to restore more access and when summer vacations start.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes

europe quick trips

Keeping its cool: Lesser-known Grotte Caglieron an easy distance from Aviano

Italy’s most famous sites — such as the Colosseum in Rome, the Grand Canal in Venice and Pompeii — are famous around the world. But it’s not that difficult to live in the country for years and find lesser-known venues that you’ve never heard of, much less discovered. Grotte Caglieron is one of those places.

Chicken tikka tandoor at Ristorante Shahi Qila in Sacile, Italy, features chunks of spicy chicken and cabbage.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes
Chicken tikka tandoor at Ristorante Shahi Qila in Sacile, Italy, features chunks of spicy chicken and cabbage.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes

Pakistani restaurant near Pordenone, Italy, packs a spicy punch

There aren’t a lot of options around Aviano Air Base for those looking for a place to eat out that doesn’t serve Italian, American(ish) or Chinese food.

A pararescueman from the 57th Rescue Squadron glides down toward a grassy patch between sections of the runway at Aviano Air Base, Italy, on Tuesday, June 5, 2018. The 56th and 57th officially become a part of the 31st Fighter Wing next week after moving from RAF Lakenheath in England.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes
A pararescueman from the 57th Rescue Squadron glides down toward a grassy patch between sections of the runway at Aviano Air Base, Italy, on Tuesday, June 5, 2018. The 56th and 57th officially become a part of the 31st Fighter Wing next week after moving from RAF Lakenheath in England.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes

GALLERY

Aviano’s newest airmen parachute in ahead of unit ceremonies

The airmen assigned to the newest units of the 31st Fighter Wing won’t all be parachuting onto base like the five that jumped on Tuesday, though dozens more probably could do that.

Spangdahlem ace Max Little watches his pitch approach home plate in the Sentinels' 6-4 victory over Aviano on Saturday, May 12, 2018.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes
Spangdahlem ace Max Little watches his pitch approach home plate in the Sentinels' 6-4 victory over Aviano on Saturday, May 12, 2018.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes

Spangdahlem stays perfect in division by edging Aviano

Sentinels are 5-0 in Division II play, but should face plenty of challenges in small, but competitive field in championships.

Vicenza's Bethany Williams is tagged out by Naples' Emily Kras at third base on Friday, May 11, 2018.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes
Vicenza's Bethany Williams is tagged out by Naples' Emily Kras at third base on Friday, May 11, 2018.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes

Raiders cross Alps and conquer Italian foes

Kaiserslautern improves to 8-2 in Division I by scoring 45 times in games against Naples and Vicenza.

This dish of almond chicken was served during a recent visit to Tai Ji Food Fusion Restaurant in Aviano, Italy. As is typical in Chinese restaurants in Italy, if you order a dish such as almond chicken, that's essentially what you get. Don't expect vegetables unless you're ordering vegetables.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes
This dish of almond chicken was served during a recent visit to Tai Ji Food Fusion Restaurant in Aviano, Italy. As is typical in Chinese restaurants in Italy, if you order a dish such as almond chicken, that's essentially what you get. Don't expect vegetables unless you're ordering vegetables.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes

Tai Ji Food Fusion Restaurant gets a fresh start in Aviano

Their restaurant is technically the newest in town, having opened its doors just about three months ago. But Zheng Junling and Ying Wei are no strangers to the restaurant business in Aviano.

Sigonella's Jessica Jacobs tosses the ball toward home while throwing a no-hitter against Hohenfels on Saturday, April 28, 2018. The Jaguars won 10-0.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes
Sigonella's Jessica Jacobs tosses the ball toward home while throwing a no-hitter against Hohenfels on Saturday, April 28, 2018. The Jaguars won 10-0.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes

Jacobs, Sigonella go 4-0 in four-team event

Jaguars improve to 11-1 on the softball season and could be favored to defend their European title.

Vicenza's Jesse Samsel creates a nice cloud of dust while sliding into third base, but Vilseck's Jordan Leighty tags him out in the Falcons' 6-3 victory on Friday, April 27, 2018.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes
Vicenza's Jesse Samsel creates a nice cloud of dust while sliding into third base, but Vilseck's Jordan Leighty tags him out in the Falcons' 6-3 victory on Friday, April 27, 2018.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes

Some teams appear more armed for success

Stuttgart and Vilseck emerge from first day with pair of victories over Italian rivals Naples and Vicenza.

Lake Barcis, a mountain lake about a half hour's drive from Aviano Air Base, is known for its turquoise-hued water.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes
Lake Barcis, a mountain lake about a half hour's drive from Aviano Air Base, is known for its turquoise-hued water.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes

europe quick trips

Barcis, Italy, offers uncrowded hiking trails and scenery at the foot of the Dolomites

Spring has sprung in Northern Italy, and that means the mountain bikes and hiking boots have come out of storage. For those in shape — or those who want to get in shape quickly (not recommended) — the Dolomites north and east of Aviano Air Base beckon.

American Overseas School of Rome's Denise Rapp fires a shot over a wall of Aviano defenders in the Falcons 3-1 victory over the Saints on Saturday, April 21, 2018.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes
American Overseas School of Rome's Denise Rapp fires a shot over a wall of Aviano defenders in the Falcons 3-1 victory over the Saints on Saturday, April 21, 2018.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes

AOSR, Marymount continue to handle the competition

The two Rome-based schools have spent most of the past decade facing off in the title game and it would take an upset to keep them from doing so again this season.

The ball leaves the foot of Vicenza's Grace Bello and heads toward the goal Vilseck keeper Mia Chon during a successful penalty kick on Friday, Apriil 20, 2018, in Vicenza, Italy.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes
The ball leaves the foot of Vicenza's Grace Bello and heads toward the goal Vilseck keeper Mia Chon during a successful penalty kick on Friday, Apriil 20, 2018, in Vicenza, Italy.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes

Vicenza girls find net again and again against Vilseck

Stuttgart girls and boys and Vilseck boys get narrow victories in other action in annual north-south matchups.

Little evidence is left at the traffic circle on the SS-13 (Via Aquileia) where a U.S. servicemember reportedly lost control of his vehicle in the early morning hours of Feb. 28, 2018, and struck four cars parked in the lot that serves the Al Laghetto bar and restaurant in Pordenone, Italy.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes
Little evidence is left at the traffic circle on the SS-13 (Via Aquileia) where a U.S. servicemember reportedly lost control of his vehicle in the early morning hours of Feb. 28, 2018, and struck four cars parked in the lot that serves the Al Laghetto bar and restaurant in Pordenone, Italy.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes

Aviano airmen charged in hit-and-run accident

Police said the driver’s BMW 330 approached a traffic circle at high speed, lost control and hit four cars in the parking lot. A person in the back seat of one of the four cars sustained minor injuries.

A C-130 from the 86th Airlift Wing at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, passes over Aviano Air Base, Italy, on Friday, Feb. 16, 2018, after taking part in a rare jump onto the base itself.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes
A C-130 from the 86th Airlift Wing at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, passes over Aviano Air Base, Italy, on Friday, Feb. 16, 2018, after taking part in a rare jump onto the base itself.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes

57th Rescue Squadron drops in for a bird’s-eye view of Aviano

The 57th Rescue Squadron doesn’t officially move to Aviano Air Base in Italy from its home in England until later this year. But that didn’t stop some personnel from exploring their new digs this week.

Order a pizza from La Torre in Pordenone, Italy -- there are more than 40 combinations -- and you'll get something a bit different than most Italian pizzerias. The crust is ultra-thin, and it's not made in a circle.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes
Order a pizza from La Torre in Pordenone, Italy -- there are more than 40 combinations -- and you'll get something a bit different than most Italian pizzerias. The crust is ultra-thin, and it's not made in a circle.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes

Out-of-the-way La Torre near Aviano Air Base puts a different spin on pizza

It doesn’t take that long for those assigned to Aviano Air Base to get to know their way around the city of Pordenone at least a little bit.

Vicenza's Ethan Johnston pins Aviano's Ayden Capps to take first at 182 pounds in the southern sectional on Saturday.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes
Vicenza's Ethan Johnston pins Aviano's Ayden Capps to take first at 182 pounds in the southern sectional on Saturday.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes

Southern schools put forth championship entrants

Aviano and Vilseck both qualify 10 wrestlers for season-ending championships.

Sigonella's Jessica Jacobs defends against Aviano's AJ Hardy in the Jaguars' 40-33 victory Friday night at Aviano Air Base, Italy.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes
Sigonella's Jessica Jacobs defends against Aviano's AJ Hardy in the Jaguars' 40-33 victory Friday night at Aviano Air Base, Italy.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes

Aviano, Sigonella play to competitive split

The Jaguars prevailed 40-33 in the girls game, and the Saints won the boys contest 43-38. Both games were undecided until the final seconds.

A statue on one of the two bridges to span the Monticano River in Oderzo, Italy, gazes toward the downtown area and away from the countryside and snow-topped mountains that loom in the horizon.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes
A statue on one of the two bridges to span the Monticano River in Oderzo, Italy, gazes toward the downtown area and away from the countryside and snow-topped mountains that loom in the horizon.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes

Oderzo: Italian market town has seen many conquerors

One of the most famous quotes attributed to Julius Caesar is “Veni, vidi, vici.” In English, that’s: “I came, I saw, I conquered.”

Rota's Sam Miller puts up a shot over American Overseas School of Rome's Amaya Vaquerizo and Marie Pascaline in the Admirals' 16-7 victory over the Falcons on Friday at Aviano Air Base, Italy<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes
Rota's Sam Miller puts up a shot over American Overseas School of Rome's Amaya Vaquerizo and Marie Pascaline in the Admirals' 16-7 victory over the Falcons on Friday at Aviano Air Base, Italy<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes

D-II teams enjoy seeing new foes

Rota sweeps AOSR, while Aviano and AFNORTH split on first day of two-day cross-Alps event.

The castle dominates the skyline of the city of Gemona, Italy, though nearby mountains dwarf the castle itself.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes
The castle dominates the skyline of the city of Gemona, Italy, though nearby mountains dwarf the castle itself.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes

europe quick trips

Evidence of devastation remains in Italian city of Gemona

A couple of months before Americans were celebrating the bicentennial in 1976, this city in northeastern Italy was in ruins after an earthquake that killed more than 300 people.

Ravioli filled with pumpkin was a recent first-course offering at La Casa Gialla, a restaurant outside Prata di Pordenone, about a 20-minute drive from Aviano Air Base, Italy.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes
Ravioli filled with pumpkin was a recent first-course offering at La Casa Gialla, a restaurant outside Prata di Pordenone, about a 20-minute drive from Aviano Air Base, Italy.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes

The menu doesn’t tell the whole story at La Casa Gialla near Aviano

Rarely does a restaurant live up to its name as thoroughly as La Casa Gialla. Indeed, much of it is yellow (gialla in Italian). And it used to be a farmhouse.

Photo of outside of courtroom at Aviano Air Base, Italy, on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017. Airman Cameron A. Owens was found guilty of attempted murder, aggravated assault, unlawful entry and conduct against good order and discipline at a court-martial Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2017. <br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes
Photo of outside of courtroom at Aviano Air Base, Italy, on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017. Airman Cameron A. Owens was found guilty of attempted murder, aggravated assault, unlawful entry and conduct against good order and discipline at a court-martial Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2017. <br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes

Aviano airman guilty of attempted murder in stabbing of fellow airman

An airman who stabbed another airman in her dorm room was sentenced to 18 years in prison at a court-martial Tuesday.

The Aviano train station won't be so lonely anymore, as almost two dozen trains will be passing through each day during the week. The station hadn't seen any regular train traffic since the service between Sacile and Maniago closed down in 2012.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes
The Aviano train station won't be so lonely anymore, as almost two dozen trains will be passing through each day during the week. The station hadn't seen any regular train traffic since the service between Sacile and Maniago closed down in 2012.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes

Train service resumes near Aviano Air Base to Sacile and Maniago

Americans who have been based at Aviano only in recent years will see something new starting this week: the passing of trains through the city.

Rota's Phillip Rivera puts Sigonella's Ben Latimer in an uncomfortable position in a 120-pound match Saturday at Aviano Air Base, Italy.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes
Rota's Phillip Rivera puts Sigonella's Ben Latimer in an uncomfortable position in a 120-pound match Saturday at Aviano Air Base, Italy.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes

Wins are just icing on the (low-calorie) cake

Coaches at Aviano meet say they're interested in getting their wrestlers as many matches as they can right now and have them demonstrate what they've worked on in practice.

Naples' Omar Lopez eludes Vilseck defenders Isaiah Hernandez, left, and Tim Simmons in the Falcons' 59-52 win over the Wildcats on Friday.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes
Naples' Omar Lopez eludes Vilseck defenders Isaiah Hernandez, left, and Tim Simmons in the Falcons' 59-52 win over the Wildcats on Friday.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes

Hoop summit gets off to sluggish start

Stuttgart is Day 1 winner, with both teams securing victories against Vicenza, while Vilseck and Naples each taste victory and defeat.

Photo of outside the courtroom at Aviano Air Base, Italy, on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes
Photo of outside the courtroom at Aviano Air Base, Italy, on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes

Defense: Airman charged with attempted murder at Aviano dorm didn’t aim to kill victim

The airman accused of entering a fellow airman’s dorm room and repeatedly stabbing her in April was “just interacting with things in his environment” and didn’t intend to kill her, his lawyers said Wednesday.

Rota sophomore running back Cameron Wilson was hard to bring down Saturday, rushing for a game-high 208 yards in the Admirals' 26-21 victory over Aviano.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes
Rota sophomore running back Cameron Wilson was hard to bring down Saturday, rushing for a game-high 208 yards in the Admirals' 26-21 victory over Aviano.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes

D-II semifinal

Rota tops Aviano to advance to title game

Sophomore Cameron Wilson scores runs for 208 yards and three touchdowns as Admirals avenge regular season defeat to Saints.

Aviano defenders stop Rota's Brennon Colvin for a short gain in the Saints' 33-30 victory over the Admirals on Saturday.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes
Aviano defenders stop Rota's Brennon Colvin for a short gain in the Saints' 33-30 victory over the Admirals on Saturday.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes

Saints, Admirals trade blows before Aviano earns late win

The result was a 33-30 Aviano victory in a what might have been the most competitive game in Europe this year. Giacomo Fabbro’s 38-yard field goal with 29 seconds to play kept the Saints’ record perfect.

The bottom part of the trail from Gorgazzo to Mezzomonte is actually more of a rough road. It's the only part of the trail that's wide enough to walk alongside someone else.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes
The bottom part of the trail from Gorgazzo to Mezzomonte is actually more of a rough road. It's the only part of the trail that's wide enough to walk alongside someone else.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes

Europe Quick Trips

Trail makes a good introduction to the Dolomites near Aviano

For those who want to hike in the mountains — and not hiking while at Aviano is a missed opportunity — the trail from Gorgazzo to Mezzomonte is a good introduction.

This sign just a few minutes from Aviano Air Base, Italy, using a combination of Italian and English, indicates that there are some properties available near the base. But with an increase of 300 airmen expected in 2018, the base is looking for more options.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes
This sign just a few minutes from Aviano Air Base, Italy, using a combination of Italian and English, indicates that there are some properties available near the base. But with an increase of 300 airmen expected in 2018, the base is looking for more options.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes

Search for Aviano housing extends farther off base as airmen numbers rise

The Air Force is looking for Italians with homes to rent within an hour’s drive of Aviano, as it faces a looming housing crunch due to an influx of new airmen.

This first-course option at Ristorante Cial de Brent featured bigoli pasta over a cream sauce.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes
This first-course option at Ristorante Cial de Brent featured bigoli pasta over a cream sauce.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes

Pair makes up one of the largest restaurant operations in Italy's Pordenone

If you like to eat out with family and friends but have a hard time finding a place where everyone can find something they like, there might be a place for you in Polcenigo, Italy.

Naples' Clair Elliot, left, and Cate Westbrook came down the hill together Saturday on the 3.1-mile course at Parco di San Floriano. Elliot went on to finish in 22 minutes, 28 seconds - beating her teammate by 8 seconds.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes
Naples' Clair Elliot, left, and Cate Westbrook came down the hill together Saturday on the 3.1-mile course at Parco di San Floriano. Elliot went on to finish in 22 minutes, 28 seconds - beating her teammate by 8 seconds.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes

Wildcats take on a course they've never run - and dominate

Led by winners Daniel Aleksandersen and Clair Elliot, the Wildcats dominated the largest cross country race held at Aviano’s home course this century.

Vicenza's Jessica Sweatman sends the ball towards the net Friday in the Wildcats' 26-24, 15-15, 25-20, 21-25, 15-11 victory over Vilseck.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes
Vicenza's Jessica Sweatman sends the ball towards the net Friday in the Wildcats' 26-24, 15-15, 25-20, 21-25, 15-11 victory over Vilseck.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes

Stuttgart, Vicenza win thrillers in finals-like atmosphere

Two-time defending champion Panthers hold off Naples in four games, while Cougars outlast Vilseck in five games.