It's alarming to see the flooding in Venezia after literally just being there not long ago. I…read moreavoided the city for years not wanting to deal with the tourists. The city is very different during the day and night, transforming to a hauntingly beautiful still life after the day trippers have gone. However one has to eat during the day too. So in avoidance of the crazies and staying awAy from said masses, it rewards one to explore the deep alleys and corners in the rain. To truly understand the culture, food is always a great start. While wandering aimlessly i happened upon a multi generations old maccelaio. I told them i wanted to understand what some of the charcuterie and butcher traditions were and purchased a few things for myself and friends from other regions. When they saw i was trying hard to understand and learn, i was welcomed in by two of the generations and some of the locals as well during their normal shopping. Do you truly understand where your food comes from? As someone who has a local butcher and have friends in that trade, it's interesting to see the cultural differences of the same profession. Dig deep and you will unearth the secrets of great travel

The little seen butchers in Araba in to be found in a rustic house on the road out of Arabba…read moretowards Corvara on the right. It is run by Francesco Delomengo, one of 6 brothers who live in the village and it's been ticking away with business for the past 2 years. Inside it is small but has a good selection of fresh meats. He has all the usual, chicken, lamb, pork & beef and often he will also have game such as rabbit or game birds. The prices although not as cheap as larger supermarkets in the area (the nearest is 45 minutes away) are good value and it's always nice to support the local shopkeepers. He can also order stuff for you which he'll have within a couple of days. The meat is of a good quality and in the main fat free and the goulash beef is some of the best non fatty meat around.