Alpi di Suisi or Seiser Alm
After Verona we continued our ride north to the Italian Alps – the Dolomites. This close to the Austrian border, German is the primary language not Italian. The scenery was breathtaking as we ascended into the mountains passing by green valleys and Tyrolean houses and barns around each hairpin turn. Nearly all the buildings had window boxes overflowing with bright red geraniums. Just when you thought you had seen the prettiest alpine scene, we would go around another corner and there would be an even prettier story-book view. The ride was one of the most beautiful of the entire trip. Incredibly gorgeous. As if it couldn’t be more picture perfect, there were dairy cows with bells around their necks in the pastures. Someone pinch me because this can't be for real! After what seemed like 100 twists and turns, Stefano pulled into the hotel a bit before dinner. |
The next day was our free day to explore the alpine paradise. I took the Panorama chairlift to the top of one of the mountains. People of all ages were hiking and biking on the mountain paths. Even with overcast and drizzle it was beautiful. I took the Puflatsch Bullaccia cable car to the top of another mountain peak. Even with the fierce howling winds I could hear distant cow bells from nearby pastures and church bells ringing from the valley below. There were stunning 360-degree vistas. I wondered if this is what Heaven looks like.
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Later in the afternoon Patricia took half the group to a quaint village about 30 or 40 minutes from our hotel. The highlight for me was visiting a gorgeous wooden Tyrolean church. There was no marble, yet the artists were able to paint “marble” on the wood. Even close up, it looked like real marble. I find the inside of Italian churches to be peaceful and spiritual. As I did in Varenna, I lit a candle for Mom. I find myself thinking about her as I journey around the world. I know she would have loved to go on a Rick Steves tour, especially an Italian one.
On our return trip we made a stop at Castelrotto to see Tyrolean cemetery. It was extremely ornate.
Back at the hotel I had a relaxing sauna that was in one word – FAVOLOSO!
On our return trip we made a stop at Castelrotto to see Tyrolean cemetery. It was extremely ornate.
Back at the hotel I had a relaxing sauna that was in one word – FAVOLOSO!
Frozen FritzOur last day in the Dolomites, we woke up to sun. Go figure. Patricia told us to pack a 2-night bag for Venice. Luggage loaded, Stefano expertly maneuvered the bus down the mountain around a dizzyingly number of hairpin turns. The first stop of the day was South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology in Bolzano to see Ötzi –the Iceman or Frozen Fritz as Patricia calls him. I love her. Back in 1991, a couple hiking, stumbled across the mummified body of Ötzi. It’s a bit morbid to stand in line to peak into a small window to see a 5,000 year old corpse. It was interesting to see his clothing –goat skin leggings and coat and shoes made out of fibers/hay. |