Bassano (not Alberta)

Right, so. A late start and some perservation led us to an afternoon in Bassano del Grappa, a very pretty city in Northern Italy's Veneto region. We were looking for the 13th century Ponte Vecchio bridge and we did indeed find it, even though it looked about as modern as could be. An ancient wooden bridge obviously needs to be upgraded on a frequent basis. It afforded a lovely, bucolic vista over the River Brenta. On one end of the bridge was a brandy factory, on the other, a grappa distillery. One can only imagine the states of staggery from those to chose to partake in both in one go. The view was lovely and really showcased this lovely Medievil village.

As always, we searched out the piazza's (three, adjoining, a lovely surprise) and then to the duomo Chiesa del'Donato. Completely deserted. This is where St. Anthony apparently stopped for a night or two back in 1223 (we saw his cell, and a tiny chapel). Most of you know my affinity for St. Anthony, because he is the patron saint of lost things. IE, car keys, earrings, passports. He is also anti starvation, supportive of American Indians, amputees, animals, Brazil, the elderly, expectant mothers, fisherman.... it goes on and on. Suffice to say, he's a pretty good guy to have at your side in an emergency, so it was nice to see where he once laid his head.

Most of the businesses were closed, I guess Monday is their day of rest, but there were a few lively places in the piazzas and everything else looked calm and lush. After a few hours of wandering, we headed back to Verona using the secondary highway system, taking two hours instead of one - but relieving a lot of the Autostrada stress. This last picture is for my sis, and she will know why. ♥

Both banks of the Adige and a dozen bridges

Due to temporary operator error Bologna was a busted attempt, but we haven't taken it off the menu quite yet. Perhaps Domani. Instead, we both felt like a good long walk so that is exactly what we did, walking alongside the peaceful Adige all the way into Verona and beyond, a good four hour jaunt broken up by a colorful dancing demonstration of - ahem - "Ladies with Jugs."

The piazza's were packed today, it being Sunday, and we didn't last long in the thousands of people milling about and standing in lengthy lineups for gelato and spritzers. Instead, we meandered home on the other side of the river, happy to just take in the day and the sights along the way. A brief stop at our Euromarket for some fresh pasta, iced tea and wine, and we were ready to summit the 60 steps up to our apartment, rounding out this day to a solid 20K steps. All in perfect weather. And now? There is pan full of of mixed fungi simmering in butter and garlic that will accompany the last of the roasted veggies. It's Prosecco time for sure. Ciao!

The Hills Were Alive….

With the sound of.... cow bells! And what a melodious sound it was. Today we drove for two hours on the autostrada to arrive at Bolzano, a pretty spot in the South Tyrol province of N. Italy. There we caught the cable car that climbed Mt. Ritten to a breathtaking view from the Renon High Plateau. Only 12 minutes in transit and we stepped into a village straight out of a storybook - quaint, bursting with hibiscus, fuschia and trailing geraniums and surrounded by verdant pastures filled with happy cows, hiking trails and signage plus many inviting hostels and hotels.

Forgive the reflection from the cable car windows, and I hope it doesn't detract from the beauty of the vista below. It was gobsmacking. We enjoyed a nice wander around the village before selecting a hiking trail named "The Pyramids", purportedly a half hour walk. Unfortunately I was pretty unprepared, not knowing we were going to trek, and I wore my Teva sandals which do not have enough safe purchase to make me feel confident on very rocky, steep downhill slopes. Around the halfway mark Dave went off on his own and I had a lovely half an hour seated regally on a bench in a pine-scented forest until he returned, breathless and sweaty. I have new respect for the alpine classification of hikes - they are not for sissies. And there will be both a hiking pole and good hiking shoes on my next venture. Still, it was an unforgettable day and once we rode the cable car back down, we had a quick wander around Bolzano before finding the Fiat and launching ourselves on the autostrada for another thrilling ride home. It will be an early night tonight, after enjoying a platter of the roasted veggies we made last night. There are murmurings of a train to Bologna tomorrow and considering it is supposed to be a foodie's paradise, I can hardly wait.