Off To Italy II

I took the train back to Borgo Valsugana, a small town in the mountains between Trento and Bassano. M and C drove up and met me. The village of Borgo is very quaint - a tourist destination by itself.

Valsugana

Our destination the next day was Artesella, an outdoor art gallery of nature.

Artesella

C and M at Artesella

With C and M at Artesella

Back when I was a student abroad, one of my adventures was Germany. I had stayed with a wonderful family and have maintained contact with them ever since. Visits had been infrequent and it was long overdue, having not seen them in almost six years. It was a wonderful visit, but I sadly neglected to carry my camera with me most of the time and so took almost no photos. I'll post a single touristy photo I took will in the city one afternoon. This afternoon was actually a meeting with the woman I dated when I lived there. Three decades have past, but we immediately recognized each other.

Heiligegeist Spital

On the German high-speed train

Second travel week arrived. M had to work during the week, so we decided to bracket a Germany trip for me with two weekend adventures. The outbound was Lago d'Iseo - an absolutely wonderful destination. We left the autostrade at Breschia and drove up through the Franciacorta wine country. Lago d'Iseo is one of the glacial lakes in northern Italy. Its particular claim is the island in the middle. Our plan was to ferry across to the island and go hiking.
The evening turned rainy, so we took refuge in the town of Iseo at a recommended restaurant. An amazingly cute place, Osteria Melone is a small Italian restaurant run by a Japanese couple. It seems a favorite of the locals. When we first arrived, there were several of the elder men of the town gathered for wine. So typical. The food was excellent and I am now a convert to the Franciacorta wine. I can not praise it enough.

Franciacorta - Excellent

The next morning, we awoke with the clouds lifting. A view from our terrace across to the island showed our destination, the church at the top of the island. What a surprise - it is Italy, there is a high point of land, and there is a church.

Destination View

We took the ferry across to the island and began our hike up through the little villages.

Crossing to the island

Monte Isola

The trails were well-marked and each village had its own aerial display.

Elegant Hiking Map

I was left wondering, however, exactly what dangers we might encounter on the paths in the woods

Path In The Woods - Danger

The view from the top was truly outstanding.

Lago d'Iseo

View back toward our hotel

Our first warm and sunny weekend. The weather was gorgeous. Time to head off to Venice for a romantic escape. M and I met up with some fellow faculty members in Venice and had dinner out. It was such fun to be in Venice overnight. The mood changes entirely when the rush of all the daytrippers has abated.

Fellow faculty

The following day, M and I rose early and headed to Burano. Known as the island of lace-making, that industry is largely gone. It is still, however, a beautiful tourist destination. Especially with our early arrival and off-season, it was quiet and pastoral. All the homes are painted as soothing pastels. It is a small, simple island with a few squares - perfectly designed for walking.

Burano Bridge

Pastels in Burano

Hanging Out in Burano

M at the flower shop

While last year I spent much of my time hiking around Monte Grappa, this year the snow really kept us at bay. One weekend, several students asked me to take them. We did make it about 60% of the way before the knee-deep snow turned us back.

Hiking Monte Grappa with students