Breathing in the Sights and Sounds through the Dolomites

Whenever I've traveled to Europe I have always delighted in the sounds of the bells coming from the mountains.  

Going up the Marinzen lift in Castelrotto I could hear the bells long before I could see the cows and their handler.

Coming out to a clearing of the trail into the small village of Castelrotto also called Kastelruth with its strong dash of German traditions entwined throughout the area.

The view from our balcony in Malcesine with the Madonna dell'Accoglienza watching over us.

Peaceful

enjoy,

k

Ambitious Drive

As we were checking out of our hotel in Mestre we chatted with Georgio about where we were headed next.  Our journey was taking us into South Tirol in Northern Italy to the small village of Ortisei.  I had done my homework and looked at the routes available to us.  We could have taken the easy route - less time - highway driving....

nah ~ not our style

We drove up the Dolomiti Mountain Roads.  Georgio was so sweet "that's an ambitious drive"  He's so right and we wouldn't have it any other way! 

The drive from Mestre to Belluno was about 107 km about an hour twenty drive time.

The drive from Belluno to Ortisei was another 107 km about two hours thirty drive time.

Into the mountains we go....

 Passing through small villages along the route viewing a small part of life in the mountains.

 The ruggedness of these mountains truly awes your senses...

 as well as the engineering of the roads to get you there! 

 One minute you'll be on a hairpin turn and the next minute you'll be in the middle of a small village.

 We came upon some familiar areas through our love of skiing and racing.  Alda Badia, Val Gardena and a few others we'd love to come back and ski during the winter months.

 Light on the Mountains - Bellisimo

 Hikers were all around enjoying these stunning landscapes.  The villages were quiet as they are between seasons but you could see the locals and tourists enjoying this slow time to the fullest.

 You can't always know what's was around the next bend...

What you do know is that your ambition and your drive will get you there!

enjoy,

k

Less Hustle Less Bustle ....visit to the islands

On our boat ride to Murano you could feel the shift ~ little less hustle little less bustle

 First stop was to the island of Murano

We strolled down along the waters' edge and passed a couple of glass shops.  Decided to keep on walking the path.  We came across this shop and took the 3 Euro tour.

A short tour giving us a opportunity to experience the art of 

glass blowing that has been around for centuries.

 The "glass master" works alongside his fellow craftsmen

The speed and grace of their art was evident through their movements.  They would pass pieces to each other at various stages and always pass to the master.  Respect and honor to their craft.

 It was a wonderful insight into one aspect of what makes this little island so special. 

When I travel I delight in the small "micro" stories that happen within our day.  This gentleman and his dog were walking in front of us down the alleyway.  We ventured through a residential area of Murano on our way towards the Centro.  Didn't really know our way, we were just enjoying our walk.

 The dog had a bum paw and was barking at the gentleman.

 The gentleman turned and gave a shush to his dog with a warm smile and the next moment signaled him to follow.   At the end of the alley he scooped him up and offered us that same smile - along with a gesture for us to follow.  We followed along and watched as he greeted friends along the route.   With a turn here and there he guided us into the Centro.  We stopped and exchanged a few words Italian/English and in the translation we realized he was showing us to the Faro -number 12.  We thanked him and wondered around the streets for a little while.  Using his guidance we ventured down the alleyway directly to the Faro pickup spot for our boat ride over to Burano.  As we were getting closer to the water we noticed we was walking back with a lady friend that came visiting to the island that morning.  Again, we exchanged smiles as we each continued on our way.  

 A quick jaunt to Burano with a warm welcome of color and charm.

Tourists and artisans strolling and working.  

 The warmth of the air combined with the charm of the many shops lining the canals.

A much smaller scale - slower pace than Venice.


we strolled through taking in the sight and sounds

along with a stop for lunch offering us a view of the canals, bridges and fellow tourists ....for me a wonderful bowl of mussels

Extra bread             si' grazie

 Canals

 Color

 we enjoyed seeing the colorful curtains hanging at each door

they added a touch of personal style and flair

....homey     came to mind

thank you for making us feel so comfortable and cozy during our visit 

enjoy,

k

Venice City of Water ....and approximately 400 gondoliers

First stop on our holiday was to the City of Water ~ Venice

Jim and I tend to be "off the beaten path" travelers.  But to miss a stop in Venice would have been silly on our part.  The romantic charm comes through around every turn and through every canal and side street.  A Photographer's dream without a doubt.  But also a place to wander and explore together as we continue our journey

"35 years ...and counting"

I must say the Grand Canal made Weirs Channel in Summer look like a walk in the park!

Then of course, you throw a gondolier or two in the mix.

hmmmm    romantic.....? 

You cannot discount how masterful they are maneuvering their boats. 

Absorbing the colors, the sights, the sounds....

while meandering streets,  

down the canals

across and under bridges

 Locals enjoying a typical day at work

 Look at that - even the Contracos got my attention!

Next, a stroll on the islands of Murano and Burano...

enjoy,

k

Unearthed

Jim and Tom were replacing some sills the other day.

Look what they dug up...
 



Time Capsule 1999

We had a few laughs reading through our "predictions"  I'd say they were pretty spot on!

Good Stuff ~ Unearthed

enjoy,

k

Walk a Mile in Her Shoes

Supporting the
Crisis Center of New Hampshire


enjoy,

k