We didn't try to do anything extravagant this weekend because it was only recently that we returned from our 2.5 week vacation to the Amalfi Coast and Sicily, followed by a 3-week visit from my parents. During my parents' time here, we took them on several day-trips and a great 5-day trip to Tuscany. Suzanne and I were also able to slip away for an amazing weekend of scuba diving and relaxation along the Croatian coast in Pula. Frankly, I think we have a touch of travel fatigue right now. So 4 days in the Italian Dolomites, about 3 hours from home, was a relatively simple and easy trip for us. But wow....I mean, WOW!
When we left yesterday afternoon, it was hot and dry. It may not have been 100+ degree heat that they've been having in Maryland recently, but hot enough where a stroll down the street will make you sweat. And after a lot of snow this winter and a very rainy Spring, this summer has been pretty much bone-dry. Three hours later and we are reaching for every piece of warmer clothing we may have packed, along with our rain jackets. Mountain weather - refreshing, but I don't think I'd want to trade.
One of the differences we were prepared for is that when you come up into this part of Italy, it is as much Germany as Italy. All of the signs and menus have both languages, but more than that is the look and feel of the place. All of the buildings are that classic Bavarian architecture with steeply pitched roofs, wood-beam overhangs, white stucco facades, and wood balconies covered in colorful flower boxes. We ate at an Italian restaurant last night, but we are ready and willing to eat snitzel and drink a good weizen. German food for me is something I like to eat every once in awhile, but then after one or two meals of it, I'm ready to go back to Italian fare or basically any other fare for that matter. We haven't really had German food since our trip to Austria last January, so bring on the goulash!
Then one might ask, "What is it you DO up there with two kids in the mountains during the summer?" Valid question. I asked it myself. It wasn't until we got off the autostrada and up into the mountains that it became more clear to me. The scenery all around you is simply compelling. The kids got noticeably excited and started finding ways of occupying themselves eg. making a game out of who was about to fall out of the car and plummet down the mountain as we traversed switchback after switchback. There are waterfalls and bike trails everywhere. The whole area is criss-crossed with hiking trails. As we drove through quaint mountain ski towns, we saw lots of shops we'd like to go check out, playgrounds to visit, gondolas that take you up to even more scenic overlooks, and interesting looking parks including one with a "ropes course" for kids. We are looking forward to going for bike rides along the water-water streams, like we did last weekend a little closer to home. And it's also nice to just hang out in our awesome apartment and relax with a coffee, some fresh bread, and beautiful mountain views in every direction.
My gracious, just reflecting on it a moment, in the span of a short few weeks the amount of traveling and diversity of traveling that we have done as a family - it's staggering. Our kids don't have the first clue about how unique and special this is. For them, they go hiking in the Italian Dolomites or swimming in Sicily or sightseeing in Tuscany not because they are incredible special vacations, but because it's the weekend.
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