Having returned to the States just a couple of days ago and then almost immediately going back to work and my pre-Italy schedule and commitments before I’ve had a chance to unpack fully – I will be the first to admit that I’m still going through a period of adjustment – from the time zone difference, to the climate, to the change in food/diet. I’m a bit of a sleepy girl right now, and I’m thankful I’ve got a long weekend coming up to catch up on some rest and both correct and reboot my system a bit!
I had shared some of the first leg of my Italian adventure last week, where I wrote about hiking mountains and visiting the remnants of Medieval castles – but I drank in so much more important history and natural marvels throughout the Lake Garda region while I was there!
A few days into our trip, on one of the rainier mornings we’d experienced since we’d arrived, and after a failed attempt at my completing a Via Ferrata climb through a gorge (I was terrified, and we had to turn back), Troy and I traveled by both car and on foot to what was left of a former WWI base atop a mountain – including the remains of a hospital, carved out outposts, a military cemetery, and a battalion where cannons had been strategically placed to defend against encroaching enemy lines – some of which still had graffiti from the former soldiers carved into the stone! Learning that some of Troy’s family had been stationed there and assigned to protect the region was fascinating – especially when seeing how difficult the terrain was to navigate – even now.
There was a still active outpost at the top of the mountain where we were able to meet some locals (and a few huge snails!) and grab some lunch by a cozy fire, which was especially inviting given how soaked we’d gotten in the on-and-off rain showers.
The skies had cleared by the afternoon that day, and after making our way back down the mountain, Troy brought me to Cascate del Varone to get just a little more wet. This beautifully curated park and botanical garden/trail also boasts two perfectly backlit tunnels/caves that lead into both the top and bottom of one of the most powerful and stunning waterfalls I’ve ever seen in my life. I was absolutely floored – and suddenly realized why Troy had bought a poncho for me when purchasing our entry tickets. The wind and the water within the tunnels were so intense – but I had the time of my life! I kept going back in to take another look!
And on our way back to our hotel, we stopped in the village of Limone – a popular tourist destination – after peak hours for some pizza and sightseeing as the sun was setting. Obviously, given the name, the town is decorated with and promoting all things lemon and limoncello (I bought a couple of locally produced bottles while I was there to bring home for family and friends!) It was here that I snapped some of my favorite photos – and I can see why so many people love visiting there!
Other beautiful destinations and day trips that Troy and I visited/made during our stay included a walk around the perimeter of Lake Ledro, which is one of the bluest bodies of water I’ve ever seen in my life. I couldn’t believe how vibrant the color remained from every angle and in both sunny and partially cloudy conditions. It was extraordinary. During our trek, we visited each of the villages surrounding the lake – and came across a unique outdoor art gallery/sculpture collection in the town of Pur. I’ll be sharing photos and a recap from that location a little later on this week, since it definitely deserves it’s own post!
There was also a stop by one of the smallest but most colorful villages in the region, where I unexpectedly became a bit of a local celebrity for an evening after reading a sign outside a restaurant that outlined the life of the founder/owner – and stated he was a big fan of John Wayne. Wayne is my cousin on my paternal grandmother’s side, and when this fact was casually mentioned to our friend and guide during the tour since it was a surprise find – the restaurant owner’s family and staff came out to greet me with open arms, hugs and kisses. We were ushered inside the restaurant for wine and food, and I had the most amazing carbonara of my trip. Fabrizia, the current owner and daughter of the original founder – is also a very gifted sculpture and artist – and I bought some of her work to bring home with me to display in my apartment.
And Troy made sure to bring me to Rivoltella, another popular tourist destination and shopping area so I could take in the cute streets and storefronts and have some gelato – which I am still obsessing over as we speak. It was so good!
Finally, one of the most poignant moments from this trip came near the end of our journey – when we were getting ready to pack up to head back home. The region where we were staying held a festival to celebrate the 80th anniversary of their liberation from the Nazis and Fascists following the conclusion of WWII. The commemorative event included a play by local children at their school, a community march into the center of town (and the conclusion taking place outside the church) a few speeches from local politicians – and plenty of singing.
It was a thrill to join the procession and get to watch from the sidelines – and I’m so glad we got to experience it!
I consider myself so blessed and so fortunate to have been able to go on this incredibly beautiful, moving, educational and unbelievably fun journey to such a gorgeous country filled with the kindest, warmest, hardest-working and loving people – all with the person I love the most beside me for each adventure, every fabulous meal, and every shaky step on some intense (but rewarding!) physical excursions. Troy, I adore you. Thank you so much for everything.
I hope we get to go back again soon!
I’ll be back on Friday with a few more photos from my trip before it’s time to (unofficially) kick off the Summer season! But before that – your girl needs a nap!
xo
Coffee & Chiffon 