So yesterday’s rain kind of threw us off. It was a torrential downpour. We did yesterday’s agenda this morning (toured Trento on foot). We hope to get out, even in the rain, for a hike this afternoon. Here are a few shots from around town on our morning walk/tour. Twisty cobblestone streets where Italy meets Germany, each seemly taking the best of each other in terms of architecture and food. Beautiful place and I’d like to return here (maybe in better weather?)
Ok. My evaluation of this town. It’s a nice place to stop. Maybe not three nights but two. Probably the best thing to do (which we didn’t) would be to rent a bike and head out the peninsula to Sirmione. We took the ferry and it was fun but I think, if you go, biking would be better. My take? Fun resort town (we hit it pre season) but not necessarily my cup of tea. We’re off to the Dolomites tomorrow (Trento and then Bozen) which will have more spectacular hikes so I’m excited about that. In the mean time here are a few Desenzano picture.
I’ve mentioned before about the “Vacation from Vacation.” A time when you just kind of collapse from the stress of planning and travel and let go. Well today ended up being that day. We were going to ride bikes from Desenzano to parts unknown but just couldn’t bring ourselves to get out of bed early enough this AM. We’re a little over 2/5th into our trip (two weeks) and we both sort of collapsed from the pace. This isn’t to say we did nothing, we visited the Castle in Desenzano, and walked along the shoreline both directions. According to my watch over seven miles. I think this is about the minimal daily walk since we started our vacation (sans airplane days). It was nice to have a slow day.
We’re ferrying to a lot of little gems on this trip (Bellagio). Today was no exception we took the ferry over lake Garda to Sirmione. Lovely little place and I’d love to stay there. Had the best pasta of the trip there for lunch (I had spaghetti olio alio a pepperenccino and Fran had tagliatelle with bolognese) . Photos of the voyage (not the food) below:
Please recall my belt story from 15 years ago. Well I’m here to tell you there’s no inflation in Italy.
10 Euros for a belt. Same as 2009. Only with the exchange rate it’s now about $11.70 instead of $13.00
Had a very serviceable meal at Osteria Sgarzarie. It violates most of my rules about number of tables, menu in multiple languages, etc. Still it was a delicious meal with each course prepared well. Not a bad choice if you’re ever in Verona. And the biggest Negronis ever.
Don’t feel like writing so here are a few photos from Verona. Would come again and spend two or three full days.
A few observations about when I first traveled in Italy 35ish odd years ago and today. Things that have changed:
The city looked like it was going to be a bust when we arrived at the train station. Big, and while not dirty, industrial. We waited a while for a cab. It took us through the main part of the city not only up the hill to the Castle but back in time to windy Roman and Medieval streets. Our hotel, Gombit, is part of a refurbished historical site. Clean, modern, and with all the comforts. Not quite five start but darn close. The front desk staff are friendly and helpful. They got us reservations at Tanna, a local Osteria that had great food. The best of the trip? Not quite but in the top three for sure. Some photos of the city below.
