Over the Swiss holiday, we took our first trip to Italy. After a late start on Thursday, it took 5 hours to get to our hotel. The drive alone, made the trip worthwhile. Driving south through the Alps and into Italy, we came across many beautiful mountain lakes and villages that we promised ourselves to visit someday.
Driving in Italy is not for the faint of heart. We occasionally saw drivers passing on either the left or right shoulders of 4 lane highways. Scooters zipped in and out of traffic with no apparent concern for themselves or their passengers. It got pretty crazy, sometimes.
Our hotel was located on the shores of Lago Garda in the small town of Sirmione. Here is a link to a map of the area.....
http://maps.yahoo.com/;_ylc=X3oDMTExNmIycG51BF9TAzI3MTYxNDkEc2VjA2ZwLWJ1dHRvbgRzbGsDbGluaw--#mvt=m&lat=45.49157&lon=10.60834&zoom=13&q1=sirmione%2C%20italy
As you can see, it is on a peninsula sticking far out into the lake. The weather was perfect, sunny and in the mid 90's.
On Friday, we went to the nearby city of Verona. This was our first glance at the medieval side of Italy. We walked across the bridge into Castelvechio (castle of Verona) that surrounds the ancient city. Again, there were many locations to practice ones archery and defend the castle! After passing through the front gates, we explored the city. We visited Juliet's balcony from Shakespeare's famous story. We toured the Basillica S. Anastasia, the oldest cathedral in Verona. In the main square, you cant miss the Arena di Verona. Built in the first century, it is one of three Roman arena's in italy still standing. They still perform in the arena, although to my disappointment, not like in Gladiator, only the opera. The opera was incredible though, and it was truly amazing the acoustics in such an old open air building. The singers sounded just like they do at the Kennedy Center.
Saturday was a bit more relaxing. We hung at the pool and read for most of the day. In the evening, we went to the center of Sirmione. We really didn't know what to expect, so we were excited (well, Kurt mostly), when we caught sight of, yet, another castle. This one is located at the tip of the peninsula and protected the city center. With a moat and a drawbridge, it was definitely what you imagine a real castle to be like. Inside, there were many restaurants, shops, and Rani's favorite, tons of ice cream shops!
Sunday, we drove up the east coast in search of wind and a sailboat to rent. We ended up having a great sail in some of the most beautiful waters we both have ever seen. Clear blue water, towering mountains and cliffs, and the architecture of ancient churches and castles as our backdrop. It was truly amazing.
Check out the videos on the bottom, they're kinda silly but who cares... Ciao!
Driving in Italy is not for the faint of heart. We occasionally saw drivers passing on either the left or right shoulders of 4 lane highways. Scooters zipped in and out of traffic with no apparent concern for themselves or their passengers. It got pretty crazy, sometimes.
Our hotel was located on the shores of Lago Garda in the small town of Sirmione. Here is a link to a map of the area.....
http://maps.yahoo.com/;_ylc=X3oDMTExNmIycG51BF9TAzI3MTYxNDkEc2VjA2ZwLWJ1dHRvbgRzbGsDbGluaw--#mvt=m&lat=45.49157&lon=10.60834&zoom=13&q1=sirmione%2C%20italy
As you can see, it is on a peninsula sticking far out into the lake. The weather was perfect, sunny and in the mid 90's.
On Friday, we went to the nearby city of Verona. This was our first glance at the medieval side of Italy. We walked across the bridge into Castelvechio (castle of Verona) that surrounds the ancient city. Again, there were many locations to practice ones archery and defend the castle! After passing through the front gates, we explored the city. We visited Juliet's balcony from Shakespeare's famous story. We toured the Basillica S. Anastasia, the oldest cathedral in Verona. In the main square, you cant miss the Arena di Verona. Built in the first century, it is one of three Roman arena's in italy still standing. They still perform in the arena, although to my disappointment, not like in Gladiator, only the opera. The opera was incredible though, and it was truly amazing the acoustics in such an old open air building. The singers sounded just like they do at the Kennedy Center.
Saturday was a bit more relaxing. We hung at the pool and read for most of the day. In the evening, we went to the center of Sirmione. We really didn't know what to expect, so we were excited (well, Kurt mostly), when we caught sight of, yet, another castle. This one is located at the tip of the peninsula and protected the city center. With a moat and a drawbridge, it was definitely what you imagine a real castle to be like. Inside, there were many restaurants, shops, and Rani's favorite, tons of ice cream shops!
Sunday, we drove up the east coast in search of wind and a sailboat to rent. We ended up having a great sail in some of the most beautiful waters we both have ever seen. Clear blue water, towering mountains and cliffs, and the architecture of ancient churches and castles as our backdrop. It was truly amazing.
Check out the videos on the bottom, they're kinda silly but who cares... Ciao!
The entrance to Castelvechio
Crossing the bridge
Marauding Prussians are spotted!
The archer slits make for easy vanquishing of one's enemies
(Poor Rani)
Juliette's balcony
A statue of Juliette with her well worn right breast. Kurt was not allowed to rub it like everyone else as the legend has it you will find a new lover after such action
Rani standing outside the Arena di Verona
Inside the arena, before the start of the opera
The castle of Sirmione with a moat!
Rani and Kurt posing in front of the castle
Castle at night
Sailing with a baby bump!
A castle on Lago di Garda
Mom, make sure you have your speakers on!
Kinda silly, but it shows how massive the arena is and how good her voice is
3 comments:
I see that you got the hang of adding pictures! Yay!
What a phenomenal weekend you had! Italy looks even better than I ever imagined!
I can't wait!
I am really jealous of all that you get to do!! It seems like such an awesome experience! I can't wait to come visit! Love you!
Post a Comment