Frozen man and German-Speaking Italy

Visited the Northern Italy city of Bolzano today. A real mix of German and Italian culture & language. Saw the sites, highlight was the Museum of??Archaeology??featuring the incredibly preserved remains of Otzi and his belongings – 5000 years old!

Wine tasting in an Italian Cave

After getting off the train from Brig to Verona, we were piled into a car and off for a wine tasting spree with Marthese’s Parents!

We went to an old converted cave where Zyme wines store their wine casks. After a quick tour, we were led to the tasting room. I’d promised myself I wouldn’t buy any wine, but of course after a whole lot of wine and grappa all promises become null and void.

Went to bed with a sore head. I love Italy.

Popping out to Switzerland for some Cheese & Snow

We just spent 2 nights in a lovely little town called Saas Grund with Marthese’s German host family from her High School exchange. The Ostermann’s were lovely and generous, they looked after us so well. We were kept warm with lots of food and alcohol.

Beer, wine, schnapps and punch (a warm-fruity-potent-alcohol-creamy-delicious-thingy).

A definte highlight was eating Raclette, a traditional Swiss meal that involves melting cheese onto potato and eating until you collapse or explode.

As you can see from the pictures, it snowed. We spent a few hours up on the mountain (3km above sea level apparently!) where it was about -15C. Despite the cold and the sting of the wind and snow, it was a gorgeous place to be.

Many thanks again to Wiebke, Connie & Matthias for making our stay so memorable. So awesome, an amazing few days.

Oh and of course thanks to Leo, the dog. I miss you already.

A Day in Venice

Did a day trip to Venice today. Visited the Doge’s Palace and San Marco square, Rialto Bridge and random wanderings.

Despite the fact its a massive tourist-trap, Venice is without a doubt one of the most remarkable places I’ve ever been! It was a beautiful sunny day, and the supposed “stink” that I’ve heard so often complained about was totally absent, perhaps because its Winter. Or perhaps because most things smell better than my end of Stanmore. We avoided the Gondolas but got a great view of the city catching the Ferry from the station to San Marco’s and reading along to Rick Steve’s Italy tour. (plug!)

Below are some photos, but they do not do the city justice, its something that has to be experienced. (Not allowed to take photos in the Doge’s Palace which sucks cause it was AWESOME!)

Wandering around reminded me of Assassin’s Creed 2. Getting lost in the streets of Venice in that game was so much like getting lost in real life. AC2 is seriously a MUCH better way to enjoy the Venice experience from afar than photos. Plus you get to climb everything and use knives!