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 7/20-22/2025 Trekking in the Dolomites, Italy The Dolomites are one of Italy's most spectacular natural landscapes. They offer hikers of all levels various trails to explore and endless vistas (as you can see after a photo stop at glacial Lake Carezza, AKA Italy's lake of rainbows).  Needless to say, but this is the main reason people select this trip (including myself).    Thanks for the photo, Mary! First and best shot of the Dolomites from my hotel window  in San Candido and situated on the border of Austria and the Tre Cime Natural Park. And for today, the view from my hotel window. San Candido Church More room shots. Love the magic of the fog.   Lindsey and I chose to spend the day crossing by train into Austria  and enjoying Innsbruck a day sooner.  Here are some photos once we arrived at our destination. We enjoyed a delicious lunch at the first bakery we saw. And for some reason, when I thanked the ladies, they  both cracked up, even...

 7/19/2025 Overland to Bolzano The Monumento ai Caduti is near the  main square of Bolzano, the capital of the South Tyrol Region. The Palazzo dell' dell'Arengario Monza Cathedral (outside and inside). The view below my room over the square. Waltherdenkmal Bozen Monument The white Giraffe Chandelier? Possibly a spirit animal or a symbol of foresight, grace,  or the ability to rise above challenges. Bolzano Victory Monument. Unfortunately, our visit to the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology  (AKA the Otzi the Iceman Museum) was restricted to photos of this man older than the pyramids of Egypt. (BTW, I thought his skeleton was pretty intact for such a specimen.) 

 7/16-17/2025 Lugano By Water & Mountaintops Lovely Lake Lugano is one of the most unique lakes we visited  because its glacial lake is situated along the border  between southern Switzerland and northern Italy,  with a Swiss population of 63% and 37% from Italy,  known for its world-renowned cuisine. On the ferry ride from Lugano to Lake Como Free at Last! Finally relaxing after herding Americans. Found on the Villa Balbianello grounds. Leccio Madame Chapeaux Tree Sculptures

 7/15/2025 Overland to Lugano, Switzerland Cathedral Santa Maria della Consolazione Next Stop: Travaglini Winery in Gattinara Hilarious use of empty wine bottles. The original bottling machine. More fun with empty bottles. Exploring the interesting barrels with Silvanna. Next Stop: Breakfast in Lugano (AKA Birds vs. Humans). Lugano Breakfast Sculpture 10 Birds vs. 1 Croissant. Grab and Go Croissant. Views from my balcony.

  7/13-14/2025 Biella Most of us had never heard of a city named Biella, and as we approached the outskirts and questionable neighborhoods, we wondered what it could possibly have to offer. But never judge a book by its cover, because this hidden gem had plenty to offer: very few tourists, a medieval Piazza Square, stone buildings, arcades, cobblestone streets, an elegant cathedral, historic Palazzo Ferrero, and La Marmora Palace, a historic 16th-century mansion. We had a wonderful time staying at the Agora Palace Hotel, thanks to its friendly and accommodating staff, especially Carolena and the ladies who prepared us numerous cappuccinos and "American coffees." We will never forget Georgina and Nicholas (and their bunny) during our hilarious Home-Hosted Dinner, nor the Day in the Life of a local cheese farm with Eliza and her wonderful family. Interesting water fountain. Family sculpture Moses The funicular to the Palace. Sunday's church and baked goods! A day in the Lif...