Leaving Bolzano
Good morning, world! We woke up in Bolzano to the soothing sound of birds chirping and the tantalizing smell of breakfast wafting from the hotel kitchen. After wolfing down a hearty meal, we bid “ciao” to Albergo zur Sonne and set off on our next big adventure.
Our first pit stop? The famed Seceda, nestled right in the heart of the picturesque town of Ortisei. As we meandered through the town, we swapped the view of quaint houses for that of lush, towering mountains. But as luck (or lack thereof) would have it, the cable car from the second station to the top was in hibernation mode (cue dramatic gasps). But were we going to let this minor glitch stop us? Absolutely not! Adventure ran in our blood, and we decided to hike up. You see, when life throws you lemons, you simply lace up your hiking boots, and march right on!
Daring Seceda
Enter “Diabetic Dora,” our family’s very own explorer. That’s right, me. Navigating the hills of Seceda, with a blood sugar level as unpredictable as a teenager’s mood? Challenge accepted. We didn’t quite make it to the top, but we surely bagged a wealth of memories (and some calorie deficit) on our spirited attempt.
Meanwhile, our sleepyhead Zak sprang to life amidst the rolling green meadows. His jumpstyle dance routine against the backdrop of Seceda was a sight to behold! And as if that wasn’t enough, my husband decided to unleash his inner Julie Andrews, twirling around the fields with arms flung wide, crooning “The hills are alive…” I kid you not, it was a toss-up between joining in, rolling on the floor laughing, or seeking the nearest fallout shelter!
The Majestic Drive
As we finally drove out of Ortisei, our journey led us through the Passo Gardena. The awe-inspiring beauty of the landscape had even Zak, our resident Sleeping Beauty, wide awake in no time. His chorus of “wows” and “ahhs” served as our soundtrack as we navigated through the majestic mountainscape.
A pitstop at Berghaus Frara Restaurant in Selva for lunch was the cherry on top. Delicious food, spectacular views, and a post-meal hike up a hill that served a panorama that would make any dessert look like chopped liver, it was an experience for the books.
Next on the itinerary was the beguiling Lake Braies. Thanks to social media, it’s not just a lake anymore; it’s an Instagram star! Its shimmering turquoise water, flanked by majestic peaks, was a sight for sore eyes. And yes, Zak added another feather to his jumpstyle cap here too.
The Car Train Experience
Post a bit of grocery shopping in Leinz, we found ourselves in Mallnitz, tailing Google Maps to what seemed like a potential dead-end at a train station. But plot twist – our Mini Countryman was about to board its first train ride! A baffling detour that quickly transformed into an unexpected highlight of our journey.
As the day drew to a close, we arrived at the Mondi Resort in Bad Gastein, a locale that’s as rich in history as it is in beauty, immortalized by the movie Grand Budapest Hotel. We were treated to a stunning suite and views that had us picking our jaws up off the floor!
And just like that, another eventful day of our European adventure came to an end. From an impromptu mountain hike to lakeside dance performances, from unexpected train rides to movie-set.
All Around The World 