Strolling Through The Dolomites

What’s nice about this section of Italy is that you can choose between Italian, Deutsch, English, and the local language Ladin, when you communicate. I rolled through various “please” and “thank yous” depending on my mood and who was offering their service. As I am most prevalent in Spanish, I threw that into the mix as well, and was understood no matter which I opted for.

The landscape of the Dolomites is immense. I felt tiny walking along the mountain trails high up in the alpen meadows. The trails here are steep. On the first day, we opted to take the furnicular high up on the mountain and walk back down to town. Let me tell you it was hard on the legs. My calves, knees and quads were screaming like the brakes on an ‘89 Dodge Daytona.

The beer up here is superb. There is not much better than hiking all morning to a distant hutte that serves one style of excellent ice cold beer, fresh apple strudel and a million dollar view of a distant peak.

I still haven't seen what 4 or 5 pm look like. The European siesta is required after hiking all morning and eating some gelato, or sucking down a post trek beer.

I’d come back here. The money you spend here stays here. This section of Italy is wise. They make it easy to get here. Easy to enjoy the scenic beauty. And easy to leave with fantastic memories of strolling through the Dolomites - minus a healthy handful of Euros. But, who cares? Life is for living.

Arrivederci!