Keep Looking Over Your Shoulder

When in Italy caution is needed for several reasons.

You are left alone at the inn-"La Rocchetta". After being given a key at check in, the continental breakfast put out, Innkeeper Marco was gone. No other guests, no staff for two nights. This would be great if we were 25 years younger, had friends near and a keg of beer. But in a foreign country when you know about six words of the spoken language it was odd. Friday night about 1:00 a.m. for excitement two police cars stopped and were questioning someone outside our front door.


Marco reappeared Saturday morning as friendly as could be. He explained that other guests had not come because of cold weather, but tonight we would not be alone. His daughter (the family does not live at the inn) would be hosting a birthday party for 20 friends in the inn's breakfast
room, on the same level as our bedroom. He had told her no screaming and hoped we didn't mind.


Since this was our last night in Italy we went out for pasta. As we walked home, the evening rain picked up, so we ducked into another restaurant for a drink. The first person we see is Marco; he, his wife and friends are enjoying drinks as the party is on at the inn.

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Your money, Italians want it! Apparently they don't realize you can read numbers and add. Starting at the toll both on the autostrada, toll guy kept an extra euro. Three different restaurants over billed us, two of them we called on it. (one bill was increased by 30%) Each business had a mob cousin at the front being important, but basically doing nothing. All used a bit much hair gel and one dude had a gun in the middle of his navy sweater. (Sorry, no photo of creepy guy.)

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Run for your life! That's what you need to do before a motorized vehicle hits you. It doesn't matter if you're on the sidewalk, city hall plaza, in front of church or at a crosswalk, Italians put it in gear and floor it down their narrow streets. Look left, look right, look over your shoulder and they still may hit you straight on!!!!

Dear Uncle Calvin

"Wishing you a Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year. Hope you are well! "

Love,
Katie

Christmas cards are that annual greeting we like to receive, but are time consuming to put together. (with love of course)

This year I had planned to send a beautiful, unique German designed card. After searching many stores, in several towns and the internet my conclusion was this - 1. boxed cards like those sold in the U.S. are not available here 2. single cards are pricey (3 to 4E) 3. if a holiday greeting is sent, often it is a postcard and 4. Germans don't usually send many Christmas cards

So our card this year is an American Hallmark design, purchased on an American Army Base in Germany, stamped in Austria, addressed and signed in Italy. Also included is a brief, cheerful form letter (sorry!) and a photo collage of smiling faces.

Happy Thanksgiving (Pumpkin Pie Included)

We woke up at the Golden Alder Hotel located in Innsbruck, Austria this morning. After pulling curtains back a most beautiful view was at hand, breathtaking Alps surrounded us. Bright, blue sky and crisp air accented mountain magic. Morning brunch was bountiful, like Thanksgiving should be, so we overate and then wandered
around cobblestone streets.





Christmas markets were set up already selling decorations, toys and most importantly Gluhwein. Wednesday night after arriving, we stood under a heater (and the stars) sipping a steaming mug of wine. Tyrolean culture folklore dominated themed booths.






By noon we were driving over the Brenner Pass en route to Italy. LeCrumb Cafe had stocked pumpkin pie , so we devoured it out of its tin, without whipped cream, as an afternoon snack. Very thankfully we celebrated the holiday in style. (what kind of style I'm not sure)

Pumpkin pasta at "Alla Borsa" in Valleggio sul Mincio, Italy completed our Thanksgiving feasting.

PS. We hope you all enjoyed watching the Macy's Parade today!
(Tom takes the photos, Who writes this stuff??)

Countryside Beauty

Fifteen miles north of Rattlesdorf are two rare jewels featuring Baroque architecture. Banz Abbey founded by Benedictines was set on a hilltop in 1069. Today it still brews some pretty good beer, offers cafe dining and has fantastic walks around it.






Vierzehnheiligen two miles away is a pilgrimage church for many people. A shepherd is said to have seen 14 saints at this site. It is absolutely beautiful inside and outside. Well worth a trip to see!

My BIrthday Report - No Cake or Candles

Well yesterday, November 22, was my birthday. Tom didn't whip up a cake but it was a good day! He had
flowers for me and a DVD of the complete seventh season of "Everybody Loves Raymond".

As usual on weekends we hopped in our auto to see the sites. We stayed close, within 30 miles, finding some great scenery and stopped for lunch. My choice of course, I needed a taste of America, McCafe! European McDonald's are nicer and more expensive than the U.S. A Big Mac, large fries (its was my special day) and a mocha for dessert were really rather tasty.

In the evening Tom had invited Paul, Luddy, Gabby and Ullie (our landlords) to go out for dinner with us. They surprised me with a champagne toast and poinsetta. Really nice folks to celebrate with.

Beauty of the Bavarian Forest

Our Sunday Morning Walk
Nature At Its Best

On The Road Again

This weekend's pick for adventure was Passau, a small German city that shares the border with Austria. It is known for several reasons; location(at the confluence of three rivers-Danube, Inn and Ilz), a spectacular old town area,museums and cathedrals.

The world's largest church organ (17,300 pipes) is located in St.Stephen's Cathedral. A local organmeister skillfully delivered a concert of dramatic classical selections. I wanted to request he play Phantom of the Opera as an encore. Noon concerts are common on Saturdays in Germany.

Two hot tips for frugal travelers.(these are different than eat in your car and don't forget napkins) 1. Be sure to read local posters to know what's going on and cost.(maybe free) 2. If the museum you're in doesn't interest you much, check out the view as I did. Boat watching on the Danube was much better!

This region of the Bavarian and Bohemian forests is famous for glassmaking. Dating back to the 14th century artists have been crafting pieces. One hundred plus workshops are scattered in Germany and Czech Republic.