Good nights’ rest and patches of blue sky

THIS is what I thought Austria would look like. Spent the morning wandering around an old fortress on a high hill overlooking Salzburg. Climb to the top was a lunge-like hike. Added on to during different centuries so there was much history condensed in one place. We also happened upon a marionette museum. Took more video footage than Hannah is going to want to watch!

In the plaza found a cuckoo clock made in the black forest of Germany (or so they said). That was the souvenir I was looking for. Headed south and meandered to an end-of-the-road hamlet called Haldstatt. Nestled beside lake among mountains. Very pleasant couple of hours. Continued driving south and landed in the heart of Austrian ski country at a Chalet outside of Hermagor. Chatted with some English blokes.

Another day of sunshine had us headed south toward the Italian coast. My friends Debye and Pam are beach bum babes. Took a break in Udine. Got to Lignano Sabbiadoro in time to catch some rays with the locals. Had an amazing Italian feast and plenty of wine at a highly rated (and deservingly so) ristorante in the heart of the town.

Headed west through wine country. Thought we’d happen upon a winery for tasting. Did not. And it began to rain. Again. In Verona was trying to get at least a drive-by view of coliseum and got “stuck” in a tiny ally. It took Pam and Debye both out of the car directing to make corner. And then the polizia gently directed us out of the pedestrian walk way. On to Milan. 4 star hotel. We may just stay here for a couple of nights. Looking for an open air market today. Hope to score on some buys for those we love.

Must say. It's a wonderful life.