Otzi the Iceman

Super early wake up call this morning. Had to be on the bus by 8:20AM. Showers, packing and breakfast completed in quick order. Another wonderful breakfast overlooking Lake Como. Even though the skies were grey, it didn’t matter. I was sad to leave; there was so much to see and to there. Perhaps a reason to return?

Our bus is very nice. Seats about 47 and there are only 28 of us…so plenty of room to spread out. The bus has it’s own WiFi, tray tables, adjustable air vents, comfortable seating and charging jacks for all your electronics. I think the bus is fairly new. Our driver, Sauro, is great! Some of the places he got us into and out of would have made the most seasoned American driver cringe. Speaking of cringing…I lost count how many times we were passed on narrow, curvy roads. I though for sure we were going to see a bad accident. Finally I stopped looking at the road ahead and concentrated on the scenery.

Our first stop was on the Autostrata at a “rest area”. It’s really a gas station with a fast food joint attached, as well as a store and coffee shop. The store had just about everything, including a fine selection of meat and cheeses. We stopped only to use the restroom (or purchase coffee as some did.

We arrived in Varona around 11:30. Apparently it was “Bicycle Varona Day” which translated into: many closed streets. Our driver Sauro managed to turn around our bus in a busy intersection and find a place to off load us. We walked about a half mile to the piazza where we all split up to do our own thing for a bit. Mom and I wandered around window shopping and then found a cafe to have lunch; sitting outside people watching. There was a wedding party celebrating at the restaurant next door, so there was a lot of laughter and cheering going on there. Our server was about the fastest person I’ve seen in a food service position. I must have tried 5 times to catch him to ask for the check (in Italy you have to ask…it’s considered rude to bring you the check)! Mom finally made eye contact with him and he was over in a flash with the check. We paid and roamed around some more, looking at all the trinkets and cheap souvenirs offered up in the piazza.

Back on the bus we go. Next stop, Bolzano! Here we are visiting Otzi the Iceman. To be brief (well I’ll try anyway): Otzi was discovered in 1991 by a couple of hikers just this side of the Austrian border. There were multiple theories on who he was and why he was there. After some tests, it was discovered he was from the Copper Age and had died 5300 years ago. Specially preserved in ice, he remained until discovered (thank you global warming). He now resides in a museum specially built for him in Bolzano. Special means a temperature and moisture controlled room. Back up generators if the power goes out. He even has an ambulance and a special place at the local hospital if things were to go wrong at the museum. Mom and I spent about 45 minutes there looking at all the exhibits. Recovered along with him were his belonging (tools, weapons, fire starting equipment, etc).

After taking a gander at Otzi, Mom and I made our way down the brick streets back to the Walter Platz Piazza to meet the rest of our group. Back to the bus again (by now it’s about 4:30) and heading for Castrelrotto. We are very near the Austrian border. In fact, this village looks more German than Italian. The first language spoken here is German, then Italian. We took several winding narrow roads to get here but in the bus it’s a very nice ride. We arrived at dusk, so did not get to see a very clear lay of the land. However, Mom and I did get a glimpse of the Dolomites Mountains. It’s supposed to rain tomorrow so that may be all we see of them.

After checking into our rooms, we freshened up a bit and met the group to go have dinner at Pizzeria Sporthutte. All I know is I almost died getting there. Not really. But it was at the top of a steep hill and of course we were walking. At the high elevation I did have a struggle for breath but then all was well. REMINDER: Lisa: get off your butt and start exercising!

It had not only traditional made pizza, but also lots of German food. I had Pork Tenderloin with Mushroom sauce and rice. Mom had Breaded Chicken Cutlet with German Potato Salad. Very good food and good conversation as well. Our group is mostly retired or semi-retired people (I’m probably one of the youngest with the exception of one gal’s daughter who appears to be in her early 20s), and we all have varied backgrounds. It has been very fun learning about these new friends.

We walked back to the hotel (much easier coming back) and all scattered to our rooms. Mom and I each did a little hand washing in the bathroom sink…a pair of pants for me and some under garments. It actually worked better than I expected. Mom bought some laundry “sheets”. They dissolve in water and the water become soapy. Pretty cool! Would be great if you were camping or somewhere there were no washing machines.

Mom was reading and says: I should probably try to read a little before I fall asleep. No more than 2 minutes later, she’s out. She just woke herself up a few minutes ago and decided she better put on her nightgown and go to bed. One funny thing about this hotel; there is a fitted sheet on the bed, but no cover sheet. Just a blanket and comforter. Mom noted this (again) as she snuggled under the blankets. And again…she was out.

And so I shall too…we are getting up around 7 tomorrow for breakfast. It’s supposed to be amazing, although I can’t imagine what can top Hotel Royal Victoria in Varenna. Guess we shall see!

Buen Notte and Gute Nacht!