Sunday, July 15, 2007

Approaching Austria...

Our ride through the Italian Alps into the Austrian Alps is probably the most breathtaking sight to see. The huge massive mountains our train weaved in and out of as if getting deeper and deeper into Heaven. The houses are adorable. The windows pouring with colorful peonies and geraniums as if they wanted to kiss the sun.
Arriving in Innsbruck, Austria was such a nice surprise. The sweetest bed & breakfast that had a wonderful patisserie. It was family run which made it so personal and caring. The people of Austria are amazing. Very kind and friendly. We took a lift up to the top of the Alps. No wonder yoddeling started here. The air is sooooooooooo crisp and makes you just want to breath and sing! The views of all the mountains makes you realize just how small we really are. Mattias and I were here about 7 years ago and remembered there being a TON of snow. Now with the climate changing we saw it in person how it is absolutly upsetting to see such a change in mother nature. There was NO snow on the tops of the mountains. IF any there is maybe a square of 6 feet. Last time we were here there were people snowboarding in AUGUST. Now nothing. Pretty sad. Even though we are small in these massive mountains we really rock them up! Something needs to be done... SOON!

Cinque Terre, Italy

Cinque Terre was none of the less absolutely beautiful. After such a hectic journey in the gorgeous city of Florence it was lovely to rest a bit in the quaint little seaside villages. Such a wonderful time to spend by such beautiful scenery. The colors of the houses was seriously warming to see. Golds, reds, yellows. The food was so delicious and really great to relax at the small cafes. Endulging in the gelaterias from corner to corner. So creamy and sweet. The water of the Meditereanean is a treat to see. The rainbows of blues and aquas ooooh and the clearness. Amazing!
I keep remembering these tomatoes we had. It was from a fruitstand in Florence. THey were GORGEOUS red and the taste of these beauties was the best taste I ever had. We ate them whole like apples. as they driped from the corners of our mouths down our chins we didn't pause to wipe just bit the next bite. They were so sweet and addictively juicy. I have to try and grow them just to get a fix!

what a beautiful village...

Fiesole, Italy
Our shuttle driver names Mario seems to know everyone in our village called Fiesole. As he rolls down the hillside he stops for a quick hand out the window and a nice buongiorno!!! to all the nice old ladies in their gray skirts and flowered blouses. All the old men shop keepers stand outside their shops smoking and tipping their hats to each and every nice lady who passes. People hang outside their windows to greet one another while watering their pink geraniums so happily... it makes me wonder what is in that tiny cup of espresso...

Italians in my humble opinion...

It's funny to watch the Italian lifestyle...
They rush in to get their tickets for coffee... then agressively slap it on the counter to the barista who waits to make their espresso not wanting to but willing to... They take their espresso in one gulp, then slam their tiny cut to the saucer, take their hand to their mouth to wipe any trace... say grazzi, ciao... grap their helmet... cup their hand and light their cigarettes as if they need it to breath then hop on their vespas and are off into this crazy city called Florence! CIAO!

hustle and bustle...

If a fast paced hurried life is in your wish then Florence is the home for you. I prefer the quaint quiet peaceful countryside of Tuscany.
Although I can't deny, Florence is beautiful in so many ways. Looking down from above into Florence it looks so much like a painting. No wonder the Renaicence (sp!!!) period was here. From the Duomo Cathedral and its intricate persision to the golden honey alleyways with the sounds of the accordians echoing so faintly in the background as we stroll enough to loose ourselves in this city. I wonder how many couples are falling in love just now.......

Bella Tuscany

After a long breathtaking train ride through the Alps we have finally arrived to Tuscany. Things seem a little bit slower paced...
Maybe it's the sun, maybe itäs the mindset but things sure are beautiful. Far in every distance you see large farm houses in every color of the sunset. From terracotta to golden brown to honey yellow. The sun is shining on all the angles of this gorgeous Tuscan life. There are so many fields of corn planted in patches along with sunflowers... looks almost like a big quilt of land. Rolls of hay and even watermelons. Everyone seems to have a little vegetable garden in their backyard with tomatoes and peppers ready for picking for dinner. Tableclothes and jeans hang every which way out of one's windowsill. There are straight lines of cypress trees that seem to loom over these ancient hillsides. I am going to fall in love with Tuscany.

the sweet life...

In and out of tunnel after tunnel we zoom through the German countryside. It's so beautiful to peek out my train window into these people's little lives. A lot like Sweden it reminds me...
People seem to not get enough of the nature and landscapes. Out peddling their bicycles and pushing their prams through the skinny streets... I think they might know what life is about. As they sip their coffees and crunch into their bright red apples they take things slowly and close their eyes to maybe absorb peace. If you walk alond a park or a pretty place with a park bench you will find people laying all over the place with bright colored blankets and fluffy dogs. As they lay back with the entire family filling their little cups with coffee from a thermos that is as old as I am they always have their eyes closed facing the sun... maybe they are thinking, pondering a vacation, or maybe they are just taking their thoughts in a little bit longer. It really is inspiring. I think I'll take this home as a suvineer.