Italy

Crossing Historic Brenner Pass

9 Nov 2023

As both a college history major and serious genealogist, Brenner Pass is known to me. The pass over the Alps between Italy and Austria was a strategic goal for American soldiers in World War 2. Brenner Pass is a part of my great-uncle Elmer’s biography. He fought in the 363rd Infantry Regiment, 91st Infantry Division.

The military goal in late-1944-spring 1945 was win Rome, march north through the Po Valley and across Brenner Pass into Austria, facing the main German army and ending the war. Elmer did not reach the pass. He was killed in action 16 April 1945 and is buried in the American Cemetery outside of Florence, Italy.

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By Pat, ago

Bolzano or Bozen?

Nein, das ist Italien

8 November 2023

Snow continues to accumulate upon the surrounding peaks, its icy chill is in the morning air. I am thankful the white stuff is up there, not down here on the city. As the sun warms Bolzano, and me, I find myself wandering its streets and arcades.

At first, walking about Bolzano, I was not overly impressed. There is an abundance of shopping, name-brand shoppes, and a lot of people. I discover Bolzano is an interesting mix of Austrian and Italian cultures. However, the more I explore, the more I like it. It may be Bozen for German speakers, but it is Bolzano to me.

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By Pat, ago

Bolzano, Italy – Meeting the Iceman

6-7 November 2023

Trento to Bolzano is a direct, 50-minute train passage through spectacular scenery. This is the gateway to the Dolomites, the Tyrol. Tall escarpments and snow-capped peaks tower overhead while vineyards cover the valleys. Grape leaves are beginning to yellow, valley trees are in full yellow and red fall colors.

Puffs of white cloud drift over the peaks with their dusting of snow. Nothing serious as yet; ski season is not quite ready. It feels warm for this time in November, and probably is. A fast moving river tumbles and plunges down the valley. As I climb further into the Italian Alps, I become more enthralled with its pristine beauty.

Arriving at the Bolzano train station, I feel like I’m in Austria, though I’m not. Immediately, I see my first Tyrolean hat, named thus as the Tyrol is where it was first produced. It seems to lack the traditional rooster feather. I hear more German than Italian. Signage is in both languages.

My Hotel Regina is just a few steps from the station. I toss my bags in my room and head out to meet “the Man.”

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By Pat, ago

Trento, Italy

Exploring Trentino-Alto Adige

4-5 November 2023

Castle fortress Beseno

Travel in Italy is very different, but so much easier, than my first visit in 1972. Today, I purchase my rail ticket online where I also do self-check-in, I walk the short distance to the train station, and follow English directions to the platform. The train is on time and comfortable. I speed off to my next destination – Trento.

Trento is in the region of Trentino-Alto Adige in northern Italy. No direct train – all stop in Verona. Then the regional train turns north into the Alps. It is a route of dramatic waterfalls, large castles, a mountaintop fortress at Beseno, and green vineyards. A blanket of snow covers the craggy peaks.

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By Pat, ago

Brescia, Italy

2-3 November 2023

I travel my chosen route mainly for the views. I’ve not explored the northern region of Trentino-Alto Adige. This is the area located north of Venice and bordering Switzerland and Austria. However, the more I research sites of interest, the more I realize this trip is a lot more than mountain peaks.

(Left: Victory, symbol of Brescia)

I arrive in rain. Yesterday, Milan experienced torrential rains and flooding. Climate Change is having its impact. My last three destinations, Mongolia, Turkey and Milan, I have experienced serious flooding. It is becoming harder and harder to plan wardrobe in an unpredictable climate. Today, rain and wind follow me to Brescia. Out comes my umbrella but I still get wet.

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By Pat, ago

Italy: because inquiring minds want to know

18 May 2022

One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.

Henry Miller

My adventure to Cinque Terre has topped my expectations. Though I do not believe I will challenge the hikes again, I can see a return trip in my future. I have visited most of the regions of Italy over the past 50 years and can confidently write that Cinque Terre is one of my favorites.

So what has this inquiring mind discovered of note? Just odd little bits here and there:

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By Pat, ago

Genova: great city no matter how it’s spelled

15-16 May 2022

Standing in front of the kiosk at the train station, one must remember there are different ways to spell my destination – Genoa or Genova. Genoa is the English spelling and Genova is the Italian. If I want buy a ticket, I type in Genova. But no matter which way I spell it, Genova is a gorgeous city to visit.

Located in the Liguria region of Italy, Genova is located between the Principality of Monaco and the region of Tuscany. Genova represents one of the mightiest naval powers in history. Today, its main marvels are shopping, shipping, eating and passeggiata. The city is stunning to admire from the sea and beautiful when strolling its streets. Things not to miss when in Genova:

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By Pat, ago