Photo Blog : Northern Italy Trip 2023
Photo by Author at Lago di Carezza.
At the beginning of the year, a friend asked if I had plans to travel to Europe. I’ve never been and I’ve always thought about traveling there one day but I didn’t think it would be this year. Ever since that question, I had a strong urge to travel and make it happen.
Fast forward to May 2023, I can’t believe I made it to Italy! If I could summarize my northern Italy trip in a few words, it would be - stunning picturesque landscapes, rich culture & beautiful historic architecture. It was beyond than what I expected, almost perfect. I say perfect because yes, there were minor things that didn’t go to plan but if they did go to plan, I wouldn’t have met the friends I made or have the memories I do now.
I did do a lot of research and planning for the trip since I did everything by myself (with the help and guidance from friends of the places to go to of course) and not through a travel agency. All those planning and research paid off because I was able to do most of the things on my list one way or the other which made me so happy and therefore, another reason why I say it’s perfect.
The locations I was at and visited are as follows:
Fiè allo sciliar / Völs am schlern
Bolzano / Bozen
Merano / Meran
Riva del garda
Limone sul garda
Malcesine
Verona
This trip is definitely a core memory for me and I wanted to document it as much as I could. So here’s a recollection of the trip through these photos. Read along to experience Italy from my perspective.
Waiting to board at Salalah International Airport, Oman.
It was my first time flying with Air Arabia. See you later Oman.
Traveled only with a carry on, bag pack and a small cross body bag.
I liked how this guy was standing and he stood like this for a good 2 minutes. After a 10 and half hours of layover at Sharjah airport, it was time to fly to Bergamo, Italy.
Hello Italia! A gloomy rainy welcome.
Though it was gloomy, I loved the fresh and chilled weather. Another 3 hours wait at the airport to catch the direct bus to Bolzano.
3 hours bus journey to Bolzano (IT)/ Bozen (DE).
I didn’t mind the 3 hour ride as it was such a scenic route to Bolzano. My neck was hurting looking up at the surrounding mountain peaks along the route. It was so green at each turn and it was endless fields of vineyards everywhere.
This beautiful cozy house in Völs am schlern will be home for the next 5 nights and it has stunning 360 mountain views at every corner of the house.
DAY 1 - A day in Fiè allo sciliar / Völs am schlern
I woke up to the sound of the church bells and it felt like never ending bells. Living in Oman, it was something I wasn’t accustomed to and it was a nice change. On Sundays they ring the bells longer than they do on normal days.
Fiè allo sciliar is the Italian name while Völs am schlern is the German name of this village. With breathtaking landscapes, this village sits at the foot of the schlern mountain and is around 20-35 minutes away from Bolzano (IT) or Bozen (DE). German and Italian is the spoken language in this village.
Let’s go for a “walk”. The walk included a really steep hill. I think I did my legs day for the week on this walk.
Signage pointing to the lake. The signs are given in German and Italian, sometimes in Ladin.
I loved these trees and walking through them.
This is another lake about 5-10 minutes walk from Völser Weiher lake where you can fish upon obtaining a license. In the background is the Schlern mountain.
This log of wood turned into a bench where you can sit or rest up after a hike and enjoy the serenity of the lake.
Testing the bench.
A vandalized signage at the lake entry.
Thank you Lada and Horst for the walk.
Greenery everywhere.
Quick! Take a picture of me with the backdrop.
One of my favorite captures - the hut, the meadow, the trees, the mountain! Perfetto!
Some aesthetic shots
Another close up aesthetic shot. I love spring!
Refill station providing fresh drinking water from the mountain. I was wondering why we didn’t carry any water with us on this walk and then it made sense when I saw this. Funny story on the day I arrived, the first thing I asked was where I can get water. My friend led me to the kitchen, opened the tap and was like, you’ll get the best water here or something in those lines. I’ve never drank from the tap before and so this was a new experience for me. The water was chilled and had a sweetness taste to it.
The view of the village on the walk back.
The village center with the village church in the background.
Inside the Parish Church of Maria Himmelfahrt. Built in the late Gothic style. It’s the first church I visited on this trip.
Look at this landscape! As much as I tried to capture its beauty, still nothing compared to experiencing it in person.
Inside the Prösels Castle. Got to enter the castle walls but access to the interior of the castle was closed. This picture was taken (I believe) from the watch tower that was converted into a mini museum.
Beautiful entrance to the castle grounds.
This horse stood without moving its limb for a solid 10 minutes that we thought it had injured itself. It finally moved after a while.
First day in Italy and I already bruised myself by falling of a mountain bike. It was worth it because look at this view! I know how to ride a bike on a flat paved terrain and not on an incline one and definitely not on a manual bike. This was my first experience mountain biking. How did I fall you ask? Funny and memorable story, we were going off road uphill and I stopped but forgot to hold onto the brakes. The bike was reversing downhill and as a reflex move, I tried to get off the bike to avoid falling. I did get off but the bike was too heavy and it fell on me, wheel first. Also, I think I had to fall so I was more aware and prepared to hold on to the brakes because boy was I shit scared heading back downhill in those rocky terrain.
Apart from me falling off the bike, the ride here was so scenic. Biking through the village, with the view of the meadows, chill wind brushing through your face, it was so freeing.
This is a water reservoir with the view of the Schlern mountain on one side and the sunset on the other. It is a non touristic place where locals go to and a beautiful spot to watch the sunset.
Such a fun adventurous first day!
Ending the day with yummy homemade tiramisu.
DAY 2 - Bolzano (IT) / Bozen (DE)
Bolzano is the capital city of the province of South Tyrol in northern Italy. It is known as the gateway to the dolomites.
I headed down to Bolzano to check out the city center. The bus ride there from Völs am schlern takes about 35 minutes. The public transportation system in this region is very well connected. From the city, there are bus lines to the villages and it makes going around easy.
Good morning Italia but it still doesn’t feel like I’m in Italy.Maybe because I’m not? I’m in South Tyrol. The schlern mountain looked closer in reality than in this photo. Such a beauty!
Story time: So before heading to the city center, my friend advised me to avoid a certain area of the city because of the type of people that hangs around there. Basically, this area is one of the route to the city center. Keeping this in mind while I got out of the bus, I followed a group of school kids of about 10-12 year olds on a school trip that was on the same bus that I was on. I started walking with them but they started walking faster almost running and I was trying to keep up the pace at least while I walk through that part of the city. The teacher who was with them kept turning back to call the kids and I think he noticed me walking to their pace. In my head, I was saying, maybe he thinks I’m being shady because he kept turning around and was looking at me. It was hilarious and I just laughed at it! Anyway, while I walked through that route, I was cat called and probably why my friend did advice me to avoid it.
Colorful floral street stand.
Walking through Piazza delle Erbe, a lively local market selling local products.
I loved walking around and just wandering through these alleys. I love the structures and windows and its shutters.
Side bench where I sat and had a gelato. I still didn’t get the hype about gelatos. I had an okay coffee flavored ice cream. It tasted like normal and I even pointed a lady who asked where I got it from, told her around the corner.
It looks like they closed off half of the arch to accommodate the modern needs and created this funky looking opening.
I started walking away from the crowd and found a bench at a small corner park. I sat there to take a break before heading to the residential part of the city. As I was walking, I saw an open gate and had this welcoming vibe to it. I entered and when I saw fresco painting at the side of the structure, I realized this could be a church. So, I quickly tried to look for the entrance.
St. George church in Weggenstein, Bolzano. I had the church all to myself. I sat and stayed for around 10 minutes marveling at this structure, absorbing and realizing I’m actually in another country. I was overwhelmed and shed a tear or two because of the joy and gratefulness I felt.
Wandered outside the city center to the residential area. Very quiet area, very few people walking by.
I just found this corner interesting.
The details.
You light a candle and say a prayer.
Inside the Franciscan Church.
Franciscan Monastery with fresco painting on the corridors surrounding the courtyard.
No one was around. I could hear instruments playing in the background and I tried to follow it but didn’t find it’s source. I just ended up circling around the courtyard.
Practicing my iphone photography skills. Composition and lines leading to the cross.
Mosiac of St. Francis above the entrance of the church compound.
Commercial/Residential building.
Castel Mareccio was not open for visitors but open only for private events.
Beautiful view of the dolomities.
Lunch break. I prefer pasta over pizza.
Hello. It wants what I’m having.
Inside Duomo di Bolzano. Earlier in the day when I arrived at the city, I actually went to check this church out but I couldn’t find the entrance to it. Finally, after wandering around I went back to it and I’m glad I did because when I did, someone was at the pipe organ playing and it filled the church with this angelic beautiful sound. I sat in the corner listening to the grandeur sound of the pipe organ and I was just overwhelmed with gratefulness and joyfulness that I starting crying and I couldn’t stop. When I told this story to a friend back in North Cyprus, she said, “because God is embracing you and the Holy spirit just came in the most loving and caring presence over you“.
Fresco painting inside. I sat and listened to the organ being played for 15 minutes. It was my first time hearing it being played in the church. Also, as an architect student, we learned and read about these gothic churches and their construction methods, the vaults and to see it in person was awe-inspiring; what I once was reading about, I was finally experiencing. I saw the person who played the organ, I don’t know if he heard me but I thanked him.
View on the bus ride back. I believe this is the Vajolet mountain.
DAY 3 - Scenic drive through the dolomities and quick stop at Merano/Meran
I’ve read about the dolomites and research about some of the peaks but to see it in person was phenomenal. I was speechless!
This day is one of my favorites! I loved every moment. The scenic drive through Rosengarten, the walk around lake Carezza, the cool mountain breeze, visit to Merano and then overview of Völs am schlern village at the end of the day.
Loved every minute of the drive through the mountains.
Started the day with breakfast.
Found this centerpiece cute.
Loved the interiors of this hotel.
Breakfast here at Alpinhotel Vajolet.
I did enjoy my day in the mountains!
View from the hotel.
After breakfast, we headed to this place called Tschamin Schwaige and went for a short walk and climb (foreshadowing the next day activity) through the dam to get to the other side.
A stream runs both sides of this path and it was just an ethereal moment - the calming sound of the stream, the smell and dampness of the soil and trees.
Some macro shots of the flowers on the side of the pathway.
One of my favorite moment and photo from the trip. Not in the photo but I’m facing the dolomites - Rosengarten and in the background behind me is the Latemar range, both part of the UNESCO world heritage site. The drive through the winding roads and every road turn was just so magical, especially the turn that opened up to this view was just breathtaking!
It probably isn’t but it was giving haunted vibes.
The beautiful lake Carezza also known as the “Rainbow Lake” and “Fairytale Lake of the Dolomites”.
Just some photography shots. I liked how the two naked trees just stood out. Due to heavy snowfall during winter, a lot of trees are damaged.
Of course, I had to take a photo with the lake in the background.
There is the trail that surrounds the lake and it’s easily accessible. It was drizzling while we walked the trail.
Remember the story of the mountain bike falling on top of me on the first day? This is the result of it, I bruise easily.
This bug was our entertainment as we took a break from the walk.
I tried to take a panorama shot of the lake.
A tree retaining it’s roots.
After Lake Carezza - "Karer See" in German, "Lago di Carezza" in Italian, we headed to Merano / Meran. It was about an hour drive from Lake Carezza.
We spent about an hour and half here, walking around the city center and neighborhood.
I love taking photos of the buildings and these shots are just the close up of the balconies and windows there.
You know that feeling when you’re conscience to take a photo because it feels like you are invading someone’s privacy but you want to take that photo? Yeah, this is one of those moments. I really wanted to take a photo of this indoor swimming thermal pool and it’s structure but felt awkward doing so. So I pretended to take a photo of my friend. I don’t know why I felt conscience taking the photo, probably because it was within a structure whereas if it was at a beach (a public area), it wouldn’t feel as awkward doing so. Funny, how we’re condition to feel a certain way.
The river running through Merano.
It was here in Merano that I actually had my first good gelato! I had gelatos earlier and didn’t understand the hype so when I finally had one here and it turned out good, I was starting to see the hype. I had the mango flavor. It was light and refreshing and I found this corner intersection cute.
Then we headed back to the Völs am schlern and walked up this hill top over viewing the village with the schlern mountain in the background. Fun fact, that mountain is the inspiration for the Loacker mountain you see in their products. Also, it felt colder after the rain, I didn’t mind as I love the cold.
I don’t know why this is in french. It’s a song extract found on the bench
On this hill sits St. Peter Church.
When you are too lazy to read, so you take a photo to read later on. Here, you can read it too. You’re welcome.
Then we just walked around the village. This is the tennis court.
More aesthetic shots
Football ground with a stunning view!
DAY 4 - Gloomy climbing day and last night in Völs am schlern
I woke up to a gloomy rainy day in Völs am schlern. It was a sweater weather mood and was feeling a bit lazy because of this gloomy atmosphere.
I did plan to visit an indoor gym while I was here and what a perfect opportunity to do so today. So, I went to the bus stop to catch the bus to the city. At the bus stop, I met a lady from Peru and we were trying to have a conversation. She spoke I think in Italian and in Spanish so I was trying to understand her and I tried to use my translation app but she was too fast for the app as whatever she was saying, the app couldn’t pick up. However, it was nice talking to her while I waited for the bus.
It took me about 2 hours to get to the climbing center! I took two local buses and had to walk a bit in the rain to get to the center. The climbing center is at the far edge of the industrial area and I was literally the only one walking towards it as it was drizzling. I thought to myself, the effort I go through to go climbing.
Also, I felt like I was back in university as there were a lot of students taking the bus and I could easily blend in as one of the university students. It was fun.
They have indoor and outdoor climbing walls.
Watching the professionals lead climb. It was my first time climbing indoor and first time climbing without my climbing friends. I felt intimidated by the more experience climbers. Even a kid could boulder better than I could.
There is a window at the reception where you can get a glimpse of the climbers inside the climbing area. At the reception, they make you sign an online waiver that you are responsible for your own safety before you can enter the climbing grounds. I spent around 2 hours here. It was a good experience that I’d like to try again in the future if I get a chance. I still do prefer outdoor though.
Taking the local bus system is like a hop on and hop off bus tours. Through the bus, I was able to go around the city of Bolzano.
Such a gloomy mood. Goodbye Bozen.
On the way to dinner.
Heading to Alpe di Siusi (IT) / Seiser Alm (DE), the neighboring village for dinner.
I couldn’t leave the alps without trying the Knödel - a bread dumpling mixed with either meat, spinach, cheese, herbs etc. I had the spinach and cheese Knödel.
Apple strudel for dessert.
Ending the night with drinks at Daniel’s.
DAY 5 - Heading to Riva del garda
We started the day with breakfast at Gartenhotel Völser Hof Hotel. It’s a family run hotel and I’m glad I got to meet them. They were very sweet and welcoming. Thank you for your warm hospitality.
A big shout out to Horst and family for hosting me. Thank you for the warm welcome to your lovely home and to this beautiful village.
To friends in Völs am schlern, you know who to call when you visit Oman! Cheers!
I didn’t want to leave this beautiful serene village but it’s time I head down to the lake side.
This is the dry fruits and cereal station.
The all day dining area.
What I had for breakfast. Yum!
Breakfast with a view from Gartenhotel Völser Hof Hotel . What a sweet way to spend the last half day in the village.
Goodbye Völs am Schlern. You were beautiful! I hope to be back again!
Waiting at the bus stop to go to Bozen. Thank you to the girl who helped me with my bag.
I thought there was something wrong with my visa card as I couldn’t buy the tickets through the machines. I had a mini panic attack but luckily I had enough change with me to buy one as I didn’t want to wait in line to buy from the operator.
So I just looked up the connection from Rovereto to Riva del garda once before and when I reached Rovereto, I spent like 30 minutes looking for the bus stop only to find it 300 meters away from the train station. I wasn’t in a hurry nor I knew what the bus schedule was. I was going with the flow. I reached the bus stop and saw this sign. Took a photo to translate it. Basically, it says bus tickets can be bought from the train station. Had to wait for another one and half hour at the bus stop.
After an interesting bus transit where I made a new friend (more on that later), I made it to Riva del garda! The hotel I stayed at was just 5 minutes walk away from the lake. First impression upon arriving in Riva is that it’s a cute resort town.
After settling down at the hotel, I met up with my new friend and we strolled along the lake towards the city center.
More aesthetics shots. Obsessed with window shutters and facade colors.
It was so nice wandering around the center with my new friend because he is an architect as well. So having a shared background, it was really nice to walk around, analyze and exchange views and ideas about the local habitat and share our experiences. Well, it was more of me asking him tons of questions on his backpacking experiences.
View of the city square.
Torre Apponale.
For future reference.
Story time: I met my new bag packer friend at the bus stop in Rovereto. There were buses that stopped and made its way to Riva del garda but each bus kept saying to us “the next bus, not this bus” or “this is only for students” or “next bus is for guest”. It was really confusing and I was getting a bit worried because I don’t want to miss the bus. Finally, I asked if he was heading to Riva del garda as well. He said yes. When we finally got into the bus, I decided to sit next to him. During the journey, we learned that we were coming from the same northern region and we were going to stay at the hotels next to each other in Riva! What a coincidence and what are the odds! So for the rest of the evening, we wandered the city center and had a meal together. I had the carbonara as seen in the photo above and it was the best I’ve ever had. Yum.
DAY 6 - Day trip to Limone sul garda & Malcesine
My initial plan was to take the public ferry from Riva del garda to Limone sul garda and just wander around the port of Limone.
As I made my way to the city center, I walked by a group of people and I overheard them speak in a filipino dialect. I didn’t really think much about it.
I stopped in an area to take some pictures and I see two women approaching who were the same women in the group I passed minutes earlier. As we were walking towards the same direction, I asked “Kabayan po kayo?“.
And that’s when I got to know through them that there is a boat tour they were trying to catch and it was heading to Limone sul garda. I checked out the tour and decided to take it as well as it takes you to two ports and gives you two hours to explore each place. The tour is from 11am to 5pm.
Started the day with breakfast at the hotel. The best gelato place was right across from the hotel I stayed. This is that photo. My friend also mentioned that he had the best gelato in Riva and coincidentally it was the same place. What are the odds!
Lake garda is the largest lake in Italy. There are several ports located around Lake Garda. Limone sul garda is one of them.
Parrocchia di Limone sul Garda. So when the boat reached Limone sul garda. The kabayans I met earlier asked if I wanted to join them, their plan was to visit several churches here. I didn’t really have a plan nor did I researched what to do there so I decided to tag along since I am interested to visit churches anyway and I’m glad I did.
We reached Limone and walked towards the church and this is the view from the church.
I looked up above and this is the photo. I love the jet trail that the planes leave behind.
Cute narrow uphill alleys
View of Limone sul garda from the other side.
Chiesa di San Rocco
Inside the church
Pretty Balcony
They are the definition of friendship goals! I found out that they have been friends since they were 15 years old and they are in Italy celebrating their 50+ birthdays. One of them had their birthday the day before and the other is on the day after. Another coincidence is both their names start with the letter M - Mary and Mariter just like mine. Thank you Peter for the photo of us.
This is the Malcesine Castle. I had lunch with my new friends at Malcesine and got to know them a little bit more.
After lunch, we wandered around a bit and walked up the stairs to Parrocchia di Santo Stefano. Then we rushed back as we only had 10 minutes to catch the boat back to Riva.
View of Palazzo dei Capitani from the boat. I get motion sickness when the boat float still, therefore, I was always the last one to get into the boat.
The whole boat ride through the lake was so scenic. Mountain peaks on both sides and on the way back to Riva, the lake was filled with different water sport activities. There was even someone paragliding who took off from one of the mountain peaks. I think there was still snow at the highest peak.
I got back to Riva del garda, said by goodbyes to the new friends I made that day and went our separate ways. I headed towards the funicular that leads to this view point and I noticed a familiar figure with his backpack walking at the corner. I quickly shouted. “Viren!”. It’s the friend I made the day before. He too was heading to the view point. Another coincidence and this is the photo he took of me.
Who needs a frame when you have this opening. Natural Framing right there.
Bastione di Riva. Watch tower overlooking Riva del garda.
Viren took the long way path down while I took the funicular back and we decided to meet up later for ice cream. I wandered around the city center for a bit and decided to enter a church to check it out. When I entered, mass service was being held. I decided to stay and attend the Italian Mass. I’m glad I did because it was at the back of my head to attend one. Ended the day in Riva with the best ice cream I’ve had during the entire trip. I had the dark chocolate orange flavor! The price was good for its generous quantity. Also, ended with a bad migraine! Popped two paracetamol and crashed and that’s how I spent the last night in Riva.
DAY 7 - Bye Riva and Hello Verona! Time to move to the city.
Checked out at 10 am, caught the bus from Riva to Rovereto, then the train from Rovereto to Verona.
When I got into the train, all the seats were occupied. Then it hit me, it’s a Saturday, a weekend and it made sense why the train was full. I stood the whole train ride to Verona.
It’s in Verona that I started to feel like I was actually in Italy and I felt more like a tourist here than in the other locations. Maybe because its such a historic city and there’s a lot of people visiting and it’s the weekend.
Hotel Primo was where I stayed at Riva del garda. It was the perfect budget friendly hotel close to everything and this was my room number, my favorite numbers. Took this photo while checking out.
Bye Riva del garda. You were amazing, full of coincidences!
Waiting for the train.
Here’s an update on that bruise - with love from Italy. It look worst than it does but it doesn’t hurt at all.
When I got down the train and headed for the exit, people were pushing, rushing and running to catch their next train. I was so glad that wasn’t me. The hotel I’m going to stay in was 15 minutes walk away from the station and so I leisurely walked towards it.
I checked in at the hotel and rested for a bit before heading to the city center. This is the Piazza Brà. There were a lot of people compared to the previous places I’ve visited so it felt crowded to me. I could only imagine what Roma would have looked like.
I walked and headed for the alleys that are less crowded and I ended up at this church. Every time I enter a church, I’m just in awe.
Dome details
Church of Saint Nicolò 'all'Arena' (EN) Chiesa di San Nicolò all'Arena (IT)
Practicing my photography skills of capturing facade details. This is outside the Church. Capturing the columns against the neighboring structure.
I was at Piazza delle Erbe when I hear music coming from this square. This is Piazza dei Signori and this building is Palazzo del Podestà.
View of Torre dei Lamberti from Piazza dei Signori. The tower is 84 meters high. I wanted to go to the top but I wasn’t ready to climb 368 steps after walking around the city.
Inside the Church of Saint Mary 'Antica' / Chiesa Rettoriale Santa Maria Antica (IT)
Cattedrale di Santa Maria Matricolare. Inside, a pianist and violinist playing filled the Cathedral with beautiful music. I’m so glad I caught them practicing.
Just right outside the church, people in costume were dancing.
I didn’t get to go inside the Basilica di Santa Anastasia but this is the photo from behind the church.
Tattoo shop where I almost got a tattoo.
Wandering around the old city, I came across Chiesa di Sant'Eufemia.
When I entered, only the ceiling were lit.
Zoomed in on the dome because look at those details.
Wall and window details.
Walking in the part of Verona where vehicles are allowed.
Headed out for dinner with my friend from Bozen at an all you can eat sushi restaurant. It was a cute cozy Japanese restaurant just a couple of minutes outside the city center and they had amazing sushi! Apparently the waitress was wearing a t-shirt that translated to a vulgar meaning which made us laughed. This is me sneaking in a photo of it. We later asked if she knew what it meant and she said she didn’t and that she just bought it.
Ended back at the city center where we walked around to digest the heavy dinner we had. Also, we were in search of gelato. This is the Fontana Madonna Verona statue at Piazza delle Erbe.
A closer look at the Madonna fountain. Okay, I have to admit, I didn’t know much about Verona until I watched that movie on netflix “Love in the the villa“ which was set in this city and they shot in this same location. The movie “Letters to Juliet“ was also shot in Verona but I never really paid attention to it before.
Dining scene
DAY 8 - Last day in Italia
I couldn’t believe a week has already passed since I’ve been in Italy and its my last full day here. The last day was very chill. Spent it sightseeing and wandering around the neighborhood. Basically, just enjoying and absorbing the last day in Italia - “dolce far niente”.
I love shopping and I sometimes call myself a shopaholic because once I start, it’s very hard to stop. So I was proud of myself for not shopping for clothes during this trip (also bringing a carry on helps due to limited space). The only thing I shopped for was souvenirs to bring back.
On the way to Castel San Pietro.
View of the old city from castel san pietro.
View of Santuario della Madonna di Lourdes from the castel.
Then we walked along the Adige river into the neighborhood Borgo Trento.
Had a lovely stroll in Borgo Trento. It was very quiet and the pedestrian was shaded by the beautiful line up of trees.
A residential building. Such a contrast from the historic city center.
This cute vintage FIAT car is so tiny and so cute.
Someone from their home was yelling and can be heard from the streets on such a beautiful Sunday morning.
A modern church. At first glance, I didn’t think it was a church until I saw the cross.
Church of Saint Peter Apostle / Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Pietro Apostolo was the last church I visited in Italia.
The park before Ponte di Castelvecchio.
Last gelato of the trip from Savoia.
If you don’t want to walk, you can use these Lime E-scooter. It was fun.
Weekend bazaar selling souvenirs and local snacks.
View of Torre dei Lamberti. Nearby is Casa di Giulietta. Shakespeare based the setting of Romeo and Juliet in Verona. There is a statue of Juliet where people line up to rub/ touch her breast to bring them good luck with love. No, I didn’t do that. I wasn’t going to wait and stand in line for it. We just passed by and saw it from afar.
Facade covered in well preserved fresco paintings.
Cortile del Tribunale
Statua di Dante Alighieri.
After looking for a restaurant to eat from, we found this place - San Matteo Church Ristorante Pizzeria.
What an interesting experience to end the last night in Italy than by having dinner at a deconsecrated church. Thanks Horst for accompanying me in Verona.
DAY 9 - Goodbye Italy! Grazie Mille! Dankeschön!
I woke up half an hour later than I planned for. I hurried with packing, checked out and rushed to catch the 8 am Flixbus to Orio al Serio International Airport, Bergamo.
The bus stand wasn’t hard to find but it was further than I anticipated and therefore, I was running to catch it.
It takes about an hour and half to reach the airport.
I got to the airport and got few hours to spare.
Bye carry on, I’m checking you in. See you in Oman.
It’s a different vibe when you walk towards the aircraft versus when you arrive by the shuttle bus.
Such a comfortable flight! Probably because it wasn’t packed. I met a friend on board - a girl who works as a fashion designer in Milan and is on her way to India for a holiday. She was so funny. 10 mins into boarding, she fell asleep right way. 20 minutes later after take off, she woke up and asked the flight attendant if we’ve reached Sharjah already. Ever since then, whenever the flight attendant passed by he would give her the countdown of the hours to go till we land. It was hilarious. Also, shout out to the flight attendant who helped me charged my phone at the cockpit.
Hi! This is me on the flight back. Grazie mille Italia. Until next time.
P.S: This photo blog took a month to curate and caption. I felt like it was my thesis with links to external information. So, if you read through all this in one sitting, congratulations! This is the longest post I’ve published and I hope you had fun reading it and maybe inspire you to visit Italy. Cheers! Ciao! Tschüss!
