North Through the Alps with a Stop in the Dolomites

The Roman Colosseum in Verona

Are you for Real?

Our host at Villa Dolcetti has been wonderful.  He not only gives great siteseeing advice, he’s also been very gracious, making us many cappuccinos and Americano coffees in the mornings.  Following another buffet breakfast, we set off to the Dolomites.  On the way, we’re going to stop in Verona to see the Roman Arena.  We eventually find our way into the city and park outside the wall.  Within the wall, and the pedestrian-only walking zone, we find the Roman arena.  It’s not as big as the Colosseum in Rome, however, it’s still in a lot of its original condition. There are many tour groups here.  We make our way back to the car and at about 5 pm, I decide to get off the autostrada and head to Castelrotto which is located in the Dolomites.  Instead of taking the road for Val Gardena at the roundabout, we headed towards Castelrotto (or Kastelreuth on the Austrian map).  It was too late to turn around--we were committed.  Unfortunately, this road was steeper.  After many switchbacks, we arrive and get a room at the first hotel, Hotel Almhof.  We have a very large, modern room with down comforters and a balcony.  Having arrived at night, I can only imagine what the area looks like. 

In the hotel’s restaurant, we discover that German is the language spoken here.  Steve is relieved.  He can, at least, understand every other word versus no Italian.  In the restaurant, we order Schweinehauxe—pigs knuckle.  When we lived in Mainz, we would often have this dish.  It’s basically roasted pork.  Back in our room, we roll down the automatic shutters—such a great invention.  Wish we had these in our windows.  They not only keep the light out, they also eliminate any noise.  Guten Nacht!