Well, we are packed up and leaving Varenna and the gorgeous Lake Como area. We boarded our train heading to our new destination, Tirano. Halfway there, our train stopped and we were told the train system went on strike. I guess this is nothing new for Italy as it happens frequently. An employee instructed us to get off the train. As I ran off to scramble for transportation, an Italia Rail security approached the group and shuttled us off to a waiting bus. The ride on the bus was quite pleasant and scenic. We arrived at our destination basically on schedule so we had nothing to worry about. The process seemed rather seamless.
After we found our hotel (very nice, might I add) and enjoyed a birthday glass of champagne on the house, we went and started exploring Tirano. This was a very beautiful town in the Valtellina, Lombardy region of Italy. The town borders Switzerland, and this is where we will board the scenic train, Bernina Express. The center of town is dominated by the "Sanctuary of Madonna."
After visiting the 17th-century church, we decided to hike up a vineyard to another old church on the edge of the cliff that overlooks the town square, Chiese di Santa Perpetua. The views at the top were stunning. The group decided to take two separate paths down, meeting at the town square.
The evening sun was setting on another near-perfect day in northern Italy. It was time for dinner! The dinner did not disappoint. I had a four-course meal starting with sciatt, bresaola, pizzoccheri, and finished off with filetto al pepe verde. This is a typical meal for the region. What a way to end my 66th birthday.
Well, I'm ending it here. On to St. Moritz, Switzerland via the Bernina Express Railway tomorrow morning.
Ciao!
