Bardonechia

I wanted to see the Italian Alps before I left the country (which is by the way, in two days). With only one day to spare, Bardonechia was an ideal choice as it's only an hour and a half by rail from Turin. Having seen beaches, vineyards, monuments and a lagoon, the mountains seem to complete the Italian experience in some sense. (Aside: I am doubtful about the last statement. I still need to visit Florence, Naples and Sicily at least for me to feel that I have really seen Italy...hope there's another time!)

My first impression of Bardonechia was that it looks so much like a little Swiss village. If somebody had blind folded me on the train and told me on arrival that we were in Switzerland, I think I would have had little trouble believing them.

This time as well I had Deborah for company. Once again it was a trip where the only specific purpose was to have a good time. And there were really only two options - to have a short walk and a nice big meal or to take a nice long walk and grab a quick meal...needless to say that with me around, the choice was rather obvious ;) While tucking into our rather sumptuous Piedmontese meal, we ran into a colleague who happens to be a Swiss national from around the Zermat region. She had done things the Swiss way...tough hike all by herself with only cheese and chocolate for company. Did I feel guilty? Nope! I gleefully shoveled in some more of the Ravioli telling myself that when in Italy I must do as the Italians...even when the town looks more Swiss.

Here are some pictures...one of them is actually from a different trip that I made to a place called Gurten while living in Switzerland! Let's see if you can spot it ;)