Sunday 11th October - Cathy in Italy whilst David leaves Australia

David launched on his trip from Bright to Rotterdam today.

Cathy slept so deeply after our late night that it was a struggle to wake at 7:00 am when the alarm went off to prepare to go hiking.  After a leisurely breakfast and helping Patrizia sort out a couple of things, I looked at the foggy morning and put my rainjacket in the backpack ready for my hike with Silvia(Patrizia's neighbour) from Spello to Collepino Castle.  It was dull as we left Perugia but brightened up as we neared Spello to commence our walk.  Within 10 minutes, the jacket was off and I was reaching for my hat.  Forgot sunscreen so borrowed from Silvia.  We hiked 5.5km through olive groves and trees up to Collopino.  It followed a Roman aqueduct.  It was a gentle gradient until the final km which felt like we were going up at 30%.  Mountain ebikers passed us going up and down the path too.  To make it a loop, we walked up to a monastic hermitage then across and down a gravel road back to the car.  In all, we walked 12 km, had a short break for coffee at Collopino and then returned to Perugia for lunch with Patrizia.  After a couple of glasses of wine at lunch, I sat on the balcony and relaxed in the sun.  

I had hoped to chat to David during his stopover in Singapore but that coincided with when we had to leave again so we missed out.  It was a family day with Patrizia taking flowers to her parent's grave, then we went out to see Rita and Paulo at their house atop the village overlooking fields and a gorgoeus terraced garden.  The table and curtains on the front verandah looked fresh from a magazine of a Tuscan villa.

An annual family gathering at the village Castello included polenta, Torta and Tortola santo vin.  The polenta is set out on a long wooden tray then topped with bolognese and parmesan.  Yummy.  Torta with proschutto was like a ham sandwich without the butter or chutney. We were tired so left as soon as we got the cake you are supposed to dip in sweet wine. Not really my cup of tea except for the polenta.

Home in bed and trying to decide what to do for my final day in Perugia.  It has been such fun. Meanwhile David is undertaking his 36 hour door to door epic journey to meet me.

Saturday 10th October - Perugia and Assisi

Jolene packed up to head off on her own adventure whilst Patrizia and I decided to visit the local Perugia market.  I thought it might just be a quick wander around as I didn’t need anything.  But we found nice Italian clothes marked down to very affordable prices. Suddenly we were both buying clothes we liked.  Jeans with sparkles, a navy wrap that I am sure I will need on the cruise- along with a navy jumper with pretty sleeves.  Patrizia was looking at down jackets to take to Nepal.  All of a sudden, an orange one in my size said “Buy me!” We did buy fresh porchetta in a panini for lunch and some other italian foods before we headed home.  

St Francis of Assisi died 800 years ago but is fondly remembered for his vow of  povery, charity and chastity.  After a visit to Assisi to visit the old town and see the church of San Francesco and basilica, we dropped in to see Rosita at her clothes shop.  Whilst they chatted in Italian, I looked at the lovely quality clothes.  I had to buy a beautiful soft leather jacket as a birthday present to myself.  I don’t often get into a shopping mood, but Patrizia and I had a fabulous time today and I'm delighted with my purchases.  

The night was topped off with dinner at Bottega de Vino near the Piazza in Perugia.  A fun night with Patrizia's cousins, the french girls and a couple of husbands - Paulo and Stefano.  A late night but the piazza was buzzing and full of people still at 11:30 as we headed home.

Friday 9th October - exploring Umbria

Day3 was further exploration of surrounding parts of Umbria as we tried to find the villas on the shortlist Jolene had made up.  It was a pretty drive from Perugia through forests and fields but too many drivers calling directions led to some tense moments!!  Eventually we drove to Passo Gosparini which had a restaurant with delightful view of the Lago Trasimeno.  Bruschetta and veal steaks done 3 ways were perfect choices.  They were delivered to the table by a robotic dumb waiter.  Unfortunately the local cat decided we should feed it also and became a pest at our table.  It was not to be shooed away.  We gladly moved on to have a gelati by the lake in Passignano.

Jolene had decided to rent a car so we dropped her off at the Perugia airport to collect that whilst we headed home for a rest.  By 4:30 Patrizia took me out again to finally explore the old town.  It dates back to the 11-12th century and is built on a steep hill with walls and 3 gates.  We headed up and down stairs and escalators to see old ruins beneath the fabulous views from the top.  

After an Aperol spritz at the bar in the piazza that George used to like, we met Patrizia’s cousins Rita, Patrizia and Valentina with a friend Chantelle.  We sat on the steps at a bar watching the light change over the old town at sunset.  More drinks and food were consumed as we laughed and they chatted in Italian with smatterings of French and English to help Chantelle and myself keep up.  Finally home to bed where I feel like I am over my jet lag and finally able to look forward to dinner tomorrow night with the same group.

Thursday 8th October - Perugia, Spoleto, Norcia and Castelluccio

We made an early start to collect Jolene from near Spoleto where she has been staying in a villa with the others from Bright.  Google maps takes us up a gravel road and we eventually find them.  We begin an adventure exploring places where Jolene might take her foodies tour next year.

Tasted salami and truffle paste in Norcia.  This town is still being rebuilt after an earthquake in October 2016.  Loved the quaint shops that were open.

On to Castellucio where I would have loved to have a bike to ride up and down the long steady climb that looked about 5-6%.  Smooth roads and few cars would have made it perfect if I had a bike.  We drove down into the valley where paragliders seemed to be learning and practicing ground handling skills.  In other seasons, the valley is known for its colourful fields of flowers.  Again, it is being rebuilt after the earthquake so it wasn’t terribly inviting but we had lentil soup, various forms of sheep and polenta with a delicious meat sauce.  We came home via Callestrada where Patrizia grew up.  After a wrong turn had us heading up a potholed driveway to a villa, we found the correct road and saw the village square, church and homes of various friends.  One was Daniela and Giuseppe’s so it was fitting that Daniela dropped in for a visit on her way home from work that evening.  She is currently a secretary and journalist but has also studied archeology.

Tuesday 6th October - Leaving Melbourne for Perugia in Italy

 

Deposited at Tullamarine airport's new drop off zone, we didn't expect to end up on the Channel 9 news!

After 3 flights and a bus to Perugia, Cathy was collected by Marilena and taken to Patrizia's.  Staying awake to overcome jet-lag so I go for a walk down to Ponte Rio and back up again.  Nice views but no footpath.

Always Remember (or is it Never Forget)

Sunday 2nd August 2026 - Rome

 Today the barista knew I was Australian.  I think his "G'Day Mate" was intentionally bad.  His coffee art wasn't bad though...

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Saturday 1st August 2026 - Rome

 It's early and it's already hot.  We decide to walk a local market to see what's available.

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Friday 31st July 2026 - Leaving Hotel Meldoia del Bosco

Everything about the hotel was top class except Cathy thought the hair dryer was a toy.  Her hair dryer in Bright is modelled on a retired 747 Jet Engine.  It even wakes me up.

We joined the Spritz Club.

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Thursday 30th July 2026 - The Famous Sellaronda (anti-clockwise)

 Cathy headed off early (still very hot out there) to do the Sellaronda in reverse from Monday.

Cathy on top of Passo Sella

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Tuesday 28th July 2026 - Pedaru and Ziplines

 David had a day off the bike.  Cathy did a ride with Sabine and Garun to Pedaru.

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Monday 27th July 2026 - The Famous Sellaronda (clockwise)

An early start to try and beat the heat.  Unfortunately, Sabine's gears went into crash mode, and David got a flat rear tire.

Fixing a puncture is NOT faster on an eBike

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Friday 31st July 2026 - Moving Day to Rome

Well, we almost didn't leave.  On Monday, we asked the hotel to book us a transfer to Balzano to catch our train to Rome.  No problem.  The booking came through.  A request for payment.  A receipt arrived.  All good.

On the day, a no show.  15 minutes late, I ask the hotel to check with the taxi company.  Ahhhh, we had booked for 31.08.2026!!!!  I didn't notice, neither did anyone else.  

The taxi company sent someone.  It's 88km, expected travel time 1h50m.  Fortunately, it all ran smoothly from there.  Five hour train trip to Rome.  Our hotel transfer arrived promptly.  It was a relief to get there with all our luggage.

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Thursday 30th July 2026 - Tandem Flight

 On Tuesday, David saw a paraglider in the air and tracked down the office.

The Office

No flights available Tuesday or Wednesday.  Fortunately, Thursday is OK.

Landing Paddock looking South to Passo Gardena

Launch at Vallon 2500m

Alex and David.  Climbing.  Passo Campolongo on the right.

The big surprise - heading to the break in the wall on the left

Threading the needle

Amazing adventure's dont come any better than this.

Close to landing in Corvara

Very lucky to have a thermal flight up and over the plateau surrounding Piz Boe.

Wednesday 29th July 2026 - Passo Campolongo

Garun decided on a huge ride called Passo Giau - 100km and 2900m of climbing.  Stifling heat, very steep climbs (9% for 9km), uummmm...How about NO!!

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Sunday 26th July 2026 - Passo di Valparola

David picked up his ebike from BreakOut Corvara.....

Corvara - Looking North West

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Saturday 25th July 2026 - Hotel Melodia del Bosco

After a long transfer from Bormio to Badia, we arrived at Hotel Melodia del Bosco.

The driveway (aka Passo Melodia) is steep!!

The view from our Panaramic Room window.

Saturday 25 July 2026 - Hotel Funivia

It was moving day from Hotel Funivia.  A big thanks to Daniele and Elisa for their exceptional hotel.  Cathy and I throughly enjoyed our time which seemed to go so fast. We are already planning to return next year.

The upgraded Hotel Funivia

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Friday 24th July 2006 - Bormio 2000

Left out the front door, 200m then right - you are on Bormio 2000, a 9.1km climb at an average of 8.1%.  However, these also a gondola...

Cathy after riding her bike

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Thursday 23rd July 2026 - The Bernina Express

 Very easy start today - Downhill 40km from Bormio to Tirano.  And then we jumped on a train to go uphill.  A very special train, the Bernina Express, goes to our destination - Ospizio Bernina. At 2,253m it marks the highest point of the Bernina Railway, surrounded by snowfields, lakes, and dramatic Alpine terrain.

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Wednesday 22nd July 2026 - The Gavia

David decided to have a mini day and only go to Santa Caterina.  That's where he made a perfect 3 point landing, elbow-hip-knee, and left a layer of skin on the cobbles.  Ouch.  Mini distance, maxi hurt.  Cathy came with me whilst I washed off in the fresh mountain water.

Cathy's alcoholic coffee

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Tuesday 21st July 2026 - The Tour of George

Or more precisely, "The History of Bormio" with George.  

Firstly, the safety briefing. Ride on the right. Single file. Stay safe. "Watch out, sometimes crazy people in Bormio".  Then he looks at me and waves his finger.  HaHaHa - I was already looking at him and waving my finger!!

George

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Monday 20th July 2026 - The Stelvio

Cathy and Sabine had a wardrobe meeting over breakfast.  QOM Jerseys for the Stelvio. David and Garun had an extra coffee!! Laurie has been guiding at Hotel Funivia for many years.  His expert guidance and local knowledge helped us up the Stelvio.

David, Cathy, Garun and Sabine

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Sunday 19th July 2026 - Moving Day (aka Adventure Day)

Check out of the Glam Hotel.  It's just a short walk to Milan Centrale where we bought our tickets.  We decided on trains only to Tirano, rather than having to use a bus.  First stop, Girabaldi Station.  The lift was boarded up, so it was a lift and carry our luggage down the stairs.  It's a forty minute wait until the platform for our train to Lecco was announced.

AT least Garun could do some shopping.

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Saturday 18th July 2026 - Milan

We got up early, jumped on the Metro to visit an historic bit of Milan. 

On the Metro with my new T-Shirt

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Friday 17th July 2026 - Milan

After picking up my new passport, we went for a walk to Duomo to do the Terrace walk. 

And it was hot!!

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Wednesday 15th July 2026 - Italy

David left Bright around 9am to drive to Skypark (near Tullamarine).  Cathy Ubered over from her Mum's place.  Qantas accepted our luggage all the way through to Rome.  The trip to Perth is about 4h, then a 3h wait for our plane to Rome.  It's a long one at over 16h.  We threaded our way between the Iraq War, and Ukraine Russia.  

Now you know it's Italy

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Monday 29th September 2025 - Mont Blanc

 Cathy was told "You must do Mont Blanc".  Maree wanted to walk it.  We ended up catching a bus from Annecy to Chamonix.  Then the cable car up to Aiguille du Midi.  That's 3,842m (or 12,602ft)!!  It was high enough that you could feel the lack of oxygen.

The day itself was spectacular.  It was a nil wind day with no cloud.  Truly amazing.  The pictures do not do it justice.  Make sure it's on your bucket list.

They built a lift inside the mountain to make it the last bit

You can see the small glass box hanging out the right side of the building..

Looking down into the valley

We watched paragliders launching from the snow

Even from the valley, the mountain looks spectacular