Tuesday May 14, Feltre

May 14, 2019

Tuesday May 14, Feltre


A perfect way to end our first full day in Italy, an Aperol Spritzer looking onto the ancient walled city.

Opening the blinds this morning and seeing the sun shining and a blue sky put a huge smile on my face, it seems ages since we have had a morning like this. There was a hose in the camping area, and quite a bit of hand washing to do, so set up a wee laundry with my bucket and detergent on a block wall and enjoyed the sunshine while I did it. Hung it on the rack outside and we set off into the town to get some bread from the bakery and also needed to find some stamps to send a postcard. We have been so surprised at how helpful and friendly everyone has been, and that many people speak a little English. Went to the information centre and the very helpful girl explained that I needed to buy my stamps at the Tobacconist shop then post them at the Post Shop, who evidently don’t sell stamps…go figure!!! But got that sorted and met a lovely girl in the bakery. A very successful first shopping expedition in Italy.

Had found a good camping area in the town of Borgo Valsugana which read very well, set Jilly for the 2 ½ hour drive and all went very well. The scenery was breath-taking driving down through the fertile valley with orchards lining the roads as well as grape vines that wound up the hillsides and towering all around were the snow capped peaks. Struggled to find anywhere to pullover though as the road very busy and no rest areas. Today felt like being back in Norway with so many tunnels, I am sure there would have been 20 with the longest just over 3 kilometres. The only way to make simple roads in this mountainous area is to just go through the mountain. And interesting we were on the B road for the early part of the trip which was often beside the toll road. And much of that was built on huge concrete pillars that went on for kilometres towering in the air with the road floating on top.

Once we turned off onto the lesser road it was easier. Arrived at the campsite only to find they were pruning all the trees and it was closed all week…grrrrr!!! It was a nice spot with a cycle path following the river. Found a spot for a late lunch, relooked at the guides and found this place in Feltre 45 minutes with a 45 minute drive.

Always am amazed at what happens when you choose a place to stay because there is a good campsite and then find out what a great find. This historic walled town climbs up the hill to the castle at the top with a history dating from pre-Roman times. We enjoyed walking (and climbing) the cobbled streets past the old historic buildings. It is not painted up and pristine, but very much showing it’s age. A great find.

Before we wandered back to camp, decided that now we were in Italy, we needed to try one of their favourite drinks, an Aperol Spritzer sitting outside on the pavement. Very pleasant and could see it going down very easily on a very hot day. Another busy day that we have both enjoyed a lot.