We headed out of Aviano, retracing our route from the other day, and took the turn for Cortina. In the fine print, we’re welcome to check in early—for an extra €27.50. Since we’re a few hours ahead of schedule, we take the opportunity to explore, do some grocery shopping, and even stop for an amazing lunch. Bonus: no need for dinner after such a late and hearty meal.
A few minutes past 4, we punch in the code and retrieve the rental keys.
The place is a bit dated, but it’s clean, and the bed is comfortable. There’s a hot tub in the bedroom—Jim helps me in. In the back of my mind, I’m already wondering how I’ll get out with one arm, but that’s a problem for later. We both agree it’s a gimmicky hot tub—no real way to get comfortable and relax. Judging by the swollen and warped wood, it’s been overfilled more than once. Getting out is a struggle, but I would have regretted not giving it a whirl (see what I did there?).
One of the listed amenities is internet. Okay, technically, there is internet, but in reality, it’s nonexistent. Our routine is simple: up at 5, explore all day, relax in the evening with some TV, then bed. Streaming? Not happening. Jim tinkers with the language settings on the TV, and suddenly, Inspector Barnaby is in English. These are two-hour-long British murder mysteries that premiered in 1997 and are still going strong, with four or five episodes released annually. The “Giallo” channel plays them practically nonstop. (Fun fact: giallo means yellow—Italian murder mystery novels are traditionally printed with yellow covers. Insert the NBC The More You Know music here.)
We spend two glorious days driving around the Cortina area. I mentioned before that the next Winter Olympics are going to be here—well, the construction chaos is real. Too much going on to even wander around downtown. Instead, we end up in Dobbiaco, a stunning ski mecca. We’d definitely come back and make this the destination. The area feels more German than Italian.
It seems like every town has a ski run, now kept alive with snow machines. A lift takes you to the top, and you can ski straight back into town. What a life! Plenty of locals are out, making the most of the last dregs of the ski season.
We loved our time in Cortina. Last time he was here, Larry mentioned Bolzano—so that’s where we’re heading next. We haven’t been before.
Who knew Cortina was merely the gateway to some of the most stunning scenery in Europe?!
paleremo presto
Wow. Beautiful!