More Shots of Monte Carlo

Monaco & Monte Carlo

Bob and I took a side trip to the Principality of Monoco. We got to to the palace in time for the changing of the guards and spent too short a time enjoying the gardens and shops before the bus took us down to the Casinos. Neither of us had any interest in them, so we walked up and down the shore line and had some lunch. Saw lots of high ticket boats and cars, fancy seaside restaurants and gardens.

Santa Margherita on the Italian Riviera (Paradiso)

Bob and I took so many pictures in Santa Margherita. There were so many beautiful shots.

Finally able to continue posting

This lovely town on the Mediterranean is great for walking aroun and enjoying the view. Nice restaurants, good people watching. Great place to thaw out after a week of playing in the snow. Santa Margherita guards the town with her arms wide open.

Return Trip to Santa Catarina

We enjoyed Santa Catarina so much yesterday, we returned today with our trip leader, Judy Burlbaugh. We found another area that we did not explore yesterday that was way above the tree line (where it is so high the trees cannot grow). We had lunch at a the Sunny Valley Kelo restaurant that is over 9,000 feet above sea level. It was built by the Finns our of a special wood called Kelo. Outside was an igloo and replica of Stonehenge. Skies were blue and the snow conditions were perfect, even on the black diamond slopes. Perfect ending to our skiing in Italy.

Skiing in Santa Catarina

Today, March 11th, we took a shuttle bus to a nearby ski area named after me, Saint Catherine-Santa Catarina has wonderful wide slopes, fun resting places, and beautiful scenery.

Side Trip to Bellagio

Tuesday, March 9th, we took a side trip by bus and ferry to the towns of Varenna and Bellagio, on Lake Como. The villages have narrow streets that wind up hill, with larger homes the higher you climb. It was fascinating to see snow on mountains across the lake and lemons and oranges on the trees in the villages. It was in the 40s, but there were cyclamen blooming in window boxes.

Bormio Italy Fun Fun Fun

Bormio is a medieval village in the Italian Alps with several ski slopes nearby. Bormio ski slope is the closest and the goldola starts in the town about 1/2 mile from our hotel. The shuttle bus service is excellent. Tuesday evening the town of Bormio gave us a welcome party in the village square. They made glue wine and there were dancers on stage. This part of Italy was once owned by the Austrians and has a strong Bavarian flavor.

More phots from flower show

Pictures speak louder than words.