Weekend Trip- THE ALPS!!!

I don't even know where to start. This was probably my favorite thing I've done so far in Italy, but it's one of those experiences that doesn't really have any funny stories or crazy adventures. I could try to explain, but it was the scenery that stole my heart and fulfilled my soul. So on that note, I'm going to keep things rather brief and let the pictures do the work for me.

We left Milano early Friday morning and after a very long bus ride arrived at our hotel, Regina e Fassa, settled into our room and rented out our gear. We bummed around the hotel and went to bed early to prepare for our full day of skiing!!!

After a quick breakfast we were out the door and off to Val di Fassa. We grabbed our gear and shoved our way onto the biggest gondola I've seen in my life- seriously- the size of my living room. We shuffled out through the crowd and found ourselves looking over the entire valley. It was breathtaking. I felt like I was literally on top of the world. See next photo for evidence of joy and elation.

My temporary roomies and I skied up and down both sides of the valley for the first half of the day, giggling and full of awe and disbelief the entire time.

How could you be about to ski down this and not be having absolutely the time of your life?!

Around lunch I somehow got separated from the girls and ended up on the opposite side of the valley. After a brief moment of panic after I exited the gondola and didn't see my group, I found my friend Jeff and skied with him the rest of the day. It ended up being a blessing in disguise, as the pair of us were able to explore down another whole section of the valley while the girls joined up with a verrryy large, verrry slow group of other IESers.

We ended the day sore, bruised, blistered (oh rental boots), and blissful. Suffice to say it was a very early and tame night. The next day we explored a "tipical" Alps town. It was a charming village with bizzare random Ice towers in the river, raindeer on the railings, and a cute little church. They also specialize in stinky cheese (which I skipped) and apple strudel (which I devoured).

It was a nearly perfect weekend (the only thing that could have made it better was having my favorite people there with me). I haven't felt so at home and "right" since being in Italy. The trees and snow and fresh air did wonders for my heart and soul. Honestly, this was one of the most memorable and amazing experiences of my life, it doesn't get much better than this!

Ciao for now!