Hitler, Hams and Herr Hindend

Thanks to our new friends Peta and Ronnie we were off to an early start to see some "off the itinerary" sites. They had suggested we be sure to check out Bertschengarten,  home of a salt mine that has been in operation since the 1500s and the Eagle's Nest,  Hitler's villa that was his pride and joy.

This trip required us to backtrack into Germany but since the US bombing and destruction of the Eagle's Nest was a particularly proud moment in US history we decided it was worth it.

Unfortunately both sites were closed for the winter but the area was interesting and we found a shall shop with a knowledgeable clerk. She directed us to some books and dvd's about the importance of this part of WWII history.   Even with the detour we felt like it was worth it.

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After leaving the shop we found ourselves smack dab on top of the highest alp in the area.  So what do the sisters from Texas do when  the find themselves atop an alp?

I love these women!

After yodeling their way back out of Germany and into Austria,  we were headed to the village of Innsbruck.   The site of the Olympics several decades ago, this is a great place.   It is exactly what you would expect of an Alpine ski village.   It had a touch of everything. ... Olympic sites,  castles,  cute stores,  and to keep everything in working order. .. the duo we like to call Herr Smiley and Herr Hindend....

This photo was taken on our 3rd trip around the block.  This first he was bent over and exposing his entire back side. ... But we were all laughing to hard to get the photo.  The second he was facing the wing way and finally on the this we got the shot!   Just goes to show 'redneck' knows no boundaries.

Leaving Innsbruck we traveled into the Italian Alps.  There was a marked difference in the areas even though the topography was the same.  Gone were the cute little villages of Bavaria and Austria. .. replaced by century old utilitarian bulldogs and LOTS of vineyards. Grape vines grew everywhere there was a spare bit of land.

We stopped for the night in the small town of Trento Italy. While not really quaint or beautiful we did find something incredible about this spot. ... The food!   I did a little research and we set out to a little restaurant called Orso Grigio.  We, of course, were the only Americans there. ... the only English speaking guests as a matter of fact.   While we shied away from the filet of foal,  we ate incredible handmade pastas,  veal and fresh perch. .... drank some great wine and topped it off with desserts to die for.   Fabio, the owner, had quite the crush on Tita,  and while he couldn't speak English he made it clear with his gift of after dinner drinks and a bottle of the wine that she loved to take home with her.  We started to get a picture of the two of them,  but then thought better of it.  In this case,  the memory of the charming Italian restauranteur named Fabio is much more attractive without the photo!

 We feel sure that this time. .. we must really have had the best meal of the trip.
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