Mornin’ luvs! Back in October I gave you Part 1 of A Train Ride through the Italian Alps, fully intending to share Part 2 with utmost haste. Alas, “best laid plans” and all that, and here we are in March. 🙂
Last time we were wandering with my friends Margo, Katy, Kathy and Kate through a hand-painted archway into a courtyard in the village of Santa Maria Maggiore in Northern Italy.
We shall continue our ramble now, strolling past one glorious sun-drenched villa after another.
Although all of these exquisite old homes had lashings of charm, my heart was captured by this one with its vivid orange walls and vine-covered arbor. Wouldn’t you love to create a cozy seat under there for long afternoons of reading and napping?
I was also charmed by the intricate murals on various walls along our route. At first glance some of them looked real. Can you spot the one that isn’t a painting?
The pealing of bells from the church tower reminded us that we’d better scoot back to the train station if we didn’t want to miss our train. We hustled back and arrived in plenty of time to amble along the tracks and inspect some grazing cattle making a racket with the huge bells tied around their necks.
Soon it was time to board. We found our seats and quickly opened the windows to let cooling mountain breezes fill the rather stuffy railway car. I fully intended to actually sit in my seat, but the views were too spectacular and I spent most of the trip leaning out the window taking pictures and sighing in delight.
This little chap found us as fascinating as we found him, not budging from the fence until we disappeared around the bend. 🙂
Higher and higher the train went. We left the lush green valleys behind and entered the Italian Alps, mesmerized by the crystal clear mountain streams and craggy cliffs rising up from the trees.
Every curve of the track brought some new delight: a hidden turquoise lake, beautiful mountain chalets with window boxes overflowing with vivid blooms, line upon tidy line of vineyards and orchards. The midday sun was so warm and with the gentle rocking of the train I was glad I had my head out the window or I would surely have nodded off.
Although it was already October, Italy was having a gorgeous Indian summer and everything looked warm and golden as we chugged over the border into Switzerland.
I can’t wait to show you what we saw in Switzerland. 🙂
What sort of travel do you like most? Are you as besotted by trains as I am?
I have never been on a train ride through romantic countryside but let’s put that on my “to do” list shall we.
We shall indeed, dear Val! 🙂 Perhaps when you go to Italy this time around? 🙂
I wish, I could have done this. Such lovely pictures making the trip come alive, for your friends.
You see things differently than I do. I would have missed so much of the beauty. I am glad you are doing it for me. You are one special lady.
Dear Chaya, I am SO glad I could share it with you. 🙂 Wouldn’t we have the jolliest of times on such a trip together? 🙂
I am so mesmerized by your Italian series. What a beautiful place. The tiny child is so blessed to be growing up there. I totally agree with you, the orange mansion is marvelous. Though the white ones seem pretty fine too. What a wonderful adventure. Can’t wait to hear about Switzerland. I lived there as a child for a year but have not been back. That would be a dream…
Thank you so much, Stevie. 🙂 I’m so glad it brings you joy too. 🙂 This was my first time to Southern Switzerland and I was so delighted by it. 🙂 How lovely to spend part of your childhood in such a wonderful place. I hope you get to return one day soon. 🙂
Very civilised travel! I’d love taking a scenic train ride now and then. Can you give me some idea of prices? One of the things I love doing more than reading about travel is travelling myself especially when inspired by photos like these.
It did feel very civilized indeed, John. 🙂 Here is the website for the trip that we took: http://www.visitstresa.com/Lake_Maggiore_Express.htm It was 32 Euros for the train ride to Locarno, Switzerland AND the ferry ride back to Stresa. It was worth every penny. 🙂
I love viewing this scenic trip through your eyes, and I LOVE the picture of you looking out the train window. =)
Thank you so much, Melody. 🙂 I’m so glad you enjoyed it. I love that picture too, actually. 🙂 It so perfectly captures what I felt that day. 🙂
Ahhhhh – I LOVE the Alps. Haven’t spent any time in the Italian alps (until now) =) Cannot wait to read about your Switzerland adventure – one of my favourite countries ever!
This was my first time in them too, Andrea! 🙂 They were so different than I was expecting, but absolutely gorgeous. 🙂
When I pack up all my bags and move to Europe, I’m sending you a thank you card. I might be moving to Eastern Europe next year, and every time I’m like “oh maybe I should stay here” I think about all your pictures. I realize Italy is not Eastern Europe, but whatever.
Oh girl, I’m laughing so hard. 🙂 I’m delighted that my Italy adventures could inspire you to live in Eastern Europe. 🙂 And yes, please DO send me a thank you card! I will happily take credit for such a marvelous idea. 🙂
I miss traveling so I’m really enjoying sharing in your gorgeous travels! It looks so peaceful here…I could stay on that train forever, lol! Can’t wait to see what you saw in Switzerland!
I’m so glad you’re enjoying it, dear Faith. 🙂 It WAS so peaceful – and warm and quiet and wonderful. 🙂
I took the train in Italy but it was fall so all the windows were up. I am so jealous you were able to stick your head out!
A bit further down some grumpy people didn’t want their seatmates to open their window, so I was SO glad that it was just us at our end and we could open them as wide as we pleased. 🙂
Seriously there is nothing better than train travel!
I love it so much too, Andi! 🙂
So beautiful! The light is amazing in your photos. And I love that orange building!
The light was incredible that day, Katie. 🙂 Almost otherworldly. 🙂
Absolutely splendid, K! It looks like a blast was had by all.
Thanks so much, T! 🙂 We had a marvelous adventure. 🙂 Would love to go gallivanting with you and Bear one day. 🙂
Absolutely! It’s a too-be-determined date. 😉
Ah, such happy memories! I’m glad you waited to post this. Spring’s just rolling round again, and these photos are a lovely reminder of what’s in store.
Thank you, dear Kate! I loved having this adventure with you lovelies! 🙂
I’ve been dreaming of trains lately – thank you for sharing your trip! Your travels look like they’ve been amazing!