Good Times in Wildhaüs, Switzerland
It was a hot summer in Italy. We expect this in August, but this year it was particularly brutal. Many days the temperature hovered between 35 – 38C (95 – 100F). Fortunately, since we moved to Italy in 2014 our very dear friends, Ute and Winnie have invited us to a chalet they stay at in Wildhaüs, Switzerland for their summer vacations. Often their daughters spend time with us as well. This year we were really excited about escaping and spending time with our friends!
Virginia and Ute’s friendship has endured for many years. They became friends when they were 11 years old. You see, Virginia’s uncle Bob and Ute’s father Hans had become pen pals after WWII and they thought it would be nice if Virginia and Ute started writing each other. Imagine how wonderful it was when we met Ute for the 1st time in 1981 while we were studying abroad in a town called Kiel.
Wildhaüs is a 9 hour drive from Foligno. This year we took our time and spent an evening each in both Ferrara and Bergamo. (See the previous post!) on the way up. It is a beautiful drive as it goes past Lake Lugano, and the views of the mountains in Switzerland, with waterfalls coming down in various spots, is spectacular.
Wildhaüs is a Stunning Place
KLANGWELT - World of Sound!
Wildhaus is a small town, and it is not very busy in the summer. The main activities are hiking and bicycling. There is an interesting aspect to hiking in the area. It’s called the “Klangweg” or Sound Path, with various types of interactive instruments along the trails that are fun for children of all ages. There are also creative signs along many of the trails that provide information about the flora and fauna in the area.
Another aspect of sound in the Swiss mountains are the cattle. It’s memorizing listening to the cow bells as the cattle graze up and down the mountain slopes.
Foraging for Mushrooms and Other Stuff!
While we are there, we like, looking for mushrooms with Winnie (an expert mushroom hunter). We also pick blueberries, and go swimming in a small lake nearby. It’s also the perfect place for star -gazing as there are few lights.
We Almost Become Swiss in Wildhaüs!!!
A Stop in Mantova
On the way home this year we stopped in Mantova for the night. We haven’t been there since 2015, when we visited the Palazzo Te. Mantova’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and had huge power under the Gonzaga family dating back to the 1300’s.
Basilica of Sant’Andrea
This time we visited the Basilica of Sant’Andrea. Designed by Leon Battista Alberti, it was begun in 1472, This Basilica is known for the relic of the Precious Blood of Christ, which is located in a crypt below the floor. We were struck by the harmony of the exterior and interior architecture of the church with the use of arches and vaults. The interior was also interesting due to limited use of marble and statuary. The beauty and opulence are a result of frescoes and baa-reliefs.
Something Good to Eat!!!!
We ended our vacation with a delicious seafood dinner at Scaravelli: Ristorante (Osteria delle Erbe) in the historic center. We ordered a shrimp appetizer and then had the main courses which were branzino and pike. Absolutely delicious!!!!
