Promise me, when you travel, to immerse yourself into the essence of that place.
I promise you, you will become a part of that place, and carry pieces of it in your heart forever.
We entered the Dolomites with wide eyes. To think life could feel grander is an understatement. Northern Italy is a mix of Italy and Bavaria, dabbled with a little Swiss, and an official language of Ladin. We fell in love. This unique crash of cultures is both uplifting and welcoming.
We spent six days hiking in the alps and on our last day opted for the village path taking us through local towns and along an old rail trail.
We expected the views, the quaintness of the towns, and the friendly people we had grown to love, but never did I think we would follow some men in lederhosen, and find ourselves at a… wedding.
We started in Selva meandering through neighborhoods above the town,
Grabbing views with fresh snow where we had hiked the day prior.
Backpacks are a mere suggestion on this hike. Coffee, light snacks, and watering holes are convenient. The whimsical drinking fountains are worth the stop. Then again so is the coffee, and the food.
The walk continues with treehouses for kids to get their wiggles out, rest stops for weary legs, history inside tunnels to the next town, and snowfall documented since the 50s.
And castles, there are always castles.
But as promised, my curiosity led me on a secret chase of four men in lederhosen, one with a trumpet. Mind you, we are in Italy, not Germany, so even with the reluctance of my grumbling husband I pushed on.
And we crashed the wedding with smiles and open arms. The church bells beaconed the town’s people, and the band was to play outside the church at the announcement of the new couple. School age children with accordions entered the mix, and we learned they were the students of the groom. The surprise gift to him was heartwarming. I am sure the kids will always remember his first dance with his bride was with their music.
I was tickled pink, pun intended, when I finally saw everyone gathering outside. The church bells continued to ring and it was at that moment I realized it was to let the town know of the wedding. First out of the church was a little girl Her priority was not photos, socializing, or caring about the surprise music. Apparently, the service was a little long, and her dash was to the potty, much like Cinderella catching her stagecoach.
And we melted into this most wonderful afternoon…
And moved along. How can I put into words the presence of a people? How can I tell you what seems to matter in the lives of people just walking through life? Maybe it’s true that sometimes pictures speak for themselves.
And we return to our vagabond home, in Ortisei, hours later, not with a sense of accomplishment like you might think. Instead we bask in the most profound sense of acceptance, and being. And an ever-present spirituality.
Wind Kisses, Donna