693. Bellissimo.

I had an unforgettable time in the mountains (the Dolomites) with my Italian friend. We arrived late Monday afternoon and went for a short, but beautiful 3 hour hike--just a taste of what was in store for me on Tuesday.


Mountains, trees, ferns... just a sampling!


Meadows, wildflowers, forest creatures. (Ok, so they're "just" cows, but they were cute, Italian and musical! The cows wear bells and during several points along our walk we were treated to a symphony of chiming cow bells.)

The sun set during the last leg of our hike back to the house. Just as Fabrizio, who was about 15 feet ahead of me, called my name to show me something, a glimmering object a few feet in front of me caught my attention. I noted it and thought to investigate it further--was it a piece of metal or a diamond ring?--after I gave my attention to Fabrizio.

"I do not know what you call these in English," he said while pointing to several glowing flying objects.

"They are fireflies!" I enthusiastically replied. I had never seen fireflies before, I explained to Fabrizio, and furthermore this was something I looked forward to seeing in Kentucky. I was astonished that my first experience with fireflies was in Italy.

During the 15 or so minutes we played with the fireflies, night arrived. I realized that the glimmering object I saw earlier on my path was a firefly. During twilight, they glimmer. Come dusk and night, they shine. I said to Fabrizio in my very bad Italian, "Come stella de terra" followed by an English clarification: "They are like stars on earth." (Had my Italian been better, I would've said instead: "Sono come le stelle su terra.")


This is a firefly on a plant.

The next day we went on a mammoth hike. Fabrizio is in athletic shape and has the patience of gods. I'm embarrassed to admit that I've gained 20 pounds in the past year. I haven't kept up my exercise routine since I've been in Europe, so I'm walking flab. (I'm avoiding the urge to blame the Italians for making the most delicious cheese and gelato on the face of the earth. It's not like they are forcing me to indulge. Still...damn Italians!) This out-of-shape girl was a little slow and needed to take many breathing breaks.

Our destination was Cima Benna, a mountain peak at 7,360 feet. The view was spectacular.





Some clouds threatened us with rain, but they were kind and provided much needed shade and cool air instead.