Today was a full day of European adventure! We woke up in the Austrian Alps in the little town of Telfs. After breakfast we went downstairs to our car to find this little thing in the garage…

Yes, even though it is not really much bigger than me, this appears to be a very real truck with a very real payload of stones. We then took a little walk around the town to see some of their architecture and unusual traditions. The little museum of Telfs had some information (that was in a funny language) on the place. They apparently have a festival where everyone dresses up in masks and extremely silly hats. The principal figure was a clown carrying a large spotted lantern. We’re still not sure why.

Telfs clown with lantern

After Telfs we got into the car for an amazing 3 hour drive through the Alps. Around every corner was another stunning view.

Austrian Alps

Not far into Italy, and just as the land turned flat we ran right into La Citadella (The Citadel), an amazing and HUGE medieval fortress surrounded by a 14 meter high brick wall and a moat. Inside is an entire city. We spent a couple of hours walking along the top of the parapet all the way around the wall. It was breathtaking.

Citadel wall from below

Along the parapet

Most of the buildings inside the walls of the Citadel were actually privately owned houses or apartment buildings.

Citadel City

This dilapidated little theater was for sale. I wonder if Aeverling should buy it and start giving monthly outdoor concerts in the Citadel? Hmmm.

Aeverling Theater for Sale

From the Citadel we drove to Venice to have a delicious seafood dinner on a patio overlooking one of the main canals. After dinner we had to walk off the small bottle of wine we were each served with dinner (not a glass, a bottle!) So we walked for several miles throughout this ancient and unique city.

Lorinda at dinner in Venice

More adventures tomorrow!