VARENNA, ITALY

Varenna, Italy

A little over two weeks living here in Italy and I have not once left Menaggio. Scratch that, I have been to the towns 5 minutes North and South, but to me that doesn't count. I am feeling guilty I have not ventured nearly as much as I should be exploring this beautiful area. Not sure if jet lag is still a thing, but I am just so exhausted everyday. It might be learning a new language, trying to keep up, and just simply being challenged to new situations every day. It drains you, in a way you would never think. There is no way to explain it.

Well, June 16th I gave myself my own day off and ventured to Verenna. The little town directly across the lake from Menaggio. A 10 minute ferry ride across the lake, easy enough. My friend and I decided to take the day and go.

Bought the ticket and we were on our way. I had no clue what to expect, but ready to find out. Touched down at the ferry dock and right away it was so charming. A lot smaller than Menaggio, which is saying something because Menaggio is already very small. Varenna, a tiny, tiny town built into the hills. Every building a different color collectively creating a beautiful scenery reflecting onto the lake, it was adorable. Little shops, gelaterias, and restaurants over looking the lake.

We walked around and then decided to visit the castle up above the town, on the mountain. We were not positive on how to get there but we followed the signs. First sign stated "Castello di Vezio: 40 min by foot." We looked at each other with a small sense of hesitation in our eyes, but why not. A hike is a hike. Four functioning legs, why not put them to use.

Not at all dressed appropriately, we headed up the path. It started off on an incline up the street. No shade cover and the sun beaming down on us. Not the best choice, but both of us wearing black, me in a dress. But hey! we just took our time. A bit later we passed the next sign "30 min remaining" the path began to become thin. "20 min remaining" the signs started to become less and less legit. Questioning if we were going in the correct direction. "15 min remaining" now, just a piece of laminated printer paper tied to a tree. The path started to get pretty sketchy. Through the woods, the small dirt switchback up the incline. One side the up hill and other side a drop off. Straight down.

Finally got to the top, sweating. Stopped at the little concession stand upon arriving to the top. Needed: water. As we sat down and drank the lady at the little window asked us if we wanted to buy a ticket to go into the castle. Ticket, shoot! Weaseled our way into getting a student discount, score.

Such a cool little castle and the view was breathtaking. Up there, I felt I was the same height as the mountains that shot up across the lake. I was. We were.