A pleasant diversion

One of the world's greatest drives is the Passo del Brennero in Northern Italy (Brenner Pass in Austria).

It is a spectacular journey, especially going north from Italy to Austria (Innsbruck). Approaching the pass from the south, you drive through an increasingly narrow valley, which produces some of the world's best wines. The Dolomites tower up on both sides. As you continue north, the valley disappears and it looks as if you are going to run right into the mountains. The road curves and you begin the assent to the border.

It is difficult to pick one pass through the Alps over another---but this is very high on my list.

I could not possibly be more envious of the hiker here. Oh, that I should have the time, opportunity and stamina for such an adventure!

Naturally the NYT doesn't want me to read their articles, but regardless I think I missed that route during my one trip to Italy via the Austrian Alps...It would be great to revisit that area sober this time, if only I could find my old '56 VW Beetle again...:drive:...Ben

wow....

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Originally Posted by Truckman

Naturally the NYT doesn't want me to read their articles, but regardless I think I missed that route during my one trip to Italy via the Austrian Alps...It would be great to revisit that area sober this time, if only I could find my old '56 VW Beetle again...:drive:...Ben

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Dump your cookies Ben---apparently you have been secretly sinning too much lately :rolleyes2:

I rented a four-door Smart car (never imported here) at Lake Cuomo and drove it through the Alps to Switzerland and back about 12 years ago. Loved the drive, but the mountains there are not nearly as rugged as the Dolomites. So much yet to see; so little time.

Dave, my wife and I traveled the Brenner Pass by bus in 1996. It was beautiful then, and I'm sure it is now. I still remember seeing the German architecture utilized in the towns.

Hunter

At one time I commonly flew back and forth over the Alps, most commonly going from Italy to Germany and vice versa. After taking the train from Zurich to Milan the first time---I stopped flying! If there is any possible way I can maintain my schedule and drive---I drive.
On one trip, I had my oldest daughter with me and we had been in Zurich for a few days and were going to Milan. I was excited to show her the Alps and see her reaction. Apparently she had partied a little too hard the night before and I was unable to keep her awake. I can't tell you how disappointed I was---I still needle her about that :whyme:

I spent a month in Lausanne when I was attending IMD. I worked my butt off but my wife enjoyed riding the train all over the Alps. Beautiful country, but a little pricey. Thank God for a 6 figure expense account.:evilgrin:

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Originally Posted by CactusCurt

I spent a month in Lausanne when I was attending IMD. I worked my butt off but my wife enjoyed riding the train all over the Alps. Beautiful country, but a little pricey. Thank God for a 6 figure expense account.:evilgrin:

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Switzerland is on the top shelf of European expensive, as you said, beautiful country---but very pricey.

I remain acronym challenged, therefore have no idea what IMD is, but a 6-figure expense account anywhere is spectacular.

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Originally Posted by wacojoe

I remain acronym challenged, therefore have no idea what IMD is

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Google can be your friend, Joe, if you'll let it...Come a little closer...The wonders of the dark side are only one short step away...:tiptoe:...Ben

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Originally Posted by wacojoe

I remain acronym challenged, therefore have no idea what IMD is, but a 6-figure expense account anywhere is spectacular.

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I've been stuck with a 5 figure BAR BILL more than once. It was part of my job :shrug:

In fact, as I recall I picked one up at the hotel in Lausanne the last night. We got snowed in.

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Originally Posted by CactusCurt

I've been stuck with a 5 figure BAR BILL more than once

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Dollars, francs, lira, pesos, what?...It makes a difference when the Visa statement comes in...:mypal:...Ben

My AMEX bills used to come in in all sorts of currency's, sometimes on the same trip. The a/p people hated me.

The exchange rate in Sweden, my most frequent foreign destination, was something like 7:1 (the Swedes don't think it's humorous when you point out that it's the same as the peso). I had a couple hit 100,000 pesos or cronors or whatever.

I don't spend that much all year now. But I don't buy $25 "hamburgers" any more either. I'm not complaining about the beer.:smokin: