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Thread: A pleasant diversion

  1. #1
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    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.
    "A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity, an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty” ---Sir Winston Churchill
    "Political extremism involves two prime ingredients: an excessively simple diagnosis of the world's ills, and a conviction that there are identifiable villains back of it all." ---John W. Gardner
    “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” ---C. S. Lewis

  2. #2
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    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!
    ...............
    “You can vote your way into socialism, but you have to shoot your way out.” — Too fundamental to have an attribution


  3. #3
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    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......Ben
    The future is forged on the anvil of history...The interpreter of history wields the hammer... - Unknown author...

  4. #4
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    wow....

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by Truckman View Post
    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......Ben
    Dump your cookies Ben---apparently you have been secretly sinning too much lately
    "A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity, an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty” ---Sir Winston Churchill
    "Political extremism involves two prime ingredients: an excessively simple diagnosis of the world's ills, and a conviction that there are identifiable villains back of it all." ---John W. Gardner
    “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” ---C. S. Lewis

  6. #6
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    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.
    ...............
    “You can vote your way into socialism, but you have to shoot your way out.” — Too fundamental to have an attribution


  7. #7
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    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
    I don't care if it hurts. I want to have control. I want a perfect body. I want a perfect soul. - Creep by Radiohead

  8. #8
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    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
    "A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity, an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty” ---Sir Winston Churchill
    "Political extremism involves two prime ingredients: an excessively simple diagnosis of the world's ills, and a conviction that there are identifiable villains back of it all." ---John W. Gardner
    “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” ---C. S. Lewis

  9. #9
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    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.
    "Back after 5 years. I thought you had died.

    don"


    Splitting my time between the montane and the mesas

    The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
    But I have promises to keep,
    And miles to go before I sleep,
    And miles to go before I sleep.

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by CactusCurt View Post
    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.
    Switzerland is on the top shelf of European expensive, as you said, beautiful country---but very pricey.
    "A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity, an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty” ---Sir Winston Churchill
    "Political extremism involves two prime ingredients: an excessively simple diagnosis of the world's ills, and a conviction that there are identifiable villains back of it all." ---John W. Gardner
    “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” ---C. S. Lewis

  11. #11
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    I remain acronym challenged, therefore have no idea what IMD is, but a 6-figure expense account anywhere is spectacular.
    ...............
    “You can vote your way into socialism, but you have to shoot your way out.” — Too fundamental to have an attribution


  12. #12
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    Quote Originally Posted by wacojoe View Post
    I remain acronym challenged, therefore have no idea what IMD is
    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......Ben
    The future is forged on the anvil of history...The interpreter of history wields the hammer... - Unknown author...

  13. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by wacojoe View Post
    I remain acronym challenged, therefore have no idea what IMD is, but a 6-figure expense account anywhere is spectacular.
    I've been stuck with a 5 figure BAR BILL more than once. It was part of my job

    In fact, as I recall I picked one up at the hotel in Lausanne the last night. We got snowed in.
    "Back after 5 years. I thought you had died.

    don"


    Splitting my time between the montane and the mesas

    The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
    But I have promises to keep,
    And miles to go before I sleep,
    And miles to go before I sleep.

  14. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by CactusCurt View Post
    I've been stuck with a 5 figure BAR BILL more than once
    Dollars, francs, lira, pesos, what?...It makes a difference when the Visa statement comes in......Ben
    The future is forged on the anvil of history...The interpreter of history wields the hammer... - Unknown author...

  15. #15
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    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.
    "Back after 5 years. I thought you had died.

    don"


    Splitting my time between the montane and the mesas

    The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
    But I have promises to keep,
    And miles to go before I sleep,
    And miles to go before I sleep.

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