Saturday, February 05, 2011

Mi Sento Fortunato

Greetings from Bressanone, Italy, where you simply cannot find a plain croissant. They're filled with the chocolately goodness of Nutella. So, that's that. I'm never coming home. 

As I type this, the church bells are ringing and I look out from my teeny, tiny apartment onto a chilly river filled with lively ducks strutting their stuff... but, nobody notices.


Who cares about them when two gorgeous white swans eagerly steal the show? They twist their lanky necks to and fro, as if to say, snap quickly my dear, here's your pic for the day.

I'm living right next to my BFF from a gazillion years ago.
I am living, and working, in this tiny town for one magical month. This is my apartment  ~ a stones throw from my good friend, Bev's, apartment. We're thinking of running a cord and 2 cans between the spaces -- to talk like we would have decades ago, as kids in the Midwest. She's not keen on the idea but I'm all over it! That could save me a fortune on international cell phone 'roaming' charges.


I am scheming and plotting about living here. For. Ever. I could work at the coffee shop, couldn't I? Well, probably not since I can't speak the language. But, if they would pay me in chocolate croissants I'd be happy to wash their dishes!

* Mi Sento Fortunato means: I'm feeling lucky. And, the only reason I know that is because the Google home page, in Italian, presents it as such.

24 comments:

Ellie said...

Gosh, you are so lucky. A whole month! We just came back from skiing in Vipiteno (Sterzing), just a few kms north of Bressanone. Very beautiful area.
Have fun!

Kate/High Altitude Gardening said...

Hi, Ellie;
I was just in Vipiteno 2 days ago. Isn't it an amazing place? How lucky you are to have skied there. I am hoping to do that before I leave.

Lona said...

Hi Kate! So glad to hear that you have arrived and are settling in. Soak it all up girl and enjoy your stay but we do want you back. LOL!

Tessa @ Blunders with Shoots, Blossoms 'n Roots said...

So beautiful there! I don't blame you for not wanting to come home- just the feel of 'history' would keep me there! I could become a citizen of Greece as my hubby is 1/2 Greek- but with their economy going south that doesn't sound like a good idea right now :)

Kate/High Altitude Gardening said...

Hi, Lona;
And, thx, very sweet of you to say. But, I gotta tell ya... chocolate croissants?? I just might have to abandon my good friends in light of this new, breakfast revelation. :D

Kate/High Altitude Gardening said...

Well, if you do move, Tessa, I'd be happy to come with you. :)))

I was so worried about the whole travel thing but now I think I could keep traveling forever.

Ellie said...

Hi Kate,
Food is good, the local wine is good.... I gained three pounds in only 7 days in Vipiteno. You are warned -hahaha.

There is a flowershop in the main street in Vipiteno with lots of interesting seed packets. Bought a few that I had never heard of. Bit of Italy in the Netherlands this summer!

Carolyn ♥ said...

In France they call them "Pain au chocolat" and we lived on them there for breakfast. Soo delicious! Eat an extra one (or two)for me!

D said...

How absolutely wonderful!! Enjoy every single moment.. of course you will. ;)

Carol said...

Kate! You lucky swan!! ;>)) Are you going to tell us what your are doing there??? How lovely and I am so happy for you. Have a wonderful time.

One said...

You are going to desert your friends for Nutella?! How could you?! I wouldn't do that. For the swan, perhaps. :) It's so beautiful. Glad you are happy there.

Cynthia said...

Wow! You are seriously lucky! I hope you have time to visit (and post about) the many beautiful plazas and villas. I got to study the landscape history of Italy in college. Oh to actually GO there! Sigh. Enjoy!

KC said...

Traveling is a delightful disease. Once you get it, it never leaves. You could do your job anywhere so go for it while you have a house and pet sitter. Keep the gorgeous photos coming please.

Kate/High Altitude Gardening said...

Yes, I'm a little worried about that, Ellie!

Between the wine, cheese and fabulous bread it's doubtful I'll fit into a coach-sized airplane seat when it's time to fly home to reality!

Kate/High Altitude Gardening said...

Carolyn, this threw me. You switched from Meredehuit!

For you, yes, I'll eat a few extra. As if I needed encouragement... :D

Kate/High Altitude Gardening said...

Thx, Di;
Perhaps we can share some fab local recipes when I return home. I've already discovered a few goodies.

Kate/High Altitude Gardening said...

Hi, Carol;
I freelance for a handcrafted hiking boot and shoe company based in Germany. (http://www.lowaboots.com)

I suppose... if I wanted to be really professional I could spend this month in Munich, closer to the actual business. But, I think it's critically important for me to be close enough to Bev so I have a good excuse to goof off every day! :D

Kate/High Altitude Gardening said...

Hi, One;
No... Never! Not just for the Nutella. For the chocolate Tortinas, too! :))

Kate/High Altitude Gardening said...

Hi, Cynthia;
Well, I know it sounds daunting but perhaps you can start a travel fund as I did?

I'm on the 5 Bucks A Day Plan.

Back home, I would skip daily treats, like the coffee shop. Then I'd tuck away 5 dollars a day (which you hardly miss) into a travel fund. By year's end it's become a whopping $1,800 and that's inspiration to do all sorts of fun things.

* Plz promise yon't get all practical on me and use that $1,800 for something silly like paying off bills. :)

Kate/High Altitude Gardening said...

Yikes, KC!
I hope my pet sitter isn't reading your comment. :))) I'm sure he'd be terrified that I might abandon Bad Dog forever. Miss you.

The Redneck Rosarian said...

Amazing pictures. I know you are in love with the scenery there.

jan said...

I am glad you are enjoying your trip abroad. It does sound like marvelous fun!

Iron Needles said...

Kate! Come home! The cold misses you!!!

(kidding...sounds more marvelous than possible and I am incredibly jealous!)

sweetbay said...

Nutella-filled croissants and such beautiful architecture! What a wonderful way to spend the month of February!