Valsassina

walked Jun 17, 2006 - page redone June 17, 2007

Italians are very fond of getting out nella natura - a phrase which they themselves often translate as "out in the nature" (which sounds silly in English, but I can't think of an economical translation that sounds better). It means getting out and enjoying the outdoors, whether that's a strenuous hike in the mountains or an easy ramble around the countryside.

There's plenty of natura to be enjoyed in Italy, much of it mountainous. This time last year I went for a walk with my husband Enrico in Valsassina, a mountain valley near where we live in Lecco. The day was warm and hazy (just like today) so the views of the mountains surrounding us and the lake below and were not great. I concentrated instead, as I often do, on the tiny, beautiful Alpine flowers.

This is the same species of pine as the baby tree we took home and planted in our garden.

On the way back we made a friend. "Mom, he followed me home. Can I keep him?"

see the full gallery of Valsassina photos