Day Trips and Weddings

Spring is definitely in full swing here in Italy.  The warmer weather has really made it difficult to sit idle, so we've been out and about on some short day trips.

Last weekend, we enjoyed our Sunday afternoon in the town of Sirmione.  The town is a peninsula that juts into Lake Garda.  It's at the southern part of the lake, so only about an hour drive from us.  We were apparently in the know because half of Italy was there on this day.  It was a beautiful town and we spent time walking along the lake and to the castle.  From the castle, we walked to a grotto where there were ancient roman ruins.  We viewed from afar and instead enjoyed the scenes along the lake.  We enjoyed some gelato at a very popular place in town where, when I tried to order in Italian, the server replied to me in German....so much for my improving Italian!

The Castle in Sirmione sitting in Lake Garda

We've been to a few part of Lake Garda and I am coming to believe that it's one of the more underrated nearby sites.  Tour books often highlight the other Italian lakes- Como and Maggiore.  We haven't done Maggiore yet, but had our ill-fated drive through Como and were not so impressed.  Garda, on the other hand, is quite delightful, much closer and not as overrun with Americans.  If you're in the Veneto area, it's a must see.

More of the Castle

Perhaps one of our most enjoyable days recently was the wedding of our friends Silvia and Patrick.  (This is not the same Silvia we hiked and traveled with....another Silvia.)  Patrick is American and Silvia is Italian, so the marriage was a nice combination of both traditions.  We had never been to an Italian wedding, so we weren't too sure what to expect.  We figured lots of food, lots of wine and a full day of fun.  We were not disappointed.

The ceremony took place in downtown Vicenza.  It was a civil ceremony, but not like an American courtroom wedding.  First, the room was beautiful, as you can see below.

I felt like I was at a royal wedding!

Second, it was officiated by this man in a great sash....(it was also translated into English)

Awesome officiator 

The ceremony only lasted about 20 minutes and involved some nice words, an exchange of rings, the reading of Italian marriage law and a lot of applause.  It was pretty informal and very relaxed.

We then ventured to a 16th century castle in the nearby hills for the reception.  On this day, the temperature was easily in the 80s and actually clear, a rare miracle in this area.  The views were amazing....even the bathroom window looked out over the hills and towns of Italy.  Seriously, everyone should consider a destination wedding in Italy because its beauty couldn't be matched!

The view from the reception

The wedding included some American traditions, such as the garter and bouquet toss, the cake cutting and some toasts, but it was also included such Italian customs as confetti, lots of prosecco, bellinis and wine!

We clean up nice

To say that we ate well is an understatement.  I'm pretty sure it was a six course lunch/dinner, with several eating breaks.  We'd eat, drink and converse over one dish, then get up, go outside, cleanse the palate and start again.  The food was delicious and ranged from quiche and cured pork to risotto, crepes, lamb and beef to vegetables, french fries, fruit and cake.

The menu...bringing eating to a new level!

In true Italian fashion, we were not rushed out of the reception and ate and hung around as long as we liked.  I only wish my wedding was as relaxing, casual and laid back as this one was!  Overall, a lovely way to spend a warm, spring day.  Tanti auguri Silvia e Patrick!