MOUNTAIN VILLAGE

One of the blessings of living in the foothills of the Alps and so close to the mountains, is that you can experience the seasons in so many ways and see them while they unfold according to the different altitudes. While it is full Spring already in the valley, with lots of flowers in bloom in the woods and in the gardens, the mountains still bear clear signs of winter. But first spring flowers are already showing up there too, due to the very mild temperatures these days, and the snow is quickly melting.

This is a lovely village at 1,100 m height

Look at those primulas showing up close to the snow!

There is even a lovely, romantic little hotel with an adjoining café here!

source: www.turismocolledellys.it

Terrace in the summer (source: www.turismocolledellys.it)

HAPPY MARCH!

True to its tradition of being a very moody month, alternating rains and bright sunshine, this was yesterday's amazing view! It's raining today... But it should soon be sunny again! :) 
HAPPY MARCH to all my friends!!!! KALO MINA!!!!! :)

SNOW STORM

Although this has been an unusually mild winter and we haven't seen much snow in the valleys, where we already have first signs of spring, it's still real winter in the mountains! This is a snow storm yesterday, at 1,500 altitude. Some real winter feeling!

MOUNTAINS AND LOVE ♥

A wonderful time spent in the mountains with my Loved One...

Dreamy views from our balcony!

WALKING TO HEAVEN

This amazing "castle" perched on a mountain and overlooking the valley, and surrounded by breathtaking mountain landscapes, is actually a very ancient abbey and one of the symbols of Piedmont, my beautiful region. The Sacra di San Michele (Saint Michael's Abbey) has ancient origins dating back to 966 AD and many myths and legends surrounding it. But the mountain bears evidence of human settlements since prehistoric times, and in later times, it was fortified by the Ligurians and by the Celts. Being such a strategic place, the Romans, the Longobards and the Franks were here too. I am pretty sure that such a place was already sacred for ancient inhabitants, way before Christianity. The walk up there is breathtaking in itself, and the place is not only of stunning beauty, but it has a mystical quality which can be literally felt in both the ancient stones and the breathtaking location. Sharing this magical place with my Loved One made it even more special :)

You can read very interesting information about the Abbey and its history here. And you can see images of the Sacra and its amazing environment here.

THE LIGHT OF THE FOREST (DANCING WITH THE ELVES)

The soft, warm light of a glorious January day in my beloved woods...

The chirping and singing of birds already sounds like Spring is not far... and I saw the first primulas too! 

LOVELY JANUARY

Images from my little paradise...

Magical colors on a beautiful January day...

There is no such thing as a "grey, dull season" in Nature!

UP THERE, IN MY LITTLE PARADISE

... And this is the dreamy place my favorite walk takes to! There is a small chapel on top the hill, and the view from up there is spectacular... in a dreamy, wonderful peace, surrounded by nature and green slopes. It's just you, the sky, the fantastic air, the birds chirping... When I walk back, I feel like I'm flying... My little, beloved pareadise :)

Sitting here at this wooden table was a dream... I have to go back soon! :)