Man, what a day! I woke up in Cortina d'Ampezzo, and I swear, I thought I was in a postcard. The Dolomites were just chillin’ outside my window, lookin’ all majestic and stuff. But lemme tell ya, it was a rollercoaster from the get-go.
So, I hit the streets, right? First stop, Corso Italia. It’s like the main drag, full of shops and cafes. I’m strutting down, feeling like a million bucks, when I trip over my own feet. Classic me. I’m like, “Great start, genius.” But then I see this cute little café, Pasticceria Ghedina. I mean, who can resist pastries? Not me! I grab a bomb cannoli, and it’s like heaven in my mouth. Sweet, creamy, and just the right amount of crunchy. I’m in love.
But then, outta nowhere, it starts to rain. Like, seriously? I just got my pastry! I duck into a shop on Via Rinaldo Menardi, trying to wait it out. I’m browsing through some local art, and this guy starts talking to me about the paintings. He’s super passionate, but I’m just nodding along, thinking about how I’m gonna get soaked.
Finally, the rain chills out, and I’m back on the streets. I decide to hike up to Lago di Braies. I mean, it’s a must-see, right? But the bus is late. I’m standing there, getting more and more annoyed. I’m like, “C’mon, Cortina! I got places to be!”
When I finally get on the bus, it’s packed. I’m squished between a couple of tourists who are arguing about the best gelato in town. I’m just trying to zone out, but they’re loud. I’m thinking, “Dude, just go to Gelateria Pasticceria, it’s the best!”
We finally get to the lake, and wow. Just wow. The water is this insane turquoise, and the mountains are reflecting off it. I’m snapping pics like a madman. But then, I see a family having a picnic, and they’ve got this massive spread. I’m like, “Why didn’t I think of that?” I’m starving!
So, I wander around, trying to find a snack. I end up at this little hut selling strudel. I mean, who can say no to strudel? I grab a slice, and it’s warm and gooey. I’m in heaven again. But then, I spill some on my shirt. Great. Now I look like a mess.
After that, I decide to hike a bit. I’m climbing up this trail, and it’s tough, but the views are insane. I’m sweating like crazy, but I don’t care. I’m feeling alive! Then, I see this guy with a huge camera, and he’s taking pics of a deer. I’m like, “Dude, I’m trying to enjoy nature here!” But I can’t help but laugh.
As I’m heading back down, I trip again. Seriously, what’s wrong with me? I’m about to lose it. But then I see this little kid running around, laughing, and it just makes me smile. Kids have that magic, ya know?
I finally make it back to town, and I’m exhausted. I hit up a local bar on Via del Convento. I need a drink. I order a spritz, and it’s perfect. I sit outside, watching the sunset over the mountains. It’s breathtaking. I’m feeling all the feels.
But then, I overhear some tourists complaining about the prices. I’m like, “Dude, you’re in Cortina! It’s a fancy place!” I mean, come on!
As the night rolls in, I’m walking back to my place, and I can’t help but think about how wild today was. From pastries to hiking, to tripping and laughing, it was a whirlwind. Cortina d'Ampezzo, you’ve got my heart. I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!