July 2009
Day four: Bolzano, Merano and a date with Otzi
We gave our legs, feet and ankles a break today, with a trip out of the valley to Bolzano
and Merano. This was partly due to the weather forecast (I would not want to be a
meteorologist working in this area!), and partly to satisfy a couple of our interests. One
was to see the Iceman (Allie was particularly interested), and one was to return to the
first stop on our first European trip together in 1991--the lovely Tyrolean town of
Meran/Merano.
We were a little concerned about parking in Bolzano; thus, we did some research in
advance and printed out several maps. As it turned out, it was really not difficult at all.
There are several good-sized car parks near the train station, which are in easy walking
distance to the museum as well as the old-town pedestrian area.
The town center is well worth exploring, loaded with cafes, shops, restaurants, etc. Our
primary mission, though, was the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology. The museum,
itself, is a shrine to the history of mummies and mummification, from earliest prehistory
to the modern day--and across cultures (Allie was afraid it would give her nightmares).
The star attraction was discovered in the area just a month or so before our last visit in
1991. A great deal of science, research and analysis has gone into reconstructing this
5,000 year-old man, his lifestyle, his artifacts, etc. At this point, they know everything
about him, including how he died (violently) and the contents of his last meal (ibex and
deer jerky). Fascinating stuff!
After visiting the museum, we strolled back to the Piazza Walther for a light lunch and
another good round of people watching. We also explored the old town some more,
including the market, as well as the cathedral.
Merano was a blast from the past. We drove straight in (without directions, following
only the "centro/zentrum" signs) just as we did last time, and parked in almost the same
spot--although now instead of a surface lot it is a five-story underground parking
garage. We had no real destination here, other than exploring the same streets we
enjoyed 18 years ago. We also popped into the Meranerhof (hotel, where we stayed in
1991), which looks much better now than it did then.
One of the weather forecasts had predicted thunderstorms in the area at about 5pm.
We noticed the sky darkening and felt our first raindrops just about then--and made a
beeline for the car park, just escaping the downpour.
The two cities have a little different feel and character, but both are attractive and well
worth exploring on foot.
We cooked dinner in and watched the setting sun on the Sella from our
balcony--enjoying the delicious local chardonnay.
One note of interest: Marisa did hear "stau" again today, but in a very different context--a
reference to the line in the ladies' restroom at the museum.
Today's photos
Next: Day 5-The flying telephone booths
All of our trip photos
Home
We gave our legs, feet and ankles a break today, with a trip out of the valley to Bolzano
and Merano. This was partly due to the weather forecast (I would not want to be a
meteorologist working in this area!), and partly to satisfy a couple of our interests. One
was to see the Iceman (Allie was particularly interested), and one was to return to the
first stop on our first European trip together in 1991--the lovely Tyrolean town of
Meran/Merano.
We were a little concerned about parking in Bolzano; thus, we did some research in
advance and printed out several maps. As it turned out, it was really not difficult at all.
There are several good-sized car parks near the train station, which are in easy walking
distance to the museum as well as the old-town pedestrian area.
The town center is well worth exploring, loaded with cafes, shops, restaurants, etc. Our
primary mission, though, was the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology. The museum,
itself, is a shrine to the history of mummies and mummification, from earliest prehistory
to the modern day--and across cultures (Allie was afraid it would give her nightmares).
The star attraction was discovered in the area just a month or so before our last visit in
1991. A great deal of science, research and analysis has gone into reconstructing this
5,000 year-old man, his lifestyle, his artifacts, etc. At this point, they know everything
about him, including how he died (violently) and the contents of his last meal (ibex and
deer jerky). Fascinating stuff!
After visiting the museum, we strolled back to the Piazza Walther for a light lunch and
another good round of people watching. We also explored the old town some more,
including the market, as well as the cathedral.
Merano was a blast from the past. We drove straight in (without directions, following
only the "centro/zentrum" signs) just as we did last time, and parked in almost the same
spot--although now instead of a surface lot it is a five-story underground parking
garage. We had no real destination here, other than exploring the same streets we
enjoyed 18 years ago. We also popped into the Meranerhof (hotel, where we stayed in
1991), which looks much better now than it did then.
One of the weather forecasts had predicted thunderstorms in the area at about 5pm.
We noticed the sky darkening and felt our first raindrops just about then--and made a
beeline for the car park, just escaping the downpour.
The two cities have a little different feel and character, but both are attractive and well
worth exploring on foot.
We cooked dinner in and watched the setting sun on the Sella from our
balcony--enjoying the delicious local chardonnay.
One note of interest: Marisa did hear "stau" again today, but in a very different context--a
reference to the line in the ladies' restroom at the museum.
Today's photos
Next: Day 5-The flying telephone booths
All of our trip photos
Home
Climb Every Mountain:
Our long-awaited trip to the
Dolomites...and Munich
Our long-awaited trip to the
Dolomites...and Munich
Overview: Plenty of options, but where to stay?
Overview: Hiking in the Val Gardena
Day 1: Stau!
Day 2: This is why we wanted to visit!
Day 3: Sprechen zie...speck?
Day 4: Bolzano, Merano and a date with Ötzi
Day 5: The flying telephone booths
Day 6: I love a parade
Day 7: One little victory
Days 8-9: Munich
Wrap up: Weather, packing; useful resources
Wrap up: Food, language and final thoughts
Home
Overview: Hiking in the Val Gardena
Day 1: Stau!
Day 2: This is why we wanted to visit!
Day 3: Sprechen zie...speck?
Day 4: Bolzano, Merano and a date with Ötzi
Day 5: The flying telephone booths
Day 6: I love a parade
Day 7: One little victory
Days 8-9: Munich
Wrap up: Weather, packing; useful resources
Wrap up: Food, language and final thoughts
Home