Wow. Where to begin? We were only supposed to stay in Meran-Merano (just a bus ride away from Dorf Tirol) for just 3 days. 72 hours only... But ended staying for almost two weeks. We were simply..obsessed. Not too many people know about this beautifully gorgeous small town tucked away in Northern Italy (as in super North, practically bordering Austria. Interestingly we had been to South Tirol for White Water Rafting 4 years earlier ).
We had just come from Verona which was breathtaking- but this place was another type of beauty, simple and natural (except for the man-made castle, yes there's a castle here too!).
The impetus of our travels to Dorf Tirol was actually an inspiring newspaper Alana's grandma (an adorable hiking enthusiast and world traveler herself) found and gave to Alana before our trip. We were intrigued but didn't know if we'd actually make it, as the town and area wasn't the easiest to get to.
But oh was it worth it.
Hiking about Dorf Tirol
Our daily hangout
The town of Meran-Merano is small, but still it was a bit difficult to navigate to our hostel. We did not speak Italian or German, languages that are spoken in the city. English, however is not heavily spoken at all here. Still, we managed thanks to the help of locals (who always seem to help us when we are in need). It is always fun to ask for help when you don't speak their language. You become creative and utilize words that you've picked up on and 'voila!', with a few key words, creativity, hand gestures and usually laughing, you'll get your answer, and know where to go. Our hostel was pretty awesome, very low key and meant for families and hikers, and of course came with free breakfast (if you haven't guessed, I kinda love/need my free breakfast) and also free use of the much needed walking sticks. It was an amazing location-perfect really. It was relatively close to bus stops that took us into Dorf Tirol (2.5 euros), and close to the water and walkways for hiking/exploration and close to the main parts of the town.
Alana and I had our routine: Go into town get water and snacks from Spar, go to the beautiful Dorf Tirol, hike, come back, cross the bridge and go to the water way in front of the Terme Spa, journal, tan and people watch, then get some gelato from the many gelato stores. Simple livin'. Writing about it now, man, I really miss this enchanted place!!
Namaste
Alana journaling
Missing this typical view
Many Christian icons are abundant in Dorf Tirol
Castle Tirol. A nice hike to get there, pretty steep in some parts, even had to go through a curious tunnel to get there :).
THE TUNNEL.
Being so far north, Dorf Tirol has a distinct culture in itself. Most of which is German, as German nobility to maintain a stronghold of lucrative trading routes established "posts"/castles in Italy (learned a lot from the castle). There is still a very strong German influence with most people speaking more German than Italian, and German on everything.
Hiking trail signage, quite helpful
A lurking predator
Gorgeous day!
At the Dorf Tirol park. A BEAUTIFUL DAY.
Pug on the trail
Made a wish
Sending postcards to my love and family
Another daily view
German influence-everywhere
a Meran-Merano street DT
Off the beaten path explorations. So beautiful and peaceful.
Me-So happy :)
full bloom beautiful
Next it was off to Parchines for our Farm helpx experience-post to come soon! :)
I was so excited to go to Estonia (the birthplace of Skype ;) amongst other historically awesome things) mostly because I was finally able to pick our excursions once we docked in Tallinn!
I chose the witches well/fishing tour because it sounded the most interesting and interesting it was....
Firstly, Historic Tallinn definitely reminded me a lot of Prague, in terms of the Gothic architecture. You got the same feeling you would get in Prague, that you were in another time. I'm always a fan of that- especially open air museums where you see things as they were and people dress in that time period's traditional garb.
The "witches well" sounded most intriguing to me because it is allegedly in this particular area in the countryside that has been documented to have extreme energy that seeps from certain points or tree trunks. This is also an area that predicts floodings.
Me touching an "energy infused" tree.
Our colorful tour guide, on the right
So we get to the witches well and the first thing I noticed (mind you its very early in the morning) were the huge mosquitoes! We were being eaten alive (so do bring bug repellent!) Then I noticed how quaint and lovely the scenery and how green and lush the grass was, as well as this extremely old cottage. Once inside we found our equally very old tour guide :) . His english was broken but I wasn't complaining as we didn't speak a bit of "Estonian" which language apparently mirrors very close to Finnish ( a little fun fact).
During our tour guide's speech I saw a wild cat get it's next meal
This feral kitty had just killed and ate a small rodent, rip.
The group trying to feel the energy that's supposedly radiating from the earth, in this particular area
In front of the well. haha stewie.
Estonian
Mike drinking from the well
Mike at the witches well
After our tour of the witches "well" we then went to this crazy random petting zoo/farm. We walked on a legit Estonian back road, just dirt. The farm was in the middle of nowhere and smelt as you would expect a farm to smell, but it was pretty cool! My favorite animals that we saw were the llamas and a bunch of little piggies! They were precious and they were let loose so they were everywhere. It was fun and I am so grateful I never leave house without my hand sanitizer! Because after petting the animals there was no place to wash your hands.
No car on this road, walking to the petting zoo
We were told the Estonian language is quite similar to Finnish
smelly oinker
Possession? You decide.. ;P
After the Zoo we got back on the bus and headed to the Viking Village.
Photo: first glimpse of the serene Viking village
I desperately wanted to catch a fish!! That was my goal for this whole excursion...but alas no such luck. The fish were there but they gave us some soggy bread to put on the line, so the fish weren't having it (don't think they wanted us to catch anything). However, the guy on the other side of me was quite clever and dug up some worms in the dirt for live bait and used that instead of what the village gave us and wouldn't you know he ended up catching two fish. :)
Mike attempting to fish in vain!
Handmade boat
Gorgeous Viking Village
We ended up having lunch in the Viking Village and it was amazing. Deliciously cooked salmon, bread and a custard desert. Everything was served on wooden plates, much like the Vikings would have used. And the cups were large and round and sturdy, cool to drink out of. It was definitely a fun culinary experience. We ate outside by the water, so it was beautiful as well. We spent about 2 hours there, fishing, exploring and eating. I would most definitely return because it was an all around good time.
The viking village has Ren Fairs and reenactments of battles!
Go Forth!
Mike looking like a knight with a genuine Estonian Sword, at the Viking Village
Watch out!! In the viking village.
After the Viking Village we headed to beautiful historic Tallin.
Historic Tallin. I love the old cobbled streets!
Dancing Babushkas! You do your thang!
Historic Tallin
I thought this was a neat building
Historic Tallin
COLORS
why helloooo
Mike in the square
Historic Tallin
Trying some delicious cider by the port in Tallin
For the love of country! Found a young man with a tattoo of Estonia! @ the port market
MUST DOs:
Historic Tallin
Viking Village: http://www.viikingitekyla.ee/
Port Market Shops: Got my little bro an awesome Viking gauntlet cup.
