DAY 5 - May 10, 2014 - The Day After

The plan was for Matt and I to meet everyone at the dock at 10:30 and take the ferry over to Managgio. There is a big flea market there on Saturdays. Some guests went and had a great time, but I think I was being too optimistic in thinking that we would be up and ready to go again that early. The alarm went off, and I could barely walk when I got out of bed. A combination of 13 hours in my red glitter high heels and walking over cobblestone had left my little feet bruised and numb. We were also both still overwhelmed with everything that had just happened. 

We managed to make it outside around noon, have a picnic lunch on the water and then walked through the gardens of Villa Monestero. It was really beautiful with many unique flowers. We enjoyed having a little time alone with each other. 

By 2:30, we met up with everyone as planned for a group hike up to Castle Vezio. 13 of us made our way up the very steep trail. Mom was determined to  hike with us. She went at her own pace and we all took turns making sure she was not pushing it to hard and resting when needed. Mike was her best buddy when a rest stop was needed. Fortunately, the entire trail was shaded. It took about an hour to reach the castle. Everyone was really proud of Mom for making it all the way up. She did great! Meredith said, "That's one tough lady."

At 4:00, we got to watch the Castle Vezio's Falconry show. Birds of prey are bred there and the art of falconry is maintained. The birds were amazing, soaring high into the sky and then swooshing down at high speeds upon the falconer's signal. After the falcon show, we climbed the castle tower. To our surprise, Bryan and Paul found a dress-up trunk of armor. Now, we don't know if it was really there to be worn, but regardless, Bryan and Paul instantly became little boys playing with swords, shields and armor.

That night we met for dinner at a lakeside cafe. There was lots of good food, wine and reflection over the adventures of the past few days. The evening ended with all of us eating gelato at our favorite little gelateria. It was a very good day!