When I first saw The Schlern/Sciliar in the Dolomites of the Alpe di Siusi region I think my heart skipped a beat. Gorgeous, I thought. Stunning. Rugged. And this coming from a gal who spent 15 years living in Golden, Colorado. The majestic peaks, the alpine valleys, the onion-domed churches. It was late June and it was so green and lush. I felt as though I had come home. So, after a nice hike earlier in the day, I found this lovely spot just behind someone's house. There was an obvious trail there, so I don't think I was trespassing. It opened up to this field with this incredible view of the Schlern/Sciliar and an onion-domed church that typifies this region. The sun was warm, the grass cool and the sky was cobalt blue. I laid down right there and took it all in never wanting to leave. I wish I would have had my sleeping bag! If you go to Northern Italy, be sure to go to the town of Castelrotto. The town is quaint and beautiful, sitting in a valley with views of the Schlern/Sciliar. And you are close by to tons of hiking and alpine meadows perfect for a picnic...or an afternoon nap!