You know how life is sometimes? You settle into a routine? A routine at work. A routine for meals. A travel routine. A daily routine.
I say: Break out of the routine! Live life on the edge. Instead of going to the same restaurant, the same park, the same café, try something new, even if it is right around the corner. Look what I found when I did just that:
View from Hotel Serpiano
It is true when I want to run away, I generally head for the mountains even if I am more of a beach girl, but the mountains are right around the corner and the beach a 2 hour drive away. And typically when you are trying to runaway, you want to feel “gone” as soon as possible right? And as it turns out my escape spots were turning out to be the same places over and over. Same towns, same parks, same cafes. So can a runway really be considered a runaway if they are continuously the same? Or do those spots just start to become part of our routine lives?
Anyway, a few weeks ago, I was in escape mode and instead of going to the usual place, I took a little detour. I had seen a brown street sign pointing to a town I had never seen nor heard of and for no reason just started following the sign. The sign off into the unknown, veering away from the comfortable – the known. That sign kept taking me deeper and deeper into the woods, I finally arrived, just to find a hotel. Ha, ha, ha….I was a little confused, until I saw the view. Spectacular. There was a place for the kids to play, I felt like we were in the opening scene of “The Sound of Music” except I could not go running around the green grass because I had my famous four inch heels on. I COULD however, relax on the comfy hammocks and admire the view. Later my son came to join me!
Enjoying the view of Lugano
Company!
So comfy!
Fab view!
Restaurant at Hotel Serpiano
As it turns out, this hotel serves the UNESCO World Heritage site, Monte San Giorgio, located between Ticino (a canton of Switzerland) and Lombardy (a region in Italy). The view below is of Lugano. This mountain became a UNESCO Heritage site in 2003 because of the remains found of marine life from the Triassic period. Apart from the fossil museum one can go hiking and mountain bike riding in this wooded park.
Anyway, I guess the point is this: get out there! Explore! Look at this crazy place I found only 30 minutes from my home. Break out of your routine – even if it means just trying a new restaurant. And don’t be discouraged if you sometimes are disappointed by trying something new. It is bound to happen, but the flip side is that you might also find the most beautiful place you have ever seen.
Italy Translated 
I agree with you! I am constantly avoiding routine, trying to change as much as I can. It great to try new things, they often surprise you the most 🙂
So true! I admit that I like the routine, because it is easy. But I also have to say that when I DO try something new, the payoff is usually worth it!
Hahaha yes it is!! The only 2 routines I try to maintain is exercise and eating healthy… But somehow is hard to keep when you are traveling hahaha
What a wonderful reward for being inquisitive and venturing off the beaten track, Diana. I wouldn’t mind feasting my eyes on that view for an afternoon.
Thank you for your comment! Yes! We got quite lucky!! It was a great day!
Gosh what a spectacular view and great way to approach the ultra conservative and close minded life of Italian. I wish my husband was flexible and adventurous like yours 🙂
Thanks for sharing and wonderful pictures as always!!!
oh yajo! poor you….yes…I am super lucky to have such a fun hubby! But your other half is fun too! Just need to find creative ways of getting out more often! 🙂
Gorgeous photos, what a great place to find so close by!
I know! Can you believe it!?!? What a great find!
Amazing! My husband and I often like driving randomly around cities and towns and stopping at random places but we’ve yet to find a view like that!
Great job! Good for you! I admit that I wished I did that more often instead of going to the same places over and over…especially living in Italy, it would be difficult to make a mistake because most places are wonderful…but I can often be a creature of habit. I know you go all over, because you write about MANY places on your blog! 🙂
That looks absolutely amazing! And I like your 4-inch heels as well 🙂 You’re right – it’s so easy to get stuck in a rut. I’m off to Berlin next week and you’ve inspired me to go off the beaten track!
Yes….my heel addiction is gonna come back to get me when I get older. But I don’t usually wear them with my pjs! ha, ha, ha…hubby loved that suggestion by the way! ha, ha, ha! Still laughing about that photo! Anyway…HAVE FUN IN BERLIN!!! Whoohoo…we were there last year….stayed out til morning time! I have not had fun like that in a LOOONNNNG TIME! So enjoy! Can’t wait to read about your escapades!
I can’t wait to have escapades! 🙂
So pretty! Lucky you. Love that first picture – it reminds me of a Dali painting!
yeah…isn’t it surreal!? We took Angelo and Gina there too…they could not believe how close it was to the house!
Oh my goodness, what a wonderful find! How lucky you are to live so close to such a gorgeous place!
I totally get stuck in routine too – I find I get very resistant to changes in my daily routine, and that’s when I know I need to break out for a bit! As a bonus, it makes you appreciate your routine more when you’re back in it 😀
Diana, you found a gem! I remember the day I could wear 4 inch heels. Those days are gone, and even less can be painful now. I’ve gone french, wearing flats!
Ha, ha, ha…I think my days might be numbered too! Any new shoes I buy are wedges or 3 inchers. Although there was a time I felt I could compete in this race: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9wdBHSYQkE
Oh! My goodness…I never heard of it. There are some ugly accidents in that race, those poor ladies:( However, I love the idea and philosophy behind it. Tape up your ankles and give it a whirl:)
When I saw your heels, it reminded me of a time when I took a long walk in Rome (in flats) and happened upon the marvelous Piazza del Campidoglio. My feet were quite sore and I was very relieved to sit for a spell. When I did, I saw women appearing so fresh and at ease in their 4-inch heels. I was amazed (and envious, for they do look quite smashing)! Alas, I will have to admire only and stay within 1-2 inches from the ground when walking for any length of time.
I can tell you this…..If I am walking Rome….I will be in heels, but they will be wedges or chunky heels. What amazes me, is how they do it in stilettos with the cobblestone streets! How are they doing that? And JUST like you said….so at ease! I would be falling all over the place!
Exactly! I would break an ankle. I am truly impressed by the abilities of these women! :o)
What a great reminder that adventures may just find us if we’ll just set out!
When I saw your heels, it reminded me of a time when I took a long walk in Rome (in flats) and happened upon the marvelous Piazza del Campidoglio. My feet were quite sore and I was very relieved to sit for a spell. When I did, I saw women appearing so fresh and at ease in their 4-inch heels. I was amazed (and envious, for they do look quite smashing)! Alas, I will have to only ever admire them and be sure for myself to stay within 1-2 inches of the ground!
Your blog is so beautiful. =)
Thank you so much!!! What a kind comment!!!! Thanks again and have a good week!