Last Friday it was pouring down. But without any wind â one of those straight, steady rains that soaks you through but doesnât really cause any trouble. In autumn, I actually love being out in it, as long as youâve got an umbrella and the right shoes.
Or at least, I do.
We took advantage of the very last day to enjoy Riva Misteriosa, one of the many great experiences that our local Tourist Board has put together as a fresh, modern way to support hotels like ours.
Riva Misteriosa was one of the very first tours they came up with, about three years ago. In a way, itâs the simplest: a walk through the historic center of Riva with a knowledgeable guide (and, if needed, an umbrella). It runs regularly â this year every Friday evening â and lasts about two hours.
To keep my hands free (even though I ended up not taking any photos), I wore my rain jacket and boots. The kind of outfit I also use when I take the girls to school on rainy mornings â practical and dry enough. Elena and I sometimes talk about how nice it would be to have a little rain kit ready in every hotel room. It would be such a thoughtful touch for guests who want to enjoy their holiday, rain or shine.
The evening turned out to be a real surprise. I wonât go into details â it would spoil it for you â but believe me, even though Iâve lived in Riva all my life, most of the stories I heard were completely new to me. And thatâs exactly why I joined. Well, and also so I could write these lines.
Iâll admit, school was never really my thing. But Iâm curious by nature, and I love learning something I didnât know before. I truly admire people who know things â and who can share them with passion.
Maybe thatâs the best way to go through life: always motivated to learn just a little more than you knew yesterday.
I came home wet, but richer. And not just richer in knowledge, but with fun little stories I could pass on to my daughters. Our guide was excellent, and the whole experience was cleverly designed â nothing like the usual âclassicâ city history tours.
We started with a look up at the Bastione and the little church of Santa Barbara, then wandered past the statue of Giuseppe Verdi, the Brolio park, the colorful Piazza delle Erbe, and Piazza Catena with the Town Hall. Few people know about Via Marocco or the tiny San Rocco square. The walk ended in front of the Church of Inviolata. By then the rain had stopped, and I finally took my one and only photo: Santa Barbara up on Monte Rocchetta, surrounded by clouds.
It turned out just as the name promised⊠mysterious.
