Bel Paese (Beautiful Country)

We continue to be blessed to be witnesses of one of Italy's nicknames, "Bel Paese" (Beautiful Country). As part of our role of helping find new missionary apartments, we went to the scenic little mountain town of Sondrio which borders Switzerland and Austria. 

In the short time we were in Sondrio we met some of the nicest people. First, we connected with our 25 year old realtor who then took us downtown to buy us gelato, hot chocolate and meet his girlfriend.  Later we asked a man if he could take our picture and he spent the next 20 minutes showing us around the city while still carrying his groceries. 

Whether it is the jaw dropping art, castles, ruins, architecture, mountains, lakes, seaside villages, tuscan countryside, canals, or the people, Italy is truly a beautiful country. 

Now you see it... now you don't. Was the call Steve is on in the distance unfortunate timing or pre-planned by Laura so she didn't need to share?

It was yet another "pinch me" moment when we visited the lakeside city of Sirmione. It was so beautiful and romantic that it literally had us jumping for joy.  

The city of Lecco is one of the hidden gems in our mission. It is a sister city to Como but without all the tourists. Rain or shine, we try to make a quick stop whenever we are within striking distance.

Anziano Simpson and Steve caught the excitement of Milano Fashion week and turned Sirmione into their own personal photo shoot. Clearly they are not quite ready for the cat walk, but maybe a walk off the plank

We feel so fortunate to have been welcomed with open arms by our neighbors who invited us out for dinner (read lunch). We have so much to learn from them as they range in age from 76 - 87 years old. Perhaps we can get credit for "time served' and be able to prematurely move into a 55 or older community when we return home.

The missionaries in our zone tricked Steve into trying just a drop of this PepperX hot sauce. They told him it has a sweet and floral aroma (think tangerines) that opens up to intense, vegetal flavor. What they failed to tell him was that it clocks in at 3 million Scoville Heat Units. 🔥 

"QUICK! Everyone grab the first thing that comes to mind for a fun selfie!" Should I be worried that Sorella Simpson's instincts were to grab a large knife and hold it near her husband's neck!?! Remind me scouters, is that grounds for losing a corner from her totin chip card?

Steve was given a subtle reminder of what his afterlife could be like if he doesn't endure 'well' to the end

The moment Steve learned that Laura's love language is castles. In other news, Steve bought a bouncy castle and booked a 6 week European castle tour the day after we finish our mission.

Move over Mr. Whiskers, there's a new cat in town...Mr. Stache