Sunstruck?

Quote of the week

They passed out of the shade beneath the eaves and flew into sunglare and silence and it was an action she only partly saw, elusive and mutely beautiful, the birds so sunstruck they were consumed by light, disembodied, turned into something sheer and fleet and scatter-bright.
- Author: Don DeLillo

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Hello dear friends,

I am sorry for this late newsletter. I meant to write it on Thursday evening but was feeling really bad. I thought it was connected to the gastritis, but it was probably a more natural explanation. I think I was sun struck. But, let’s start from the beginning

On the road again

We left Innsbruck on Wednesday to slowly start our trip south. We went via the Brenner pass, into South Tirol in Italy, drove eastwards and then entered Ost Tirol in Austria. Martin had found a beautiful camping by the Tristacher See. It is framed by the Dolomites of Lienz, making the lake and its surrounding an impressive view. Clear green water and a temperature around 23C/73,5F. On Thursday we walked around the lake (it is not long), visited the hotel at the other end for a cold drink, and returning to the beach. That is, Martin walked and I swam back. So beautiful to swim and having the view of the mountains as a backdrop. Very refreshing. I think though, that the sun, glittering in the lake, might have given me more sun that I needed. I usually try to stay out of the sun, for a pleasant stay in the shade.

Roman city of Aguntum

On Friday morning I did feel better, and we continued to the next lake, Wiesensee. On the way, we visited the ruins and excavations of the Roman city of Aguntum. In the middle of the 1st century AD, emperor Claudius granted the city the status of municipium, with the name Municipium Claudium Aguntum. This was the only roman city in Tirol. It was the center of economy, traffic and administration of the area, today known as Osttirol. During the next centuries, Aguntum’s strategic position grew into a flowering trading and industrial city. There were several natural resources in the area, low carbon steel, copper, argent and especially gold, and they exported mountain crystal, wood, fossil resin, cattle and cheese. The nori low carbon steel was famous throughout the empire due to its durability. In the 3rd century the area was disturbed by invading Germanic tribes, the area declined and was finally destroyed in 610 in a major battle between Bavarians and Slavs.

The Atrium

The back garden where water would have flowed in the canals.

Finds in the area have been reported since the 16th century. Today there is a museum and archeological park, with excavations still ongoing. You find the typical houses from the Roman times. The Atrium building is the grand house, belonging to a rich man. The Atrium formed the heart of the residential and representational area, with secondary rooms (living and sleeping rooms). From the Atrium two staircases led to the lower situated garden peristyle. Typical for the Romans, but quite unique in the alpine area. One wonders how it was used in the winter.

The once upon a time Thermal baths

No city without thermal baths. This is one of the rare, and still in good condition, bath complexes discovered in Austria. Used not only for personal hygiene but as a place to meet people. The building was constructed as a so called terraced house, with single bathrooms in a row, having rising room-temperatures. Well, the Romans knew how to do it.

Wiesensee

We continued and arrived an hour later at the Knaller Camping by Wisensee. We were lucky to get the last available place. Here is so quiet and peaceful. The lake just below us, includes a big green lawn, a small restaurant and a refreshing dip in the lake, with its around 23C/73,5F

That is all for now. We leave towards Montenegro on Monday, and hopefully another report for Friday.