Sunday trip

We made a long drive yesterday to another city near Lake Garda. We also did a quite long walk because we couldn't find parking area near this tourist spot. The long walk was worth though because I enjoyed again doing photo shoots.

This is Castello Scaligero (Scaligero Castle) built on 13th century-15th century. The castle is bathed on all sides by the waters of Lake Garda, and on one of these sides was built, shortly after the construction of the castle, the dock, which once represented the place of refuge of the Scaligera fleet.

The Scaliger Castle of Sirmione is a fortress of the Scaligeri era, an access point to the historic center of Sirmione. It is one of the most complete and best preserved castles of Italy, as well as a rare example of lacustrine fortification. (info from Wiki)

The castle here facing the entrance..flocked with tourists.

Found this black bird nestling and taking care of its eggs sustained by this old wooden platform that stays afloat on water,  around the walls of the castle.

The entrance to the little village inside. There is a real entrance to the castle for those who wanted to see worth 12euro each,  but we were content to just see the view from the outside. (no budget..lol!)

This view of houses is seen once you access the entrance. (in my  fourth photo). The view is fronting the next real entrance to the castle.

Purple..purple! That's not me. (lol)

I just love this window view in one of the houses here, ready for Easter egg hunt!

Took a good shot of this little bird while having bread snack at the bench, fronting the lake and the castle.

Finally that's me having a good walk while hubby's taking the shot, as if I wasn't aware but I was..hahah!|

There is also an old church inside this village so we stopped awhile.

It's still cold all around but I saw some already enjoying a lick of their gelatos..yummy!

Just a view of this artistic bike while on our way back to the car...

..and a flowery walkway of narcissus.

The view of lake Garda in Lombardia, North Italy.

I hope you enjoy the photos here as much as I do. God is great! God bless us all! Have a wonderful Holy week everyone!

Afternoon walk

I went on an afternoon walk and saw how trees start to show tiny mint green leaves

while other flowering trees along the way are such a joy to see. 

These are just some photos I took with me.

Catching sunset..I just love their colors.

The dog is just so adorable. I'm always a dog lover.

I've always loved spring. There's something about flowers that fills me with awe.

Then just a few colorful cobblestone pathways on the way...

One of the flowering trees in a neighbor's yard that will soon turn to leaves..amazing!How could flowers turn to leaves? Such nature's wonder and mystery!

And how I love hyacinths!

So often, nature just leaves us in awe.
Have a blessed weekend ahead!
Alla prossima...:)

Truthfulness

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."- Philippians 4:6-7

It's a snowy thursday here and perhaps there's something about cold season that makes us feel nostalgic or say..reflective. I thought about that Bible quote on top because, lately, I welcomed people here in my house who comes from other "religion". I allowed them to talk to me everytime, about everything that's beautiful in the Bible, they gave me pamphlet to read, and I don't see anything wrong about it. In fact, I admire their spiritual sincerity towards the words of God.

When we talk about God's words, who can say no, unless you're an unbeliever. However, along our talk, I saw some differences from what I believe from the very start. I respect differences in beliefs but coming to a point that I am no longer comfortable talking about that differences and my heart no longer feels content about it, I feel that there is something wrong, not with them ( because that's what they believe), but with me because that's not what I believe. In other words, I can no longer pretend to be nice or perhaps pleasing them in that way. I wanted to be true to myself. I wanted that my motive of building friendship with them doesn't mean we have to have the same belief in all. And so this morning, I wrote to them and sincerely asked I could not allow them anymore to do what they used to when they come and visit. I asked that we'd remain friends and hoped they'd understand.

It's okay to say "no" as long as you're telling the truth. It hurts more to say "yes", yet that is not the truth.  Once you feel you lie to yourself, you eventually feel conscious, anxious, and then unhappy about it (that means you are not that bad, by nature). Your guilt and your conscience will tell you at the end of the day.

So, here's my hope that we'll all find peace in our hearts in minds from things we believe, regardless of our differences in ideology or faith, however having common goals and that is to try to spread goodness alone. After all, we will not be judged by what kind of church we go to, but what's in the very inner of our being and how we live a better life ( if not best)  while on this earth.

Have a blessed Thursday!

Oh..it's already 1st of March, how time flies!