Bormio Terme & Livigno

Saturday: we finally see the sun after a whole week of dreary clouds and fog. We were in Valtellina and decided to drive up to Bormio Terme to swim and soak a little in the hot springs. It was wonderful. No crowds (ski season hasn't really started yet what with the lack of snow this year), and most importantly, no crowds. :-0

Plus there was the autumn promotion going on where all fees were discounted 40%. We spent 3 leisurely hours swimming laps and relaxing in the warm outdoor and indoor pools. Bliss!


Then we decided to drive to Livigno to fill up the tank. Some pictures that I snapped through the window.


Livigno looks cold and snow-less.


It was the first time that I actually went into town, and not just the gas station. We stopped at this warm and rustic-looking bar for some tea and a snack.

Livigno has historically been exempted from the 20% VAT (Value Added Tax) because of its isolated location especially during the winter season. Thus the many shops selling luxury goods at duty-free prices all along the town's main street. Also I found out that alcohol is taxed based on alcohol content, which explained why we saw lots of people snapping up bottles of hard liquor.

We made it home in time for dinner celebrating S's sister's birthday. And that was our Saturday. Yay for weekends!