Where: Como and Lenno, Italy
When: March 24, 2012
With: Dad and friends
While visiting my dad on his business trip in Milan, we were fortunate enough to have one of his local coworkers act as our private tour guide of the area. To show us something a little different, he picked us up at our hotel and drove us out to Lake Como.
Lake Como is only about an hour away from the center of Milan, so a really easy day trip. Our first stop was in the town of Como. It looked kind of how I pictured, colorful villas lining large mountains that drop straight into a flat, blue lake. However, a bit hazier than I had anticipated.
We didn't spend a ton of time in Como. Instead, we jumped on a ferry boat to get off the beaten track. No, the ferry boat is not the red one, sadly. Along the way, we enjoyed more beautiful scenery: mountains, villas, and of course, a search for George Clooney's house.
After about an hour, we hopped off in the small town of Lenno. With one road and no streetlights, it was how I'd picture a small Italian lake village to be. The busiest part of the town was the dock where all the rowboats were tied up.
So I totally have a thing for gardens. Up until now, I had only really seen elaborate English gardens. This one, with its tall Cyprus trees, Roman statues, and perfectly manicured lawn, all set up against the backdrop of water and mountains, totally blew my mind. It was so stunning.
We headed back towards the village to catch our boat back to Lenno. Unfortunately, the boat was "at capacity" and we'd need to wait another hour for the next one. (Fine by me, although the guy in our group who had a flight to catch wasn't thrilled). We continued to wander through the village.
Also waiting for the ferry was this golden lab - he entertained himself by swinging a life preserver around and around in circles. After awhile, him and his owner decided to kill time by going for a row instead. This dog has the sweet life - check out his umbrella!
Our Italian companion asked if anyone wanted gelato while we were waiting. In my opinion, when an Italian asks you to go get gelato, you just do not say no. This was my strawberry and lemon deliciousness.
For the rest of my trip, click here.
When: March 24, 2012
With: Dad and friends
While visiting my dad on his business trip in Milan, we were fortunate enough to have one of his local coworkers act as our private tour guide of the area. To show us something a little different, he picked us up at our hotel and drove us out to Lake Como.
Lake Como is only about an hour away from the center of Milan, so a really easy day trip. Our first stop was in the town of Como. It looked kind of how I pictured, colorful villas lining large mountains that drop straight into a flat, blue lake. However, a bit hazier than I had anticipated.
We didn't spend a ton of time in Como. Instead, we jumped on a ferry boat to get off the beaten track. No, the ferry boat is not the red one, sadly. Along the way, we enjoyed more beautiful scenery: mountains, villas, and of course, a search for George Clooney's house.
Ferry boat continuing on to Bellagio.
After about an hour, we hopped off in the small town of Lenno. With one road and no streetlights, it was how I'd picture a small Italian lake village to be. The busiest part of the town was the dock where all the rowboats were tied up.
We decided there was no better way to enjoy the view than to sit and have lunch with a glass of wine.
My bresaola and goats cheese panini with a glass of wine. I can't decide which item in this picture gave me more joy.
After lunch, we continued walking along the water through the village.
Village of Lenno.
At the end of the walk, we came upon the main attraction of Lenno: Villa Balbianello, a large villa built on the site of an old monastery. Upon entering the grounds, you being a steep climb to the end of a small peninsula.
Peeking through the trees while making my climb.
At the end of the hike, we reached the villa and got our first real view of the fantastic scenery of Lake Como. I'm not going to lie, I think because of all the haze, I hadn't been truly blown away until this moment. This view made me see why Lake Como got its reputation.
I loved these trees.
I wouldn't mind having this dock.
Dad and the coworkers, hoping to win the company's photo contest with this one.
Glad I could visit!
Towards the end of the day, the haze started to clear a bit, and the Alps started to show themselves.
We headed back towards the village to catch our boat back to Lenno. Unfortunately, the boat was "at capacity" and we'd need to wait another hour for the next one. (Fine by me, although the guy in our group who had a flight to catch wasn't thrilled). We continued to wander through the village.
Also waiting for the ferry was this golden lab - he entertained himself by swinging a life preserver around and around in circles. After awhile, him and his owner decided to kill time by going for a row instead. This dog has the sweet life - check out his umbrella!
Our Italian companion asked if anyone wanted gelato while we were waiting. In my opinion, when an Italian asks you to go get gelato, you just do not say no. This was my strawberry and lemon deliciousness.
As the sun was setting, the last ferry came and we were able to get on board. Wasn't easy leaving this sight behind, but it was a beautiful day out.
For the rest of my trip, click here.
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