Thursday we took the ferry across the lake to the little town of Bellagio which sits at the tip of a promontory that splits the lower portion of Lake Como into an east and west arms. It is a beautiful place, has some nice little shops that will seperate you from your Euro stash in short order, but too touristy for any serious time. We decided to take off into the higher parts of town and wander around away from everyone else and check out the less beaten path. Like most touristy places it does not take too much to leave the vast majority behind. And then we left everybody behind, finding ourselves very much on the outskirts on a two track path with a good idea of where we wanted to be but at a bit of a loss as to how exactly to get there. Fortunately, a local lady was leaving her house and with Laura’s skills in Italian we were able to get directions down the foot path and told to make a right at the little church and eventually onto a real street that we could follow. It was a nice walk and we saw things that nobody else visiting Bellagio did that day. I guarantee it!!
Ferrying across the lake always presents wonderful views of the surrounding towns and landscapes. I am continually asking myself how and why did they choose that spot for building something?
Since the vast majority of the shoreline is extremely rocky or shear cliffs the mooring points for boats are at a premium. There are a few small “flat” spots in each town where the small fishing boats are pulled up onto the terraces.
I don’t think I have ever seen such perfectly shaped trees. They are almost 60 feet tall and appear to not have a single branch out of place.
Just another great scene along the shore with a phenominal background.
I want one of these!
I thought I had promised not to do this any more?? Sorry folks.
We actually did do a bit of shopping and Laura scored with 2 small purses that were quite reasonable. Good girl! I just like these colors.
This picture just might make me sell the powder blue Vespa we have at home and get one with a bit more pizzazz to it. Any buyers? Low miles. Never been in the snow!!
If you are going to wander away from the crowds and venture off the beaten path it is quite nice when the path is this charming.
No comment.
This is the right turn at the little church. A verrrry quiet neighborhood.
Late summer is maybe not the best time to tour the botanical gardens at the Melzi Villa but the grounds are still very beautiful.
.
A small portion of the promenade at the gardens along the shore of Lake Como.
I am not certain where this staircase was leading to but I lke it.
Why is it that peeling paint, which looks so bad in Houston, all of a sudden has charm, romance, and looks good in Italy??
We finished the day “in” Bellagio with Laura having her first ever espresso! This girl will do anything!
Back on the ferry and across the lake so we could fall into the little enoteca, or wine shop, in town and ran into some folks we had met earlier in the morning on the ferry ride. A few glasses of wiine and then we had dinner with them.
Downtown Argegno (Ar jen yoh) as the night falls. It was a very quiet Thursday evening.
Laurochka, I just browsed your blog, scanning through pictures and wowing at each of them. The things you get to see and do are mind bugling! I am so jealous, it hurts!!!! And I can never ride a bike or clime 6000meters!
BTW, I love your blog. Great pictures and great comments.
It is hot and muggy down here. HCC first concert with Russian music in next Tuesday, at Co-Cathedral. Here is an exciting news: I will be a grandmother again next May to June!
And…if you ever get bored from sightseeing, biking or hiking-watch this 8 minute film about my school program. It was filmed last spring and just came out. Lots, lots and lots of amore from me and Roberto.
Ever Jealous Marianna
Ok so all these years of trying to describe what my Spain trip was like to you guys just got illustrated right before my eyes. Everything about this particular page makes me think of the time I spent there. Next family vacation!?!?!?!