The combination of two of K’s favorite things — water and mountains — provided the perfect backdrop for a relaxing holiday weekend getaway. In contrast to our travels over the last month, the primary objective this weekend was rest and relaxation. We soaked up bits of sun at lakeside cafés as it peeked out between the clouds. And the scattered showers kept our energetic hiking ambitions in check to help us achieve our relaxation goal.
We skipped the resort laden “big city” of Como and headed for the quaint villages in the middle of the lake. Settling in the little town of Varenna we explored the neighboring Bellaggio and Menaggio with quick ferry rides across the lake. While less touristy than the larger Como, these towns are still popular holiday spots for Europe and focused on hospitality. We strolled along the water’s edge watching fish dart about in the crystal blue water. We frequented the shops admiring the murano glass and artisan works. And renewed our taste for café lattes and authentic gelato.
The food and wine is always a highlight of Italy (though not quite as good as Tuscany and Cinque Terre). We enjoyed fresh pasta and the light refreshing red chianti wine as well other fresh wines from the region. Being on a lake, the food featured a lot of trout and reminded us of Hallstatt and the Austrian Lake District in many ways.
There were other familiar elements of this trip as well. Arriving by train along the lake edge beneath the towering mountains reminded us of the Berner-Oberland in Switzerland. The brightly colored shore perched villages lined with boats reminded us of the Cinque Terre and The Amalfi Coast. We were able to enjoy elements of and reminisce about many of our favorite trips.
As on our other trips to Italy, we found a lot of art galleries and exhibits — more than other places in Europe. Maybe it is because Italy is more beautiful. Or perhaps Italians are more artistically inclined. Or we just got lucky while in Italy. None the less we enjoyed many the quality works in several galleries and exhibits.
A unique shop in Bellaggio featured fused glass renderings of Van Gogh’s famous works. The fused glass technique and bright colors mixed well with Van Gogh’s style and made the works really light up. We were particularly impressed by a rendition of Starry Night and decided its new home should be in our London flat.
It was a good weekend all around and mission accomplished. Check out our pictures from around the lake.