Lago Como

The last stop on our trip was Menaggio, across the lake from Belaggio. This location gave us an opportunity to visit a unique part of Italy, spend a few days off the road resting, and still be able to reach the Malpensa Airport near Milan in a couple of hours on the day we left.

Lynn chose a Grand Hotel for our last few days, and since it was off season and she is such a clever travel planner, the rates were downright reasonable. She insisted on a room with a serious balcony, and got the largest one in the hotel, situated front and center over the entrance and facing the lake. Here she is surveying her domain.

She seems pretty pleased with herself, as she should be.

Here's the view from our balcony, looking north across the lake toward Varenna.

And here's the more southerly view taking in Bellagio.

Here she's partaking of some of the goodies sent from the farm in Calabria, washed down with a nice Prosecco.

As usual Lynn is studying a map and planning a jaunt. I think she's checking boat routes and schedules so we can visit some of the towns across the lake.

Looks like I was right, we're sailing across the lake. There are several ferries operating between middle lake towns as well as up and down the lake. We're heading toward Varenna here.

This is beautiful Belaggio spread out before us.

Belaggio is hill town, and most of it is navigated on stairstep alleys.

Some people may find it hard to believe that I bought a tie in this lovely establishment, but it's true. Lynn found a purse that she couldn't live without. The young lady is the daughter of the designer, who incorporates elements of Italian art, architecture, and history into his silk designs for scarves, ties, belts, and purses.

Anther vertical alley, another shop.

Varenna features a charming seaside promenade that gives exquisite views.

Back in Menaggio, Lynn caught me entertaining the strollers on the promenade in front of our hotel. Hawaiian slack key guitar has now come to Italy.