That horrible journey the other day, the one that was ever so slightly traumatic? I might be in a hurry to forget that, but the destination itself was unforgettable, and completely worth the whole hideous experience…
Having never been to that part of Italy before, I had heard on many occasions that Lake Como was supposed to be quite something, but that first view of the lake may well stay with me forever, as will the smell of the car I expect.
We stayed at the very top of the lake, and it was a great base to explore the surrounding area. I loved Como itself with its grand architecture and flamboyant characters. I loved the atmosphere at Pasticceria Monti in the Piazza Cavour, a short hop from the boat terminal, where we stopped for refuelling purposes. The majority of the clientèle seemed to come straight out of an Agatha Christie novel, sporting a variety of outfits incorporating silk kimonos,walking canes and cravats. We stood out as the table with the least decorum and the normal attire, but we did enjoy stuffing our faces with tiny beautiful cakes that had to be seen to be believed. And later in the day, as the temperatures rose to around 35 degrees, I loved Como’s imposing buildings and its shady streets, all of us grateful for the coolness that they provided.
Bellaggio was another big favourite, and we spent a whole day here once we had made our way across the lake in the hazy morning sun (a little tip, park near the Hotel Britannia, buy a boat ticket at reception, cross the road and pretend that the lovely boat that takes you over the lake is all yours! Later, you can return to the same retro beach club you were dropped off at, and they will personally phone the boat and get it to come and pick you up, allowing you to continue with that “famous” fantasy for the entirety of the five-minute journey!
But while you’re there, the choice is yours as to whether you should explore the town or its famous terraced gardens, each having that certain charm of a bygone age. We chose the town option this time, and ventured along the cobbled streets, admiring shops selling exquisite hand crafted glass and silk, and stopping for lunch at Trattoria San Giacomo at the top of the hill. It might have felt like we were dining in someone’s living room, but that just added to the experience, and my ricotta ravioli with a sage and butter sauce was just delicious. Plus we were treated to around twenty minutes peace while the children devoured their lunch, a good indication of food standards. My only complaint was that the tiramisu here was far too nice, and because I was too busy taking photographs, I only got one measly spoonful.
Determined not to totally miss out in the pudding department, I insisted on a visit to the nearby Gelateria. The ice-cream was of a high standard, but the dress code was far less refined. Look.
The rest of our time at Como was spent relaxing with my Pops and my lovely Step Mother, who are in the middle of a lengthy glamping trip. Their camp site was pretty impressive as camp sites go, clean, in a good location, with plenty of amenities, and a great delivery agreement with the local pizza restaurant. But sleeping in a swelteringly hot tent, and having to navigate my way through a dark camp-site with Small Children needing the loo in the middle of the night (plus being easy pray for the huge mosquitoes) wasn’t my idea of fun, so we opted for the bed and breakfast on the same site instead, which was excellent. I think camping is somewhat of a novelty for my Dad, and he enjoys it, but I really enjoyed waving to him from my lovely cool balcony every morning as he did their dishes in the baking sun!
I would like to go back to Lake Como, sans enfants perhaps to stay in one of the beautiful old hotels and to sit and stare at the lake and do absolutely nothing. I think it’s a place to share with that special someone, and the scenery obviously inspires the romantic side of folk. The Small people even found a love letter, ripped into tiny shreds on the beach one day, and attempted to put it back together a bit like a “Dear Deirdre” jigsaw puzzle. Now if only I could read Italian, I am desperate to know what the chances are of the couple in question getting back together!
You might be pleased to hear we took a different route back! Ciao bella!
We’ve had some fab trips to Como with it only being three hours away. For some reason, all my female relatives request a day trip down there the moment they land in Switzerland. Nothing to do with George Clooney having a house there, nothing at all :-)
Thank you! I wonder why! I did keep an eye out for him but to no avail! :)
Well that’s it, my next holiday destination sorted! Lake Como looks absoloutely stunning and your photos are excellent – I particularly love the one at the top, so romantic and picturesque.
Thanks so much Suzanne! Just don’t take that horrible road to get there! :)
Gorgeous post and photos. I especially like the first one. Thanks for taking me on a journey today.
Thank you! :)
Lake Como! It’s so on my list – and the way you described it is exactly the way I’d imagined it. Agatha Christie characters et all. Love the photographs – especially the clogs :)
Go… you really must! Your photographs will be amazing! :)
OMG, those pictures. I am lost for words!
Thanks so much Jen! Hopefully in a good way :D
Oh that sounds so good ! (a part from the getting there bit..) The way you write about it makes me want to go, and your photos are fabulous, as always. Love the first one :) x
Thank you! Glad you like the pics too! :) x
We used to go camping by the lakes when I was a child. I haven’t been there for about 30 years. It’s just the most beautiful place on earth in my mind.
Very beautiful indeed. Despite the wiggly roads and near death driving experiences to get there, it was worth it! :)
Yes I can appreciate that a fatal car crash en route would put a damper on things. We used to do those roads with a caravan in tow.
Luckily not on this occasion, but they do take their life into their hands overtaking on bends etc. :D
What a beautiful post. You really brought the whole experience to life. And what an experience! I particularly love the Agatha Christie character populated Pasticceria and of course the absolute perfection of the love note!
Thanks for the lovely comment! I couldn’t get over one couple in particular, they had obviously set out to spend the day “being seen”, I was dying to talk to them to ask them about their backgrounds! :)
The 1st 2 photos are my favourite. You can really see the shimmer on the lake!I’d love to go on a family holiday to Italy and lake Como….maybe some year we will. Sounds like you had an amazing time :-)
xx Jazzy
Thanks Jazzy. I would highly recommend it, it’s a beautiful place! :) xx
Beautiful photos and writing, Emma. I remember when we decided to visit the Italian Lakes, we picked Lake Garda as it was probably a bit more relaxed and family oriented than Como, having waterparks etc. Hearing about the attire of the people in Como, that’s probably not too much of a generalisation then! Looks rather fabulous.
Thanks Trish! Garda is also on our list, I will be picking your brains! :) xx
That sounds an amazing place to visit – very romantic – no wonder so many people get married there! Mx
Yep, I can see why! xxx