We had two more full days with the dads as they would have to head back to Brussels for work...boo! So, we wanted to make the most of seeing the sites along Lake Como. On Monday, we opted to take the ferry which moves from town to town up towards the triangle of Bellagio, Menaggio, and Varenna. Lake Como is said to be like a body with two legs with Bellagio being the crotch. How's that for a visual? We started just south of Laglio and made the 2+ hour boat trip up to Menaggio...our first stop!
We started on the back of the boat, which was covered and quite windy. That didn't last too long.
There was no room to sit inside, so we stood for a bit to warm up and then moved to the front of the boat. There was sunshine, but it was equally freezing.
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| The parents! |
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| Passing by George Clooney's house. |
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| Villa del Balbianello was along the route as well. There will be more on that later in the post. |
The towns along the way were gorgeous!
Bellagio!
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| Most people left the boat here. We would make our way to Bellagio at the end of the day. |
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| They enjoyed having the boat all to themselves! |
First stop....Menaggio!
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| Grabbing a snack near the water on this sunny day! |
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| There's a welcome site! |
I mean really....this is ridiculous! Look at that view. Wow!
This photo says, "Oh my GAWWWWWD...he's trying to kiss me!"
The next stop was Varenna!
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| Rick Steeves said it was on every American's list. Really?? I've never even heard of it? This is our first view from the boat. I think I'm going to love it!!! |
I can't think of a better place to enjoy gelato. The black cherry was to die for!
This is one of my favorite photos from the trip. Two American families, whose paths crossed in Belgium, enjoying a holiday together in Italy, and will be lifelong friends. Blessed for sure!
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| I just love these four! |
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| Sprinting through the corridors of Varenna. |
On to Bellagio!
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| What a place to take a rest. Don't let that sunshine fool you. The wind was crazy...as you can see from the whitecaps on the water. Brrrr!!!! |
We ate an early dinner in Bellagio. This was, hands down, the best pizza I have ever had!
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| Apparently, the pasta was good too! |
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| Picture perfect Bellagio! |
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| Many of the streets in Lake Como are paved with these stones. They were murder on my feet. Ballet flats were not working for me. |
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| Speaking of....great minds think alike! |
Flat Stanley and Flat Sophie were having a great time.
After an hour delay for the boat...in the wind...and the cold....it was time to head back to Carate Urio. By this point in the night, the lake was really rough. This is the look on faces when you are pretty sure your boat is going to tip over. The waves at your window is not a good sign. Karin is a life long boater. When I saw the look on her face, I knew there was reason to be worried. Thank goodness, the terror didn't last long.
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| This picture really doesn't do it justice. |
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| Our Tuesday morning view! |
The next morning, we decided to skip the boat and drive to Villa del Balbianello. This gorgeous estate built in 1787 and was most recently owned by explorer Guido Monzino. It is filled with rich collections from his expeditions.
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| For Star Wars fans....like myself....this is the site where Anakin and Padme were married in Star Wars: Episode II. Casino Royale was also filmed in this villa. Pretty cool! |
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| The greenery growing on the villa is from one root and is 150 years old. |
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| I wouldn't mind this view everyday! |
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| Lunch along the lake. |
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| Closing the night out with Things! So many good laughs! |
Until next time,
Wendy
