We are now in the midst of the irrevocable advance of the day of departure! There is not a great deal to be said about the feelings we all have about our time at Villa dei Pini coming once again to a close. We said most our goodbyes last night because about half of the group was heading out before breakfast for early trains and taxis. We finished up our packing around 8:30 and headed down for breakfast, briefly catching John, Maria, Francesco and Barbara. Also, Ivana arrived early to make sure was there to help coordinate travel plans.......and we all sat for a cup of coffee.
One of the marvelous aspects of this 'get together' has been the ability to meet and become relatively close friends with this diverse group in such a short period of time. For our relationship with Ivana, Valeria and Ale.......we have now known each other for seven years! and have shared much together over that time. Suffice it to say, there were a lot of hugs and a new initiative born over the past few evenings (with the support of amaro and limoncello) to get together again and possibly form a new east coast Bogliasco Alumni Club!
Before we knew it, Danilo had helped with the bags.......Denise loaded her car, Svetlanna and John headed out for the 5 minute walk to the train station (bags in tow) and we said our last good byes and drove out through the gates! Off to Lago di Como!
The weather was grey and somewhat threatening. Within about 10 minutes of leaving the villa, it started to rain lightly. It was really unusual........it would be raining as we drove into one of the myriad of tunnels around Genova heading north, and when we emerged the rain was not there? This went on for about 30 minutes as we carved through the mountains heading north. About an hour into our trip we were ready for a break and decided to stop at an "Autogrille" on the autostrada! These are actually just glorified rest stops with very good food. We were not ready for a meal, but needed a pit stop and a cappuccino!
ARRIVAL IN LAGLIO, LAGO DI COMO!
Hotel Relais Villa Vittoria
After a rather hectic 2 1/2 hour drive we arrived at Lake Como. Much to our surprise (not forecast on our phone weather apps) the skies had cleared and we were treated to a wonderful prospect over the lake. We have stayed at Relais Villa Vittoria several times previously and really enjoy the wonderful small scale of this hotel. It is on a dramatic multi-level landscape going down to the lake. It has 12 rooms and a wonderful restaurant. Due to its beautiful setting it has become a major 'small' wedding destination. Due to community restraints with respect to noise and gatherings on the lake, the wedding venues are limited to about 25 attendees. We actually saw two ceremonies during our stay........fun to watch and listen to.
We arrived in time for lunch on the lowest terrace at the pool/lake level. We checked in and had a wonderful time just relaxing and enjoying the escape from the hectic drive to Laglio!
JUST IN TIME FOR A WEDDING!
TIME FOR DINNER ON THE TERRACE
After dinner the skies continued to darken. For about an hour or so we had heard thunder coming from the northern end of the lake. Then there were a few flashes of lightening, but it all seemed to be happening well to the north of us. Then the clouds darkened and the rain started. It was a rather gentle thunderstorm, but the constant activity of the thunder and lightening was unusual. Here is an attempt to capture some of this......quite beautiful!
Lake Como is almost better than we remember it. We have now been here four times over the years and it never fails to disappoint. We were also fortunate to arrive today as the sun broke through the clouds. Weather is such a major factor in the travel experience.......and we have had an extraordinary month!
No comments:
Post a Comment