Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Cartoons, Alps, Boats and Beauty

The Italian equivalent of "The Cartoon Network was blaring from 2 tv's, but we were hungry enough that even dubbed versions of "The Simpsons" couldn't deter us. Lingering jetlag, coupled with a late dinner with new friends Stuart and Lorine translated into an oversleep that extended past breakfast. An overcast, drizzling sky invited a change of plans away from a tour of villa gardens, so we purchased tickets for Colico -- the northermost community on the lake -- and boarded the boat. The guidebook referred to the village as "forgettable" but we tend to remember such places.

It is a small and quiet little burg with little but the laundry open before evening -- hence the less than ambient lunchtime setting -- but we enjoyed a pleasant walk back into town, a kindly old lady unlocked the door to the church -- as if by magic or revelation discerning that we were standing outside -- and the views of the surrounding snow-capped Alps were breathtaking.

Now back on the "Rapido", we are headed back for Bellagio where I predict some gelato is in our future, a little more strolling among the steps and the flowers, and some quiet time before dinner. After all, Christian told us last night that if he caught the right fish this morning he would make us something special tonight -- as if it all hasn't been so far.

Bene.

No comments: