Mr Clooney, where are you?

Saturday, 14 January and Sunday, 15 January

On arrival in Como, we couldn’t find an ATM which we needed to get a taxi.  We eventually got some cash, and after our taxi driver asked another driver for directions to our B&B we were off on a crazy drive through very narrow laneways crowded with strolling Italians.  I was glad my first aid certificate was up-to-date!  After reversing a few times, we eventually found the address, but no-one was home.  Welcome to Italy!!  We weren’t surprised, this happened quite frequently on our last visit.  A few phone calls later and we were into our tiny room atop an 800yr old building.

Bruce was at pains to point out the 65 steps to reach our very small room in the heart of the old medieval part of town.  Even though we get a workout each time we return to our room, the location is right in the heart of the action.  We have found Como to be a lovely place consisting of many little cobbled laneways and beautiful little boutiques, many of which have the word ‘Saldi’ (Sale) emblazoned across the windows!

Lake Como is beautiful.  The water is crystal clear and deep jade in colour and the distant snow-peaked mountains add a surreal backdrop. We spent yesterday sailing around the lake on ferries visiting the villages of Bellagio and Varenna.  The charming villas lining the lake are the stuff of movies and movie stars.  No… unfortunately no sight of George.  This time of year (the average temp hits a high of 3 degrees) most of the hotels along the shore of the lake are closed for the winter (which is also why I had difficulty securing accommodation in the area).  I noticed some signs that stated restaurants and hotels were closed until April… these Italians have it good!

By the way, I thought I’d just add (probably unnecessarily) that we are loving the delicious Italian food!  We have also been so lucky with the weather throughout the whole holiday.  Although it’s been very, very cold (almost as cold as Bowral), we have been prepared.

Note: I must mention that poor Bruce is in mourning for his good Canon camera which fell out of his bag.  He thought all was OK until he looked closely at all the photos taken and noticed that the sensor is cracked and the photos are all marked.  We are now using the little camera (he calls it the toy) and he will be in the market for a new one when we get home, if not beforehand.