Italy, famous for cappuccino, pizza, ice cream, beautiful voluptuous 60’s actresses , well dressed fashion conscious people and the Mafia….makers of dammed good gangland movies.

We have now had 4 memorable days in the Italian Lakes. Our site is probably the best in the area and is on the edge of Lake Maggiore with splendid views in all directions. It is also next to a gorgeous little town called Feriolo Di Baverno. Fortunately the beauty of the area has been intensified by the clear skies and sunshine we’ve been receiving since our arrival. We’ve mainly been relaxing by the lake or swimming in its clear waters but Tuesday saw us out on our bikes wandering around in circles in a nearby nature park, until an Italian couple who we had passed several times stopped us and directed us to a cycle path that led to Lake Mergozzo. We took the 3 mile ride passing the stunning lake until we reached the village of  Mergozzo at the head of the lake. A little sleepy village on the waters edge with several fine restaurants and bars. We sat and had a cappuccino at a bar overlooking the lake and just watched. The activity of sitting and watching is so crucial to any trip to Italy. You see Italy is one gigantic film set where all of the ‘actors’ walk about, alone, in pairs or in groups, practicing their lines and more importantly their gestures, revealing the beauty and rhythm of their language, a seeming mixture of latin passion and their famous opera aria’s., as they almost sing through their conversations and dialogue.

The importance of sitting and watching became even more significant on Tuesday when we cycled to Stresa, a place that should be renamed De Stressa, as it seems to extract all of your cares and woes as you sit along its stunning promenade. As you walk along the prom and lakeside gardens you cant help but be impressed with its majestic regency hotels. The lake views look north up Lake Maggiore towards Switzerland, in fact the northern section of this lake is actually in Switzerland. Closer just off the shore are the Borromean islands. Most attractive of these is Isolo Bello with its centrepiece being the Palazzo Borromeo, a large house with terraced gardens. If you don’t fancy the boat trip you can just admire the views, views can be so underrated. If only we had views like this everyday at home then Sky Tv would be made bankrupt!

Today we celebrated what Italy is famous for, we had a cappuccino at a bar, ate ice cream on the promenade and in the evening had pizza at a restaurant.

 

Our pitched van at camping Conca D'Oro

5 minute walk from site...Feriolo Di Baverno

Stresa prom.

The island of Isola Bella.

Looking north up Lake Maggiore towards Switzerland

Stresa

Stresa