Matson Days: Lake Como - Otherwise known as GORGEOUS

Bellagio Lake Como

I can understand why George Clooney has a place in Lake Como, it is breath-takingly beautiful. No, he did not invite us to his home for dinner but we managed to have a great time without him!

We are staying on Bellagio in Lake Como. It is a small town on the lake with old Italian buildings and a very slow pace. Possible that this place created the saying Dolce Vita, the Sweet Life. On our first day we checked into our hotel, Hotel Florence http://www.hotelflorencebellagio.it/camereeng.htm located right accross from the ferry dock with a gorgeous view of the lake! Once we settled in we immediately set out to explore. The village of Bellagio is filled with century-old buildings and cobblestone stariways. After about an hour of walking up the stairways, we found a cafe and enjoyed the company of the couple next to us. Simone was from Italy and Laura was from Ireland - super nice couple - and after spending time with them we are now determined to go to Ireland. So much fun meeting people from other countries!

Cafe on Bellagio in Lake Como

Jeff, Laura, Simone and Holly

We continued our journey of exploring, found a winebar that I wanted to take back with me....found wine that we both wanted to take back with us....

Beautiful Barbaresco - Moccagatta

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Fanna Illuminati

View from ferry of Varenna

The next day we took the ferry to Varenna to see the Villa Montastero and Villa Cipressi then back to Bellagio for a rest.

Baita Belvedere Restaurant

Our concierge suggested a restaurant called Restaurant Baita Belvedere which was located 10 miles outside of Bellagio. We expected to take a taxi but instead the owner sent one of his staff from the kitchen to pick us up. When I say 10 miles, I should be a bit more specific...this was 8 miles of winding up hill narrow roads (winding is an under statement!). The last 2 miles were in the country-side up a dirt road of pot holes...all we could see were cows...a bit like the movie Deliverance:-). But at the top was the most beautiful view of the branches of Lake Como. And the food was farm land fresh!
The only people eating there were the Italian locals probably because it would be impossible to find! HIGHLY recommend this resturant for a unique and true local experience! http://www.baitabelvedere.net/index_780-3.php

Italian Reaction to Bird Baptism

I have been Italian Bird Baptized! Thats right, I am a true Italian now...even though all I can do is order casa della vino rosso (house wine).... an Italian bird pooped on me:-) I feel special!

On our final day in Lake Como we walked the gardens of Villa Melzi and then stopped at Alle Darsene di Loppa for a carafe of white wine and a ham. We just sat there and watched the locals chat on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Be ready, it gave us time to plan our future Sunday gatherings soon to be known as Dolce Vita Sundays in Anthem!