We’re in Parma, Italy. Today started out great. The sun was shining when we left Bellagio. We drove to Parma via the Autostrada without any problems. Then it started to rain. Then, as described last time, when we reached the Parma exit, we took a wrong turn that took us way off course. Driving in central Parma was chaotic. We were famished. All we wanted to do was to stop and have some lunch in Parma. Continue reading “Lunch In Parma? I Hope So.”
Getting to Parma – the Hard Way
It was beautiful this morning when we left Bellagio, but now dark clouds are forming overhead. I think I felt a raindrop. We’re on our way from Bellagio to Santa Marguerita Ligure by way of Parma. We didn’t know it at the time, but we’d be getting to Parma the hard way. Continue reading “Getting to Parma – the Hard Way”
The Road to Santa Margherita Ligure
Our bags are packed, the car is gassed up, and we’re ready to go. Bellagio isn’t the kind of place that you want to leave, but the excitement of traveling to someplace new takes the sting out of saying good-bye. Today we’re hitting the road to Santa Margherita Ligure. Continue reading “The Road to Santa Margherita Ligure”
Last Meal in Bellagio
Tomorrow we have to say “arrivederci” to Bellagio. Three days was not enough time. We were hoping to have a special dinner on our last night here. Our hopes have already been fulfilled – and we’re only half-way through our last meal in Bellagio. Continue reading “Last Meal in Bellagio”
Last Night in Bellagio
It’s our last night in Bellagio. We’ve had our eye on one particular restaurant since the first day we got here. Now we’re trying to get in for dinner without having a reservation. I’ve explained our situation in my best italian to a big, serious-looking gentleman in a black suit who was standing at the door. He’s looking over his big, black reservation book, mulling over whether or not he’s going to find a table for us. Continue reading “Last Night in Bellagio”
Last Day in Bellagio
On the west side of Lake Como, across the lake from Bellagio, there’s a café that’s a little slice of heaven. It’s in between Tremezzo and Cadenabbia. The seating area, perched on a stony ledge on the side of the lake, seats about 20 people under a canopy of green foliage. Sadly, it’s our last day in Bellagio. This is a nice place to plan out our next move, because tomorrow we’ll hit the road. Continue reading “Last Day in Bellagio”
Una Bella Giornata al Lago di Como
It was chilly this morning in Bellagio, but now the sun has come out and it’s a gorgeous day. We took a batello across Lake Como to Tremezzo, then walked from there to Villa Carlotta, which is where we are now. The botanical gardens here are spectacular. What a nice way to spend una bella giornata al Lago di Como. Continue reading “Una Bella Giornata al Lago di Como”
The Grounds at Villa Carlotta
Long, low clouds snake around the hills surrounding Lake Como this morning. The rain is gone, but the weather has turned chilly. Chilly, but not too chilly to take a boat ride and explore the sights around Lake Como. Let’s start with a visit to Villa Carlotta. Continue reading “The Grounds at Villa Carlotta”
Inside the Biblioteca Ambrosiana
If you’ve been following along, you know we’re in the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, searching for Petrarch. We’ve been following a docent around, scurrying past masterpiece after masterpiece. I had no idea this museum was so big. Big, and packed with amazing examples of man’s greatest creations. But so far, no Petrarch. Maybe he’s in the library – the Biblioteca Ambrosiana… Continue reading “Inside the Biblioteca Ambrosiana”
Lost in Milan’s Pinacoteca Ambrosiana
We’re lost in Milan’s Pinacoteca Ambrosiana. We came here to see Petrarch’s personal copy of Virgil’s works, but there has been no sign of it so far. I had asked a docent for help, but he spoke zero english, and my italian wasn’t up to the task. It didn’t help that the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana turned out to be much larger than I had thought. Continue reading “Lost in Milan’s Pinacoteca Ambrosiana”
