Lake Como

  Menaggio, Italy
Saturday, April 28, 2007

Serenity Now.

If Lake Como could speak, it would mutter those words. This wishbone shaped lake is in the heart of Northern Italy - surrounded by countless charming villages on its shores. I went to Menaggio on the west bank due to a hostel recommendation from a friend.

Beautiful Lake Como

Approaching Menaggio on Lake Como

Menaggio is set in an ideal landscape of rugged mountains and lush hillsides, with small churches and inviting paths to explore along the lake and delve into the hillside - this was the Italy I had come to see. My hostel was right by the water with a balcony overlooking the lake - I didn't even end up using my bed, I slept outside to the sounds of Como.

I met even more Argentineans - my neighbors were a group of 4, 3 girls who were studying outside of Milan and their friend who was visiting. We quickly hit it off and they invited me to come with them for drinks - clearly I accepted. In their car we drove to a nearby town where we went to an outside bar - it was pretty much a stand with booze in a grassy lawn, immediately next to the water and strung with lights. We ordered wine and I discovered Italian tapas!

Sundown on Lake Como

fun with Argentinians!

The girls had told me about the free food they got with their drinks in Northern Italy - I didn't believe them until we received plate after plate of parmesan cheese, croutons topped with prosciutto, salami, pepperoni, and pizza. It was astounding! The girls knew Italian and the proprietor took a liking to us (or at least them) and gave us a bottle of wine and pasta with pomodoro. All under the stars on the shore of a beautiful, Italian countryside imbued with a rolling lake - it was unbelievable.

a most excellent place to crash..

Flowers of Como

Awaking from my outdoor slumber - I met some Americans and we decided to take a hike. The hostel recommended a trail that led up to a church. The climb wasn't bad but got out blood pumping and we were rewarded handsomely with elevated views of the lake and a terrific setting for a picnic of rolls stuffed with seasoned mozzarella, olive oil, and prosciutto ham.

I have yet to feel rushed, but I have been traveling all the last three days - time to go take it easy in Roma!