Destination Lake Como

After an enjoyable visit with family in Farfanaro, a tiny hamlet located in the Province of Parma (the culinary capitol of Italy), Betty and I rented a little Fiat and headed to Lake Como. Although we had sunny, bright ideas. the weather did not cooperate. On the autostrada, we encountered torrential rain that eventually seeped through the floorboards of the car. We decided it would be prudent to pull off the autostrada as soon as we saw a sign for a town. Hopefully, after a spell the rain would have let up.

The town we were in was a little larger than Farfanaro so we thought we would be able to pick up something for lunch. We asked the first person we saw and he directed us to a small negozie where we selected several local cheeses, talegio, grana padano, and gorgonzola, freshly baked bread, and a bottle of local wine. We ate in our car, picnic style. After our delightful repast, we continued our drive to Lake Como-rain, rain,rain.

When we finally arrived at Lake Como the view was breathtaking. Now, where do we stay. We were lucky to get accomodations in the Town of Bellagio in a pensione, Bella Vista, located right on the lake. (crazy, wild travelers without advance
reservations. What can I say, we are adventurous.)

Our meals were served in a lovely dining room overlooking the lake. Their selection of wines were from Lombardy. The area is known for its Nebbiolo reds which the neighboring Swiss seize all the can before the Italians. We were lucky to enjoy a bottle. Another great wine is Terre di Franciacorta DOC which applies to a sturdy red from Cabernet, Barbera and Nebbiolo as well as white wines from Pinot Bianco and Chardonnay. Franciacorta’s has built its reputaion on the outstanding bottle-fermented sparkling wines fashioned by estates.

We took a boat ride around Lake Como on a cloudy day but the guide was was very informative and we had a lot of fun. The next day we continued our adventurous travels – destination Venice.