It was a quick ferry ride across Lake Como, correctly called lago di Como, to Tremezzo. We rode the van off the ferry and headed straight to a local market. We had so much fun shopping the Italian selections! We gathered up pastas, sauces, breads, cheeses, olives, and wine! Italians shop daily, so I think we shocked everyone when we checked out with enough food for an army! Jim drove us expertly through the cobblestone streets and crazy switchbacks up and up and up to our villa. We were greeted by the adorable owner and her daughter. They gave us an overview of the house. It was incredible. The kitchen was amazing. We were all ready to do some laundry, but no dryer! Everyone in Italy hangs their clothes to dry! It was quite a challenge considering the rain that came and went! The view of the mountains, lake, and village below were magnificent. We spent the next few days enjoying the beautiful pool and the local way of life. We walked along their "greenway" in the mornings which is cobblestone walks that run all along the lake and through the villages. We rented a boat for 2 hours and Jim and John took us around taking in the spectacular villas and villages along the shore. One morning John and Mike hiked up from our house toward the top of the mountain behind us, 1180 feet up to an altitude of 2301. They encountered a very friendly old Italian woman tending her land, an ox, and some type of mountain cat. They were ready though; John had a rock and mike had a stick! I would have loved to have seen them! We spent one day driving around the lake from Tremezzo to Como. I honestly don't know how Jim did it, but we made it! Somehow he maneuvered the van by city buses, cement trucks, tiny fiats that wanted to pass us, crazy people on scooters and motorcycles and pedestrians that didn't care about any of it! We parked and walked the entire way from one side of the lake to the other. We marveled at the mansions, sea planes coming and going, and the many pairs of swans! We even saw a huge swan on her nest right by the side walk! We made our way to the sky tram which took us straight up the mountain! We were rewarded with the most magnificent view of Como! We found a table overlooking the lake and had one of our best meals yet! I had polenta with cheese, onions, and sausage that was baked in a bowl! It was to die for! I'm going to try to duplicate it at home! We cooked two awesome meals at our villa and ate dinner on our patio. There was so much to see in our little village, but I was most moved by the simple slow way of life. The whole town naps at 1:00. Stores open in the morning when they are ready. Dinner is about 9:00 if not later. Old men drink wine and eat potatoe chips for breakfast. Oh, potatoe chips are everywhere and served with everything! The gas station even gives out free potatoe chips when you fill up! One last thing, if you ever rent a car in Italy, get the insurance, especially if you rent a van! My last memory of Tremezzo is Jim at the wheel working the emergency brake and the clutch while trying to maneuver an insane downhill right turn. John was out of the van trying to push against the metal fence to move it. I thought for sure John was done for. Let's just say we had a conversation about bad choices. The $700 scratch didn't cost us a dime! We moved on to Milan for the night. We went back to the area called Navigili that we went to the very first night. The first night it was raining and deserted, but last night it was packed and crazy! It was Buckhead on steroids! We strolled the canals, watched the people out celebrating the big soccer tournament Euro 2016, had drinks, snacks, and ended with fabulous cannoli! As I'm writing this, John and I are on a fast train to Venice. Barb, Mike, Jim and Sabrina are trying to get back home. Air France has gone on strike leaving their flights cancelled. They have rearranged some things and should be ok though. We've got our fingers crossed for them! Onward to week 3!
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