STRESA, ITALY

The girls had a couple days off so we hopped on the train and went to Italy. We went to Sresa – it’s a historical resort town along Lake Maggiore.

Here’s Brian braving a gondola ride up to nearby Monte Mottarone.

After we hiked around the top of the mountain for a while Bea and I rode an alpine roller coaster. It was my kind of a thrill – not scary at all, just fun. Bea would have liked to ride 30 times.

Here’s a picture I stole from the internet:

Alpyland-emozione-e-divertimento-nella-natura

Back down the mountain and we took a boat to one of the mini islands that Stresa is known for. It was beautiful but the crowds got to me a bit. It felt like a busy day at Mackinac Island (without the horses).

Right after this photo was taken – the boat clumsily banged right into the metal dock, Claire fell down, scared of the loud noise. All I could think was – we’re not in Switzerland anymore. Actually, as much as I love Italy, I found myself comparing it to Switzerland all the time. You never see run down buildings or disorganized tourist destinations or abandoned buildings in Switzerland. It’s not a bad thing – it’s a little more real to see things that aren’t perfect. It’s just that you get used to the idea that everything is perfect and then you go to Italy and it’s strange to have these things stand out to you so much. Makes you realize how much time/money/effort/thought is invested in Switzerland.

Here’s the famous Grand Hotel des Iles Barromees. It was the setting for some important diplomatic conferences in the 1930s and It was featured in Hemingway’s Farewell to Arms. Pretty, pretty, pretty.

Before we headed home we visited the gardens at The Villa Pallavicino. It’s a lovely old estate surrounded by beautiful gardens a charming petting zoo tucked into the landscape. So many blooming rhododendrons!