Postcards from the lakes

“Travel and change of place impart new vigour to the mind”.  Martin Buber

Today was lakes in two countries

Lake Lugano is in Switzerland and our first stop was a ride up the funicular cable car to the top of Monte San Salvatore. There has been a funicular rail up this mountain since 1896 and  the views from the top are awe inspiring.

Back down the mountain and it was time to head across the border to the Italian Lake Como. To get there was an hour’s drive along the windiest narrowest roads we have ever been on. Kudos to Megan for getting us there in one piece, navigating multiple tunnels and countless 180 degree hairpin bends, without having a major meltdown (despite some very anxious moments) and for listening to me as I carefully watched from the passenger side calmly saying “you’re just a little close” (ie close to the edge, the stone wall, the cliff, pedestrians, other vehicles etc).  These roads were designed for horse carts not large cars and in most parts would not be deemed suitable for two way traffic in Australia. We have now discovered why it is cheaper to rent a larger car -no one wants them !

Once we arrived in Menaggio, after eventually finding a parking spot, we strolled along the lake front and everywhere you look there’s a postcard moment. We enjoyed a delicious pasta lunch overlooking Lake Como – a lifestyles of the rich and famous moment. 

Menaggio

A long hot wait in a line to purchase a ferry ticket to the lakeside village of Varenna, which would have to be one of the most picturesque villages on earth, just so pretty it almost makes your eyes hurt. 

Varenna