Travel Tales from Italy: Lake Como

Lake Como is perfectly situated at the foot of the Alps and about an hour train ride north of Milan.  The scene outside of the left window as we arrived took my breath away.  It was the beginning of May and the sun was shining on the top of the snow covered mountains just beyond the lake.  No wonder Como is the choice location for George Clooney to have property among many other rich and famous.

Alex and I had three days to explore several small villages around the middle of the lake: we stayed in Varenna and Bellagio but, thanks to the ferries that run all day, were able to enjoy several other nearby towns, as well. 

Map of Lake Como

Some highlights of the Lake Como trip include our hike to the castle ruins...

At the top!



Tours of two villas on the lake: Villa Carlotta (famous for its amazing gardens) and Villa Barbianello (Alex's favorite)...

A view from Villa Carlotta's balcony

Alex at Villa Barbianello

Villa Barbianelo



And the food.  When you're in Italy, a favorite is always the food :)  Here's the view from our first dinner in Varenna...

One of my absolute favorite experiences of our trip was the Italian cooking class that Alex and I participated in on my birthday.  Moreno is a very well-known chef on the lake who offers cooking classes during the day instead of serving lunch at his restaurant.  Alex and I were picked up by Moreno, himself, and enjoyed a full day of Italian cooking and eating, of course.  We learned to cook a veal tenderloin, a special potato gratin dish, homemade pasta sauce and even fresh pasta!

Chef Moreno



Pasta-making attempt

Chef Moreno cooking class graduates :)

What a special trip it was!  Thank you, Italy, for always being a good time!

Love from Luxembourg,
Melanie

Travel Tales from Italy: Milan

Upon returning from our most recent voyage to Italy, Alex and I decided that if we could only vacation in one country from now on, it would be the boot-shaped one.  Italian food is scrumptious and plentiful, the Italian sun always seems to be shining, the landscape is beautiful and Italian people are so warm.  Its impossible not to smile when you wake up in Italy.

Alex and I were honored to be invited to an Italian friend's wedding last week in Milan.  After a few minor setbacks with a rental car, made worse by the language barrier, we made it  (better late than never) to the lovely villa nestled beneath the Alps.  The wedding, in typical Italian fashion, started a little late (thank goodness for us) so we didn't miss much.  Since the hour and a half ceremony was in Italian, we didn't understand a word of it but the bride and groom were glowing at the end of the aise.

Eight hours and eight courses (!!!) later, Alex and I had experienced our first Italian wedding. Here are a few photos of the lovely event...

The beautiful villa 

The bride and groom

And the menu!  8 courses, y'all!

After the wedding, Alex and I had a few days to explore Milan, which we decided is a bit under-rated!  Milan is the fashion capital of Europe so it is a busy, bustling city of well dressed individuals, high-end shopping and one of the most amazing cathedrals Alex and I have ever seen...

The Duomo

At the top!

The Duomo's amazing detail

After time well spent in Milan, Alex and I took a one-hour train to our next destination: Lake Como, where we'd be spending the next three days.  A post or two on our Lake Como adventures (complete with an Italian cooking class!) will follow :)

Love from Luxembourg,

Melanie