Veni, Vidi, Vici… Welcome to Italy

Our flight to Milan went like clockwork. While the Covid restrictions in Ireland had been mostly lifted, we had read where Italy was still more stringent. We had completed our verifly app proving our vaccination status and registering the details of our trip. A FFP2 mask is required to enter any public transportation, store, etc. and this is strictly enforced. Without the verifly authentication, other passengers were in lines to share their vaccination cards, negative covid tests, itinerary, etc. While a little anxiety producing, we sailed through customs and out to the bus to the train station, on to the train to Varenna, mid-lake in Lake Como.

Riding a train is always a treat in Europe. In Northern Italy, the trains run on time. At the precise second scheduled, the train eases out of the station and on to its next stop. It is a short ride to Varenna and we are excited to begin a new chapter.

When we arrive at the train station on a Sunday afternoon, the lakefront harbor is a buzz with people. We are planning to taxi to our apartment as it is 2 km up a very steep incline ( equivalent of 40 stories) and our luggage is a little cumbersome. Our host has assured us there is a path to the town that people walk/climb… we enjoy walking so once free of suitcases, we will move about the path.

Switching to a new language is the more challenging aspect to acclimating to a new spot. Our Italian is better receptively and the first few interchanges require more expressive skill. A little planning, a little google translate and a lot of recall from high school Italian and we are calling for a taxi. Successo!

Well we expected the Lake Como area to be beautiful however the pictures truly do not do it justice. It is the definition of breathtaking. The mountains ( Italian pre-alps and Swiss Alps in the distance) surround the lake. As the sunlight passes over the mountains, the changing light of day colors the deep valleys and bare stone face patches in pink and yellow and blue hues. The lake is a natural fjord and the region is clearly cut through by glaciers. It is a geological wonder.

Our apartment is well worth the 20-30 minute hike up the path to Perledo. It provides a stunning view of the mountains and the lake. The numerous boats the ferry passengers, tourists and locals alike provide a point of interest. We are in the mid-lake region. While there is a ferry available to go wherever you want, along with boats for hire, we got the day pass to the mid-lake circuit. Off to the ferry!