May 30 -Bellagio

Ron made platters of cheese and meat, bread and bowls of fruit for our breakfast on the balcony looking over a gorgeous view.

Tom and Val left about 11:15 and took the 11:50 ferry to Bellagio. Ron managed to turn the car around without help and left the steep driveway without mishap. We took the later (12:15) auto-ferry, as Ron was worried there might be a long walk from the ferry dock, and that I would be unable to make it.  It turned out that it was not that good of a decision but I really appreciated his thinking of my needs. First, Ron parked in the line of cars awaiting the ferry and went to the booth to buy our tickets. Before he returned, the cars began driving onto the ferry. I was in a panic, but it turned out it was the wrong ferry anyway! So, we were directed to begin a new line and we were the first to board the correct ferry. Parking on the ferry was the easiest experience we'd had in Italy - cars were two abreast with plenty of room on each side. We walked up a flight of stairs to sit looking at the view but we were on the wrong side to see the beautiful villas along the shore. We went back to the car for the last five minutes of the trip.

We had agreed to communicate with Tom and Val by text, and had texted them when we left Menaggio and when we arrived in Bellagio. We couldn't find a parking spot near the ferry dock in Bellagio, and had to leave on a one-way road. Ended up way up above the town and couldn't turn around and could not find any signage that would direct us back to the center of Bellagio or toward the ferry boarding area. We drove way down the most boring "leg' of the lake, many miles, toward Lecco, and couldn't find a turning place. Several scary places passing other vehicles taking up more than their share of the tiny road. Ron asked me to see if Tom had sent us a text, and I said if I look at the phone I will be sick on this twisty road. We finally spotted a restaurant, Pergola, with a lovely view AND nearby parking, and Ron squeezed into a spot. It turned out that the restaurant was closed on Tuesdays! We thought about walking up past a beautiful ivy-covered building, but it was a cobblestone street, and we had no idea how far we would have to go before (or if) we found anything. Very pretty area.

When we left the restaurant and returned to the main road we saw signs to the center of town and to the ferry. So, finally (after about an hour) we got back down to Bellagio, found a parking spot and walked into town. Tom and Val had not received our texts on a timely basis, and we had already driven off before they came to the dock. But, when we began walking into town, we saw them Just by happenstance.  So, we got together and went to the Nuovo Hotel Metropole  for lunch on the lakeside  terrace. This restaurant charged a hefty 4 EU per person coperto (cover charge). Paying for the view, I guess.

Nuovo Hotel Metropole

The pinot grigio was not available in a small carafe - only small glasses. Ron told the waiter to keep my glass filled since I had a very nervous day. The waiter said, "Lady, why you nervous. Relax, this is Italy".

Nicoise salad

Tom's white fish with ravioli

Mary's risotto with lake perch

After lunch, Ron walked back to the car to "feed the meter". Tom walked with him and left their bag of purchases in the car so they wouldn't have to carry it on the ferry. By the time they got back (a matter of minutes), I was already hot, aching, and tired. Tom asked if I could make it another block or so to a cute little wine cave they had noticed on a side street (more an alley). So, we walked up a few cobblestone steps and down into the Enoteca Cava Turacciolo. The lady there was very friendly. Val and I had a wine and Ron a Grappa.

Wine Cellar

Grappa

We walked to the car ferry, and Tom and Val waited with me while Ron brought the car up. They were going to go to the gardens of the Villa Melzi. The ferry dropped us at Cadenabbio, a town a couple miles from Menaggio. It is where the famous Villa Carlotta is located. We drove into Menaggio, and Ron found a parking space on the street. We walked up to the Café del Pess and ordered a wine and Campari. Ron asked the waitress about newspapers, and she told him where to find them. He walked there, and said it was a very unusual situation - all of the foreign newspapers were just piled in a box which you had to rummage through. Good luck though - they had the "NY Times" and the "Wall Street Journal".

I was dreading the return to the apartment and getting into the driveway without Tom there to get out and direct. But, this time, Ron managed to get started on just the right angle and got in with no problem.

Tom and Val took the ferry back. It stopped in Varenna, but they didn't have to change. Think we were in bed by 10 PM. Really enjoying the air stirred by the fan!