Return to Lake Como

By Dan Pennington

Italy’s Lake Como is quickly becoming a new European hot spot. So

when our daughter Whitney had the opportunity to study abroad, we

made sure we planned a trip to visit.

Of course, we missed our daughter, but we also didn’t want to miss

the opportunity to visit Como once more. All seven members of our

family had passed through Lake Como on a family vacation in 2001.

This time, my wife, Mary, my daughter Courtney and I traveled to

Como by train from Zurich. Whitney was studying in Como through the

USC School of Architecture for the spring semester, and she was our

official tour guide.

Lake Como is Italy’s most beautiful lake, located 25 miles north

of Milan and minutes from the Swiss border. The town of Como is

nestled in the foothills of the Alps at the southern end of the

upside-down, Y-shaped lake. With a population of 85,000, it is a

major city in its own right.

Como has been the influential center of a wide area and offers a

wealth of historic buildings. It has specialized in the production of

silk since the 15th century.

On the last weekend, the four of us took a hydrofoil boat from

Como to the town of Bellagio, across the lake. Bellagio, the pearl of

the lake, is a picturesque village with narrow cobbled streets and

mysterious beauty.

We enjoyed our experience like true Italians. We sat for hours in

outdoor cafes, drank the delicious o7cioccolata con panna f7-- hot

chocolate with cream -- and even had a siesta or two.

And, as our daughter Whitney pointed out, no trip to Italy is

complete without eating gelato at least twice a day.

On one of our mornings in Bellagio, we ventured to the lovely

gardens of Villa Melzi, which run along the shoreline. Walking along

the promenade with its magnificent oleanders we were able to explore

these beautifully manicured, English-style gardens.

Bellagio is one of the most attractive of the lakeside resorts

with its pretty views, narrow streets and elegant villas. We

especially enjoyed shopping there.

One evening after eating at the wonderful Trattoria San Giacomo,

we were wandering through the hillside streets back to our hotel,

when we heard drumming and music. All of a sudden, a huge crowd of

people started walking up the street. We stood silently and witnessed

their Good Friday procession pass right before us.

It was perfect timing and such a great way to really experience

the traditions and culture of Italy.

Como was once considered one of Europe’s most chic holiday

destinations between the 18th and early 20th century. We highly

recommend visiting Lake Como when you want a fun, relaxing, and

scenic adventure.

* DAN PENNINGTON is a resident of Newport Beach.

* TRAVEL TALES runs on Thursdays. Have you gone on an interesting

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