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Published: September 30th 2012
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Today was a day of mostly driving. We were headed to Lake Maggiore for two nights. We left Florence at 7:30 am and drove to Milan, then to Lugano, Switzrland, and then to Lake Maggiore. It was cool, cloudy and rainy all day. We drove through the Apennine hills past Bologna to Milan. We walked through the gothic Duomo and the glass-domed Galleraia and saw La Scala Opera House(from the outside only). The domed galleria is quite something. Lots of stores and cafes undera a glass domed ceiling. When walking through ther Galleria it was swarming with people because of the rain and there was some sort of demonstration going on as well. Because we were having such a hard time getting through the galleria we lost a woman from the group. When we are out and about we wear an earpiece and a receiver around our neck so we can hear Simonetta when she is guiding us. Simonetta had to keep talking to her to tell her to hold her umbrella up high so she could see her and get her out of there. Finally got her through the crowd and ot into the plaza. The Domo de Milano is
beautiful. Paintings, mosiacs, stained glass. Dead Cardinals in glass coffiins. The bodies are displayed with silver maskes over their faces but the hands are not covered. I found it quite creepy. Hope the pictures of the Duomo can show how beautiful it is. Did not take pictures of the dead cardinals though.
Then we continued to Lugano and had some free time there to explore. On the way we passed Lake Como but didn't see George ;-) While exploring we heard some music being played across the Pizza Riforma. When we got there it was an all accordian band. They were very good. I recorded a number. Hope it sounds as good as it did in person. Then on to Lake Maggiore. The hotel here is very beautiful. Somewhat fancy except the show is made for a very small person. You can stand in it, but very difficult to turn around. Tomorrow we have not signed up for any extra activity, so we could have a whole day to ourselves. Most of the other people felt the same way. We all need a break. My feet and ankles are still swollen. We all want to sleep in and just
chill for a day.
We have met some very nice people on the tour. From Boston, Philidelphia, Michigan, New Jersey, New Zeland, Australia, West Verginia, and a farmer and his wife from North Dakota. I have to pay for internet at this hotel so unless I can find a cafe with free wifi tomorrow I will have to combine this post with the next. Caio for now.
Spent the day walking around and taking pictures of Lake Maggiore. It is spectacular. Hope the pictures do it justice. We did go to a little shop for a wine (we did not partake), olive oil, balsamic vinigar spices and a truffle relish that was delicicios. We also received some great sounding receipes from the shop owner. Can't wait to try them. We are now sitting in a little outdoor cafe on the lake that has free wifi so I can post today. The hotel wants 5 euros for one hour of intetnet time.
Tree, I am wearing the right kind of shoes. My feet swell because I am old. And, yes, Lynne Lake Maggiore is a wonderful place for R & R. Remember, you can click on the pictures
to enlarge them.
Caio again
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Lynne
non-member comment
Gorgeous!
Dear Budazz, What a trip! The countryside is beautiful and the churches and art are magnificent. I didn't realize you could enlarge the pix so thanks for that tip. Loving your trip as much as you are!