Stress-free Stresa lived up to its reputation today, as we found out that YESTERDAY was the last day many of the tourist attractions were open, including the famous Borromean Palace and Gardens on Isola Bella, and that starting today the ferry schedule and destinations served are now much reduced. Although we were disappointed, the situation allowed for a more mellow day, and we found enough to amuse ourselves... We caught the ferry to Isola Bella, anyway, and had a look around. The island felt deserted, save for the ubiquitous booths selling flea market goods lining the street leading from the ferry. We wandered the narrow, cobblestone streets, and found the only things open were the tourist shops. Since the ferry didn’t return for an hour, we were “forced” to have a look, and ended up making
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