Lago di Como - that amore!

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We're in love!! And the weathers gone back to what we expect - the sun shining out of a clear blue sky!! Yes, we just love Como despite the fact that Lake Como has flooded - a consequence of the recent rains which swept across much of England and Europe and which we, luckily, only experienced the tail end of in Zürich. But apparently the flooding of Lake Como is a regular occurrence - the last big flood was in 2003 and our hotel had water in the ground floor area; as it was when we arrived the water was almost up to the front entrance. Hotel Metropole & Suisse, which we booked on www.ratestogo.com a couple of days before arriving, is right on the water at Piazza Cavour. Apparently it has been the favourite hotel of some of the rich and famous - possibly not nowadays, not that it isn't a nice place but there are many other newer swankier places around.
Como has a long history - it was inhabited in prehistoric times but it became important around 2,500 years ago under the Roman Empire. Then around the 18th century many more noblemen began building their country houses in the area so it's a very interesting place to visit. Nowadays lots of people who work in Milan either live in Como or have holiday villas here.
A trip on the funicular (which was built in 1894) to Brunate is a must - overlooking Como the views were really beautiful on a a hot sunny day. Brunate comprises some lovely 18th & 19th century country houses to admire as well as the usual restaurants, T-shirt shops and ice cream vendors.
On our last night in Como we enjoyed a meal in an outdoor restaurant - the only way to eat at this time of the year! It was fantastic being entertained by the band which was performing in the square - part of the festival. We also did lots of people watching - especially all the little kids who were having such a wonderful time, dancing, cycling and roller blading. Made us both think about Grace and Rupert!

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Photos

Cinema Paradiso
- that's what this reminded me of! Remember the movie?

We find a supermarket
and do a little bit of shopping

While our dirty clothes wash
– the first laundry we've been in since Berlin!!

A visit to Tempio Volitiano
– a neoclassical temple built to showcase the instruments and relics of Alessandro Volto

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Bellissimo - enjoy Venice