Charles Dicken, Pictures from Italy
Isola Bella on Lake Maggiore; viewed from Stresa
During the first two weeks in September, we have travelled to Lombardy and Piedmont in Italy to visit the Italian Lakes. Bordered to the north by towering mountains and sprawling towards the Plain of Lombardy, each lakes has its own character and feel; a unique baggage of shore-lined communities with their own customs and heritage.
The lakes have been popular since ancient Roman times and over the centuries they have gained a stupefying artistic legacy. Magnificent lakeside and island villas and gardens dot the area and provide perfect venues where you can feast the eye and appease the soul. The palaces and gardens on the Borromean Islands, the sanctuary of Santa Caterina del Sasso Ballaro, the islet of San Giulio on Lago d'Orta are just a few examples of enchanting spots that grace the area.
Isola San Giulio, Lago d'Orta - the place that bewitched us
"Men travel faster now, but I do not know if they go to better things," wrote American author, Willa Sibert Cather. Travel has, for some people, become a consumption. Travel fast to see more places. It's like gulping down food without taking time to taste. We tried to do the opposite; to tone down the pace and immerge ourselves into a new, exciting culture.
Lazing about near Lake Varese
We stumbled upon unexpected jems that gave us immeasurable joy, like the sparkling clean Lake Comabbio, with its surrounding tiny villages, each a little jem. We tried to enjoy the simple things that we often take for granted at home. The common act of sitting down together on a bench, having a snack and relaxing our eyes on green countryside and blue water was bliss.
On Lake Maggiore, we travelled mostly by ferry. The city of Angera, with its convenient quay was a stone's throw away from us. Travel by boat might be slower than using the car or train, but it gives you time to taste the places; to absorb the atmosphere. Travel by water is analogous to Slow Food - it was meant to be enjoyed and tasted to the full; to be remembered a lifetime. I shall remember vividly for a long time our approach to the monastery of Santa Caterina from the lake. The ancient buildings, almost an extension of the lofty cliff-face itself, perched out on the lake like a balcony.
Many thanks to all the friends who have made our stay so pleasant and have given me their precious time in the form of interviews, guided tours, photography permits etc, especially the staff at the Borromeo properties, Villa Taranto, and the Cenacolo Vinciano in Milan, Beppe Grignoli of the mushroom association AMINT and author Will Facchinetti Kerdudo. A special thanks to Kevin and Annamaria with whom we spent some of the best moments and whose company we miss!
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