Tuesday Travels: Calm Como

Photo: The snowy Swiss Alps stand behind a villa on Lake Como

Early in our vacation to Italy, we visited the lakeside town of Como. We had no idea at that point in our trip how much Como would stand in contrast to Naples. In a future post, I'll try to convey the almost-tangible energy that is in Naples, but first, let's relax in Como.

We started our day with a boat tour of part of Lake Como. The driver pointed out villas owned by the rich and famous and locations where movies were shot. I couldn't keep the names and villas straight, but I did enjoy the beautiful scenery. 

Photo: A lakefront villa has many arbovitae plants growing around it

Photo: The perspective from the back of the boat: the wake, and the villas on the side of the mountains

The temperature was brisk, but it wasn't raining (nor snowing!) I very much enjoyed time on the lake, and I also enjoyed the couple of hours we spent exploring the town of Como after the boat ride.

We tried to visit the Volta Museum, but it was closed at the time we were there, so we spent our time just wandering through cute little old cobblestone streets.

Photo: The front of the Volta Museum, with a tall columned porch at the entrance

Photo: A narrow, cobblestone street in Como

I loved the big old doors, with smaller doors cut out in them. I imagine the entire doors would be very heavy to open and close; the smaller doors are much more manageable. 

Photo: The Civic Museum features a huge green door, with a little door inside the big door

Photo: The same door as in the above photo, only from the inside. I'm standing next to the smaller door, and have to duck to go through.

The walls of the buildings were intricately patterned. 

Photo: Faded red shutters are surrounded by trim that has a simple flower pattern. The walls appear to have been stenciled, both in overall patterns (different patterns for different areas), and also with the occasional decorative square

At one restaurant, I noticed this menu. We certainly did not have the time (nor budget!) for this dinner, but I seriously wondered why I had never heard of the "pre-dessert" course. Naturally, it was followed by dessert, and then the pastry course. 

Photo: Sign outside restaurant advertising a 7 course dinner, followed by pre-dessert, dessert, and a home-made pastry

Shortly after seeing that sign, it was time to hop back on the bus to go to the train station. We were leaving the quiet of Como and headed toward the vibrant, bustling Naples. More on that later!