On Wednesday we went to Torno – another ferry ride. We explored the village which is very small. No cars except one driving up the stairs from a restaurant.
A warren of very narrow alleyways leading either to the water or up the hill. Many flowers on balconies and doorsteps provide relief from the stone everywhere.
there is a small church which has a date of 1480 over the door.
We had lunch at one of the 3 restaurants by the harbour. A beautiful setting, wonderful food and Prosecco
We also came across a small bar located in a nook hidden in the walls
we have eaten all of our meals in outdoor cafes and I have enjoyed some Prosecco at every meal except breakfast. The Myrtle Beach group would love it here – ice cream bars are located everywhere. So we enjoy an Italian ice cream regularly.
On the 14th we headed to Bellagio on the fast ferry. A 59 minute journey instead of 2 hours on the other ferry. Bellagio is located at the apex of the 3 lakes and offers a view of the alps.
Like al other villages on the lake there is a narrow band of flat land along the shore and a long climb to the rest of the village. We went to the very point where the 3 lakes meet to enjoy the views
On the way we stopped at a local hotel now owned by the Rockefeller Foundation for a look
We the visited the church and church square. The Romanesque style church was built between the end of the 11th century and the beginning of the 12th century.
A fountain in the square
We the walked through the upper town and down one of the steep walkways, stopping for lunch at one of the street cafes. There were many tourists here – more than we have seen until this. Many shops with local leather goods, silk and wines.
while we enjoyed our lunch some tourists were “sightseeing – I assumed their wives were shopping and they were checking the bank statements. It seems phones are an even bigger distraction here – they eat, walk, ride bikes, drive cars and sightsee with their noses in their phones.
We stayed at the hotel for dinner which turned out to be a good choice as they closed the patio in just minutes before a storm hit.
The lake has significantly receded and one lane of the road has reopened – we are hoping to walk out on the pier to the sculpture in the lake tomorrow.
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