Last Thursday I was walking through the train station in Busto Arsizio when I heard someone talking on there cellphone with a distinct British accent: "Yes, darling, a sandwich will do. I'll be home in 25 minutes."
I stopped in my tracks, one doesn't hear native tongue English in Busto often, so immediately I went up to her, and she was as happy to speak to me as I was to speak to her. She told me she lived on Lake Maggiore and how wonderful it is. After she told me how simple it is to get to my mind started dreaming.
The next morning I had an appointment for a few hours in the morning and the rest of the day free. The first free day in two weeks! I wandered into Gallarate station and in 10 minutes the train was leaving for Domodossola in Piedmonte, the same train that stops by Stressa on Lago Maggiore.
In 10 minutes time I was on that train, heading for a day exploring a city and a lake more beautiful than words can described. Both Dickens and Byron were fans of the snow capped mountains that cascade into the lake. The lake has several islands, the Isole Borromee, with villa dating back to the 16th century, when the Borromeo and Visconti family ruled over Lombardia.
As the sun was starting to set behind the mountains, I had a gelato (of course) by the lake. I decided I would return in May when everything was in full bloom then wandered onto the train heading back towards Milano. These whimsical days are always so special, and even more so for their spontaneity. If any of you decide to visit, Lago Maggiore will be on the list to visit.
11 comments:
Quite officially jealous.
Make that two officially jealous
I've driven past it, but was staying in a palazzo overlooking Lake Como. Heaven on earth!
Absolument merveilleux ...EB.
Does the lake freeze in winter? Pardon my ignorance...
Dear Daniel, that looks beautiful! Hope you're enjoying yourself xx
Very wonderful, DH.
This just made my heart sing, I'm stuck here on a rainy day and here you are. Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy.
if by "lady with a british accent" who thinks a "sandwich will do"...you actually mean lady with a british accent pretending to be a russian speaking only in italian dressed head to toe in jil sander who thinks a prawn will do........you're in big trouble!!!!!!
Have you seen Isola Bella yet? Described by some as the most beautiful garden on earth.
Sounds like you are having fun. Is this a permanent move to Italy?
Loved the post! Drop by to see our fabulous imported French Basketeer Giveaway. To quote Andrea plastic bags are “so passé!”
Best,
Liz
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