From Monterosso to Lake Como

We were happy that our train to Milan, and beyond to Lake Como, didn't leave Monterosso until 10:54. We could have a leisurely breakfast and didn't have to pack the night before.  The train strike had ended, as we could see by the hordes of visitors exiting the train station as we walked over.

Leaving Monterosso and the Cinque Terre

We said a sad farewell to Becky and John in Milan.

I'm pretty sure they threw a coin in the fountain, so they'll be back!

The next train to Varenna left shortly after we arrived in Milan, and we were on it.

Arriving in Varenna

Our hotel, Hotel Olivedo, is a nice, old hotel right at the ferry dock on Lake Como, an easy walk downhill from the train station.  An unusual feature of this hotel is that smoking is allowed.  This was the only place we've stayed in Italy where it's still OK.  Our rooms all had a beautiful view of the lake.

Hotel Olivedo, in Varenna, next to the Lake Como ferry dock

It was a beautiful, warm day when we arrived.  The guys went out for a walk and stopped for a drink in the old part of town.

The walkway between the ferry dock and the old part of town

 The view of Lake Como and the Alps from the Bar Il Molo

Here, as farther south in Italy, wisteria was blooming everywhere.

Wisteria along the shore of Lake Como

We hosted happy hour in our room, since it had a bit more space than the others.  The guys had checked out the menu at Bar Il Molo when they were there for a drink earlier, and we decided to go to the same place for dinner.

By the time we went back for dinner the wind had picked up.  It was pretty chilly during dinner, and there wasn't any indoor seating at all, but we toughed it out.

Blankets courtesy of the restaurant.  Wine to elevate our core temperature.

Tomorrow we look for George Clooney!