Bellagio

Car ferry to Bellagio was exciting. It was a short trip where we sat inside due to the cold. Out on the water the cold bites somewhat more than on land. The vistas up and down the lake came into view as the ferry made its way across the lake to the pier. Looked like the land where Heidi might dwell. Bellagio's pier was not too busy for it was still early in the day and we'd discovered that most people didn't emerge from their homes of hotels until after 10 most days. Once again steep and narrow lanes and streets allowed tourists and residents to meander from the lakes edge to reveal Bellagios shopping precinct.

It was soon apparent that Bellagio boasted some of the finest shopping along with its spectacular views. Stephen bought his mum a soft and silky, scarf and a CD for himself. However, no day trip can go without its coffee break so we stopped outside a cafe by an ancient water pump to rest from the hundreds of steps climbed to the pinnacle of Bellagio's shopping area. Not far from the police station at Bellagio someone has restored and converted a church into a residence. Its unique qualities could not be fully captured through the lens of the camera. The architecture from the outside could only hint at the beauty hidden within its walls. Down one narrow laneway some creative designer had built overhead to join two buildings that stood but a short distance apart.

By the time we had made purchases of silver bracelets for the girls and a leather wallet for Christopher it was time to take a break for lunch. Down by the pier a large outside cafe with capacity for many diners drew our attention. Waiters in crisp uniforms waited the tables as diners relaxed, chatted and reflected on the shopping or sights or even the passing groups of fellow visitors. Water taxis delivered tourists to the pier every few minutes and soon the entire waterfront was alive with people. Exotic cars began to line the parking lots. A day to be long remembered. More red wine, basic fare and good company. I'm not sure that Christopher has used his wallet but perhaps one day the leather will take pride of place in his back pocket as he grows to appreciate its quality. Likewise the girls and their silver bracelets I am glad to say that I do know that Stephen has enjoyed many hours of his Carla Bruni CD. I'm positive that June has made good use of the scarf.

A market had been hastily established whilst we'd been investigating the numerous shops up in the village / town of Bellagio. It may be noted that markets the world over have much in common. Each of the stall holders have a limited time in which to capture their clients for their transient nature will see them disappear as quickly as they arrive on foot, by ferry or by car. The vendors lot is a daily challenge that I'd not like to tackle for my sole source of income. By the day's end hundreds of people had passed us by as we sat and ate lunch. The comings and goings so fascinating. Europe was determined to partake the last of the sun before winter descended. We were told that even the ferry service ceases in winter. What do the locals do during those chilly days and nights? What we'd seen and loved at Bellagio was the outdoor lifestyle. Surely when winter chill prevented such activities the locals must wish for a change of season to reacquaint themselves with the picturesque community, their home not a tourist destination. We joined the assembled throng and retraced our steps to Tremezzo for we still wanted to visit the famous waterfron villa not far from the ferry trminus.