Family time on Lake Como

 Sunday

25 August

Day 56

40 to go

We enjoyed our night in the NYX hotel, something we haven’t done for a while. The dawn sunlight filtered in through the window bathing it in yellow. We got up and organised, before heading down for breakfast at 9am. Scrambled eggs and bacon, a luxury. We grabbed a few things to take with us, before checking out the art work around the bar and cafe area and returning to the room. 

We gathered up all of the bags and headed to the front desk to check out, then we dragged our cases across the large cobbles and into the station. Our train platform was already listed, so we headed straight there and found a carriage to sit in. We had booked first class, but were unable to work out the difference. Turns out we were in second, but with no seats allocated it made no difference. Some patrons were annoyed we were taking up a seat with our large bag, but we had no option. 

We sat back and enjoyed the travel between Milan and Lecco. Our only stop was in Monza, dropping off some and collecting others. The train ride was smooth passing through substantial, flat ground and many towns, before ducking into a tunnel and popping out again to a spectacular mountain view. 

Shortly after, the train pulled into Lecco station and we were off the train and in search of our accommodation. Matteo met us at the location and showed us through the apartment, before leaving us with the keys. We unpacked what we needed and contacted the family. 

At midday we made our way through the centre of Lecco, meeting Fabio on the edge of the lake. It was so great to see him again. We jumped into his car and made the trip to Zero, where the family was waiting to see us. 

Ezio and Daniella met us at their home and Luigi joined us for a lovely lunch. As Luigia spoke limited English, much was translated by Ezio and Fabio. When lunch was finished, Fabio’s parents also dropped in to say ciao. 

We then were given a tour of Fabio’s apartment, before joining Milena and her family; Paolo, her husband and their three children; Lucia, 18, Lorenzo, 15 and Francesco 14 and their dog Sam. We sat in the back yard enjoying the warm weather, a cool drink and some sweet treats. Milena’s parents also popped in to say hello. 

After the family time and being bamboozled by all the Italian, we returned to Ezio’s apartment before heading out for a drive. Ezio took us, with Fabio and Daniella, to a gelateria in Galbiate. We had the biggest icecream cone to date. It had to be devoured quickly, so that It didn’t dribble down the cone and then hands. 

From here we piled back into the car and were driven to check out an interesting church, Chiesa Di San Michele. The walls of the church are all intact, but there was no roof, not because it has since decayed, but because it was never constructed. The road to get to the church, was narrow and windy. Beeping the car horn was a necessity, as there were many blind corners. We did encounter a few vehicles and horses.

After checking out the church, we walked the forest path in Del Monte Barro Regional Park. In the end we decided to walk with Ezio and Daniella into Lecco, while Fabio drove the car to a meeting point. The walk was initially flat, but soon became cobbled and steep. It wasn’t a particularly long walk, but it was still challenging. When we entered the town of Lecco, Fabio was there waiting for us. 

We returned to our accommodation, organising to meet later for dinner. We had a couple of hours to do the washing and relax. It was welcome. 

At 7pm, we left the room and wandered around Lecco, heading straight for the waterfront. We took in the magnificent view of Lake Como and the mountains that surround it on all sides. It is a spectacular sight and so foreign to what we have at home. We just stood drinking it in.

We slowly made our way around the lake front, passing market stalls and plenty of visitors. We located the Public House, and soon after Ezio, Daniella and Fabio arrived. We had a table reserved outside, so that we could enjoy the view. It was perfect, as was the food.

Following dinner, we all walked the lakefront following to the opposite side to Lecco. From here we could see the twinkling lights of Lecco and the reflections in the lake. It was a perfect way to finish off a great day. 

We made our way back to the restaurant, said our goodbyes to the family and continued to walk to our home. The town was still very busy, even though it was almost 10pm. We were glad to get home and go straight to bed. Ready for a new adventure tomorrow. 

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