Italy

Italy was the last leg of our Switzerland trip. It was so dreamy, northern Italy has the best of both worlds- a subtropical climate and beautiful alps and lakes similar to Switzerland. Oh yes, lets not forget the prices for everything were much more realistic which is always a plus when you’re on a constant hunt for a cannoli, pizza, and gelato! For a random description, it was an affordable Switzerland with a Hawaiian twist if that makes ANY sense at all. 

Our first taste of Italy started in Tirano (in my Switzerland blog) but our first prolonged experience was our ferry ride through Lake Como. We passed multiple small villages that began on the shore line and continued up into the alps. 

Above: Along the ride, we passed the Clooney’s home. I was the only one standing outside (due to sporadic rain) but you should’ve seen how many more joined me when we passed this. LOL  

Our ferry ride ended in the town of Como. We had some free time to explore and grab a quick bite to eat. Of course, we found pizza and gelato at a lake side café called Monti.

Above: Coconut Gelato

We then hopped on our bus and took a ride to Stresa, Italy where we would stay for the next few nights on Lago Maggiore. Lago Maggiore has 3 islands amongst it including Isola Madre, Isola Bella, and Isla dei Pescatori or collectively referred to as the Borromean Islands.

Stresa, Italy and Lago Maggiore

When we arrived, Mom & I explored our hotel, Hotel Bristol, then made our way back to the bus for a ride into Stresa’s town center for a wine and cheese tasting from a local family. Their small sidewalk store, La Cambusa, was filled with goodies like Limoncello, wine, cheeses, hazelnuts, and candies. They ship to the US too! Mom and I liked their red wine called Carlinet. After the tasting, we grabbed dinner right across the sidewalk. I had an amazing Affogato, which is an Italian coffee based dessert, that kept me up all night but I couldn’t pass it up! When in Italy, food trumps quality of life…

Above: Grand Hotel Bristol Pool & View

Above: Lago Maggiore

Above: Grand Hotel Bristol pool side courtyard

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  Affogato

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Oira, Italy

The next day we were back on the bus headed to a small mountain village called Oira. Oira is home to around 200 people and many of it’s stone structures were built in the 15th and 16th century. We had a quick walking tour followed by a pancetta, wine, and cheese tasting by a local farmer. We sampled a white and red wine, 2 types of pancetta, honey, bread, a 7 month aged cheese, and a 14 month aged cheese. 

Above: Enjoying the Oira vineyard. I thought this was wine, however, it was actually a home made whiskey. It was an unpleasant surprise to my taste buds and sinuses. I didn’t realize how many people were watching until my first sip was followed with a roar of laughter. My reaction was caught on camera & its a photo I’ll never publicly share due to utter embarrassment.

Above: The words you see on the cheese are the family member’s last name for which the cheese belongs too.

Above: Interior of Oira’s 15th century church

We then made our way back and took a stroll through the town of Stresa

Above: A mini Italian pistachio cannoli 

We walked along Lago Maggiore back to the hotel to enjoy the view with a peach Bellini and Mojito. They say Venice is the place to get a peach Bellini but I don’t know how you could beat this one by much.

Above: Italian peach bellini

Above: Walk along Lago Maggiore

After a few hours to relax and explore, the evening approached and we boarded a ferry that took us to a neighboring island, Isla dei Pescatori. It was here that we had a lake side dinner with our fellow visitors and said our goodbyes!

Although our Italy experience was short lived I’m so grateful to of seen it for the first time. I’m so excited to return to Italy one day to see more. Until next time, Italy!

Ciao!  -Chesney

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