THE CANALS OF MILAN AND FIRST NIGHT IN VARENNO – Saturday October 5

Woke up early and finished packing so we could head over to the canals of Milan.  We had heard about them on our tour.  They were originally created in order to float the pink marble to the Duomo for its construction.  In later years it was determined they were not needed and the majority were destroyed.  Others were kept outside the main walls and still exist.  They are lined with local shops, markets, restaurants and bars.  We were able to get a late check out, so we took a cab and spent a few hours walking and exploring.  It was foggy and misting so it was not the most comfortable time to enjoy their offerings but it was a much more local side of Milan.

On our tour we were told that most of Milan lives behind the walls.  That much of the history and living takes place where those that are curious cannot find it easily but it exists.  We found this to be very true throughout the city.  It was definitely worth the trip.

We caught a cab back, checked out and headed to the Lake Como area.  Within a few miles of Milan the topography changed dramatically and the mountains emerged.  More tunnels and mountains and within an hour we were in Varenno.  Windy and narrow roads led us there but none smaller than the “path” that took us to our hotel.  It sits high on the mountain overlooking the town.  As we were trying to figure out where it was and how to get there, we ran into an American that told us the road that looked like a sidewalk was drivable.  We laughed.  We did not think even our small car to make up the road/sidewalk.  We gingerly (if you can drive a car gingerly) inched our way up and prayed we would not meet ongoing traffic.  We finally go to a spot that looked like we could park and the name of our hotel was on the wall.  We walked up two flights of stairs and walked into the reception area.  Then as we were checking in we discovered we would have to take a funicular to our room.  Me – who is scared of heights – now has to take a funicular to my room with my luggage.  No problem, I just sat on the floor and didn’t look back both up and down.  But once up – it was worth it.  A beautiful breathtaking view!!!!  The best in Varenno and on Lake Como.

After getting settled in, we headed back to town to find dinner.  There was no way we were moving our car until we checked out so we walked down the mountain to get into town.  We walked through the town (three different levels) reading the menus to determine our best choice.  We settled on one and proceeded to have a wonderful dinner.  I had lobster and pasta and Bill the best ravioli he had ever had.  The sauce was delicate and creamy and contained pinenuts, saffron and cream as an appetizer and then braised rabbit wrapped in prosciutto. We drank a local wine containing Nibiolla grapes and Merlot.  Lovely flavor and a perfect match for our meal.

Now having had a wonderful dinner, it was time to get back to our room.  This time uphill after our dinner and wine.  I made Bill sing an army marching song to get be back up the steep incline.  I think it began with left, left, left, right left and then some other words.  So up the mountain, up the funicular and home for the night.

Ciao!

Susan and Bill