POGNANA LARIO

 Our journey continued by train from Locarno to Como and there we waited for our bus to Pognana Lario. We considered a taxi but with 7 of us it just wasn't feasible. The bus was packed and we crawled up a narrow road often stopping to scrape past the oncoming traffic and we were finally dropped amongst some dustbins at the side of the road. Our hosts, Robin and Eric, gave us very precise directions and after stocking up with provisions for dinner at the delightful deli we went down a steep drive way - down steps to a lift.

The little beach resort is on the lake - and we entered through vine-covered pergolas set in lovely gardens below a cliff face - it's as if a piece of the mountain has been sliced away. Eric was there to meet us and his warmth and kindness were immediately evident. We had two adjoining apartments and the facilities are great with every need catered for - places to barbie, games for the kids, dvd's for evening entertainment plus a small beach where we could hang out when not sight seeing. And then it's a ten minute walk to where the ferries leave. Finally - joy of joys - the weather cleared and we had the best weather. Sunny but not stiflingly hot.

Manon and Louisa on the walk to the ferry

Conal waiting for the ferry

Conal says that the map of Lake Como reminds him of a San painting of a dancing woman - and that we're located in the bend of the left knee.
I guess what surprised me most is the scale - the lake is surrounded by high mountains and the little villages stack up along side the lake often with terraced gardens and of course the gorgeous terracotta roofed villas painted in lovely washed colours. The Italians manage to get it right - and the villas set amongst gardens are stunning, the muted colours of the buildings and painted shutters and urns spilling over with impatiens and bigonias.  We certainly benefitted from all the rain that they've had because the lawns and fields are a startling green. I felt as if we'd landed in paradise.