Como has a Duomo. And a fun funicular. This morning, we had options after breakfast. First off, it was an amazing hotel breakfast. This one beats out the spots in the US with do-it-yourself Texas-shaped waffle irons, just because their bacon was fried prosciutto. We met Jeff and Reema for that, and after the coffee was gone, we moved on to the optional guided walk through the town. Jeff and Reema went for a little more rest and relaxation. After our guided walk, we made our way to the Funicular car that takes folks from Como to Brunate. It’s a cable car of sorts that pulls people up and gently lowers them back down at about a 45 degree angle to and from the top of a mountain. This one takes passengers to Brunate, which is at the top. While there, we wandered around and saw some pretty spectacular views. Jeff and Reema went later in the day, and by all reports, they had a great meal up there.
When Cas and I got back down, we had one drink each and split a sandwich at a very touristy spot in front of the Duomo. It was an extra large sandwich and a very fancy Aperol Spritz, which is apparently a signature drink around here. If I’m honest, it was a little bitter for me, but I can see the appeal. The sandwich was great, though.
We headed back to the hotel and met Jeff and Reema on the way to the bus that took us to Villa Caroltta on the way to Bellagio. In Villa Carlotta, we wandered around an amazing home that none of us could ever imagine living in, and we did that for about an hour, until it was time to take a boat to Bellagio. There, we had a little fee time to wander until dinner. For our meal, we sat down to a pasta dish that was made with whole grain pasta, which is darker than traditional noodles. It was great, but since yesterday, I have learned that restaurants may bing you pasta before the main course. I didn’t finish a big plate of noodles, because I was actively trying to save room for that main course, which was beef cooked in a Valpolicella gravy, served with Polenta. Wow.
The meal was good, served at a relaxed pace and plenty of fun. After we wrapped that up, we all piled back on the bus and headed for Como again. It was a pleasant ride back, and we talked to some of our fellow travelers. When we got back, everyone parted for their respective rooms, but Cas and I wanted just one more glass of wine. We invited Jeff and Reema, but they were pretty wiped out.
Cas and I walked across the street, but not inside the ancient wall. Outside of that wall was a sidewalk cafe that appeared to be populated by Como residents. The waitress didn’t speak English, which is a good clue you’re not dealing with a tourist place. Through Cas’ language skills and a little help, we still managed to score a few glasses of wine.
Now, we’re in for the night with an early wake-up time and a pretty darn early departure for Venice by way of Verona. It should be a great day tomorrow, and I suspect we’re ready for it.
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