Italy 2010 - Travel Journal - Part VII

May 26, 2009

Up early for a run, again about 2.5 miles up and over the hill, through Bellagio, and to the outermost point of the peninsula for a magnificent moment in a breathtaking place. Out on that point, surrounded by the glassy water and silence of the Alps I thought to myself that I just hope that I can keep this moment in my memory as a place of peace. When life gets crazy and I need to take a breath, I just hope to come back to this moment; so splendid, so pure, and so perfect.

Breakfast under the pergola was scenic and would have been peaceful if not for the entertaining and rowdy construction workers doing road repair next to hotel.

We ride a ferry over to the nearby town of Varenna. A great little town that we wandered through until reaching Villa Monastero for a beautiful garden stroll. Lunch at Vecchia Varenna, located on the water’s edge with a great view of Varenna’s waterfront. Chris had a Insalata Mista and Dad had a “light” start with a plate of salami and speck… They then both had Risotto with Perch. I had Parmigiano di Melanzane (very thinly sliced and delicious) then ravioli di Cinghaile that was also great. A beer for the fellas and I had a glass of crisp Prosecco.

We hopped on a ferry for a cruise around the lake and then back to Bellagio. A mandorla tostato and stracciatella gelato and then back to relax and pack up at La Pergola.

After a very pleasant drink from “La Piccola Principessa” out at the water at our place, we head over for dinner at La Grotta. Simple place with a wine list like I used to see back in my days as a student in Rome. No winery names, just types of wine to chose from. Chris got Linguine alla Volgole Veraci then a prosciutto e funghi pizza, Dad had a caprese then a carciofi pizza, and I had a their house specialty- pizzoccheri (buckwheat pasta with melted cheese and potatoes – so rich) then a Pizza Diavola. Barbera d’Alba was our wine. Quick walk around Bellagio and then back to our hotel for a beer and some balcony time to watch the local scenery and characters in the newly cool weather.

Great finish to a special trip. I know that I certainly missed a key member to our travelling crew and won’t exclude Mom from another trip like this again. The Rauber Men’s trip is complete and this will certainly provide plenty of fodder for years to come. It was such a special thing for Chris and me to be able to do this with Dad and be able to share these wonderful memories forever. Without a doubt, I will cherish these 7 glorious days for the rest of my life.