Menaggio

I am just now sitting beside the Lake waiting for my first Espresso! Certainly not expresso timewise but hey, I’m learning that Italians don’t do speed. Why would they, in such a beautiful setting…. I am so enjoying the moment, with the water lapping just beside me, beautiful flowers all around and happy smiley people enjoying a sunny Sunday morning.

Going back… I had the best night’s sleep – 8 hrs from 10 til 6 am! Woken by the sun streaming through the balcony window straight into my eyes.

My espresso has just arrived after about half an hour I think! Maybe it’s called expresso because you down it in one mouthful – it’s a tiny cup and only half full… but although bitter, is quite delicious!

Where was I……. the hostel, which is run by a group of previous backpackers, served an excellent continental breakfast. I sat outside on the terrace in the hot sun and soon felt a painting coming on. The views from here are absolutely stunning…. I know I shall be using that word a lot….

After a quick watercolour I headed down town with Fiona a Scottish girl staying at the hostel who was heading over to Varenna on the ferry. After saying goodbye I wandered through the little town skirting the lake where there was quite an extensive open air market…. and the most purple of stalls…. yes, lavendar!

Spent most of the day in this delightful little lakeside town sketching, chatting to Italians who liked my work and sampling the occasional gelato… perfect!! I was intrigued by the bells in the church tower which were hung on wheels but were clearly mechanical. There were 5 which rang slowly individually at random for about 10 minutes on the hour and then rang round in perfect sequence. All this is visible from outside.

It is good to have a day just chilling out after such full on traveling and the weather just couldn’t be better!