Clooney Spotting

Day:12
Miles: 1450/40 (nautical miles)
Coordinates:+45° 48' 48.83", +9° 4' 51.14 (Como)

Today was fun! We made the most of the lake by zig-zagging to its many villages on our speedboat (not pedalling these time :) - a proper mean flying machine).

We started our day in Moltrasio. The 1st point of interest was Laglio, where George Clooney allegedly spends most of his time nowadays at his villa. Although there is no full-blown Clooney-mania, the locals are definetely very proud of their illustrious new citizen (GC has been given the keys to Como). We cannot be 100% sure that we did spot his villa, but there was a secluded one with a small army of Italian beauties sunbathing on a small pier next to it.

Our next POI was the slightly over-the-top but beautiful nevertheless, Villa Carlotta, a gardener's paradise with a glorious royal past. What is more, there is a very secluded bay by the villa which is a 1st class swimming spot.

On to Bellagio, the jewel of Como. As you approach it from the water it definetely looks cuter than the other villages and perfectly formed. It is a sight for sore eyes, with the small village climbing up a densely wooded hill. We will agree with the guides, that Bellagio is as idyllic as you get in Lago di Como.

In general, we would say that Lago di Como offers the most dramatic setting when compared to the other lakes, its western leg in particular, up to Bellagio. The reason being that it is much more narrow than the other lakes, surrounded by majestic tree-covered mountains dropping into the water. And one more tip. The best way to experience the lake is from the water, be it a boat of the Navigazione Laghi or a private one.

We finished our day by taking the Funicolare up to Brunate, a hilltop overlooking Como. Back in Como, we had what according to Niko is the best pizza in the world at Riva. Riva made Niko an impression for alltogether different thing as well. Its restrooms are illuminated by a 'lazy' photo-sensor. It's lazy, because the occupant needs to keep waving arms, etc every 15sec or so, for the light to remain on - what makes for a unique and technically challenging visit.

The day ended on a colourful gelati note -surprise surprise!

A domani