Como-nalities

Day:11
Miles: 1410/65
Coordinates:+45° 48' 48.83", +9° 4' 51.14 (Como)

After kissing lovely Canobio goodbye we headed off to our final lakes' destination, Lago di Como. But we did a couple of stops along the way. While strolling the streets of Canobio with our gelati in hand, we had noticed many postcards featuring the chapel of Santa Anna and the surrounding nature. Although - bizarely - our guide did not mention this attraction we trusted the locals and drove the short couple of miles to see it. What a sight!

We entered a thick forest with a cannopied narrow lane a the road, with waterfalls cutting through the rocks on one side, and a small, beautiful lake at their base. Presiding over the lake was the beautiful chapel of St. Anna itself. Magnificent!

Our second stop was less organic in nature but just as soothing and satisfying. Medrisio, well into Switzerland and a short drive away from Como itself. This town has become famous thanks to a huge mall full of designer outlets. In fact it is so famous that there is a daily special bus service linking it to Milano. Before you frown upon us, think of London sales but without the crowd and the rush. It is a very civilised and cost-efficient way to shop and it is no coincidence that it is Swiss.

In the end, we finally arrived at Como and alas, it was the first time in our trip that we felt a bit delfated. We believe we had lived the ulitmate Lake experience in Orta and Canobio, and the bar has been set too high. Como, a sprawling town with traffic, more tourists, appartment blocks and inevitably less character, feels a bit detached from the Lake atmosphere. Sure you've got the lake, the promenades and ducks in the water but you can do better than that.

As the evening fell amingst the most magnificent sunset that the lake district has offered us so far, and the lights in the numerous villas around the lakefront came on, our feelings towards Como softened. After all, Como's gelati and locals are just as colourful.