il senso della vita

Day: 9
Miles: 1345/200
Coordinates: +46° 4' 10.43", +8° 41' 58.86" (Cannobio)

We left the fabulous Villa Crespi & Lago Orta for the neighbouring and much larger (as the name suggests) Lago Maggiore & the small lakeside village of Cannobio. Maggiore' shores are teaming with villages & towns. The lake used to be the first stop of the 17/18th century grand tourers and there are still magnificent belle epoque villas dotted around the lake. Most of the towns and villages have preserved their centri historici and add to the character of the area.

The geographical setting is more dramatic than Orta's with the Alps now featuring prominently everywhere you look. The antithesis of the deep blue lake and the towering tree-covered mountains that plunge within it is magnificent, and is what makes Maggiore & the Lakes in general such a celebrated destination.

Cannobio itself is perhaps one of the best places to experience Maggiore from. Beautifully preserved townhouses, cobbled narrow winding streets, a long lake-side promenade that is perfectly appointed for the passeggiata, a picturesque harbour, even a small grassy "beach" (be warned though the water is c-c-cold)

The promenade is full of cafés, pizzerias & small restaurants that all serve good, uncomplicated food. When the produce is so good and the spirits so high, the food is always great. And of course every other shop is a gelateria! Heaven on earth! Gelati artigianali per tutti!

After a nice lakeside dinner -what a stunning setting for a table- we set off for the very italian pastime of the evening passeggiata. Strolling lazily up and down the promenade, licking our gelati & mixing with the locals. This is a social event in Italy -and most other Med countries; it's always best in small towns and villages, where life is at its most vibrant: simple, uncomplicated, honest & a constant celebration. Cannobio does this perfectly. Street musicians setting the tempo for erruptions of spontaneous street dancing, old and young co-exisitng merrily & everyone in high spirits - the abundant vino always helps!

Cin Cin!