Monday 29th April 2024

 Monday 29^th April

SHE SAID:

Hooray, the sun is shining today; it has been a long grey spell & everyone was much happier to see the blue sky & feel the warmth.

We had 3 ferries taking us to the Borromean Islands: Isola Madre, Isola Bella & Isola Pescatori, which are in the middle of the lake. The first island had gone through several different stages from a nunnery to an olive farm, to a citrus orchard, to current, which is a beautiful garden with a palazzo at the centre.

The 2nd island was Isola Bella, named for the wife of the owner who bought it for her, Isobella Borromeo. He built a lavish palazzo, the Boromeo Palace, in the grounds in the Baroque style of architecture was so total over the top! There were some equally OTT gardens with loads of sculptures too. We had a guided tour through the palazzo before wandering around the gardens for an hour.

The 3rd & final island was Isola Pescatori, where there was a lovely lunch put on for us. Three courses with wines or similar, tea & Limoncello to finish. Again, I was so full, no dinner will be required.

HE SAID:

The day was warm! At last. Spring has returned to Italy. The weather was spot on for our day on the lake. The absolute wealth and power on display was amazing to see, and to think that the same family has been in possession of this area for a few centuries. 

I was pleasantly surprised at the tasty fish lunch we were served. I'm not a huge fan but this was good. And, I managed, randomly, to select a very nice beer to have with it. It was a red beer, and I think I'll get it again if I can.