Today was spent on and around Lake Como, touring gardens, eating pasta, visiting a few shops and enjoying the amazing views.

This estate was given to Carlotta, by her parents, when she got married, a few hundred years ago.
Cut gravel beds are everywhere, in Italy. I really like the paver stone that was used here. (For our future Italian garden!) The plastic grid set in the gravel was interesting. It was used in the hilly areas, to keep the gravel in place, I assume.
Inside, was quite a large collection of art, from the same period. Pictures weren’t allowed of the collection, but I snuck a shot of a contemporary exhibit.
I’m just guessing, but I’d bet that the official flower of Italy is wisteria, because it’s in bloom everywhere right now! Really beautiful!
I spent time touring the gardens at our Hotel Cipressi, with Eileen and Jini, the leaders of our pack. They are really wonderful! (The gardens and Eileen and Jini)

Well, that’s all for now! Tomorrow, we make a day trip to Milan, on the train.

Be well and thanks for being here!
Ciao Bella!,
Barbara