Well, after three very relaxing days here on the shores of Lake
Maggiore, it's time to start our journey home. Very reluctant to leave
(in fact we were debating whether or not to extend our stay for another
two weeks). From here we are heading back to Geneva where it all began.
Hopefully the weather will be kind to us as we head back over the alps.
Saw a news report about conditions in the Austrian Alps. The day after
we crossed over from Friedrichshafen, there were severe snow falls,
avalanches, roads were closed, and numerous cars became stranded in the
snow. How lucky were we????

Fortunately, the day was
perfect. Blue skies and bright sunshine. Looking south and west gave all
the indications that the weather was going to be kind to us.

Wasn't
long before we were leaving our home of the last three days, the
Europalace Hotel. If you're ever in this part of the world, we would
highly recommend it as a place to stay, especially if you're looking for
that "Italian experience". And if you do stay here, then you have to
dine at the Bolongaro Ristorante, quite simply some of the finest
Italian food you will have.

The first half of the
trip was quite boring. Broad flat valleys were the order of the day -
oh, and a 30 euro toll, just what we needed. Then we turned towards the
Alps, and there were the mountains in all their glory. Towering snow
capped peaks set against brilliant blue skies. After each tunnel we went
through, a new vista opened up before us. Nearing the top of the pass
we entered the Mont Blanc tunnel to take us into France - not before
forking out 39 euro for the privilege.

So, on to Geneva for our final night.