First thing this morning we saw a big, grand blue sky illuminated to the inth degree by good old Sol, and he came out in his most brilliant way today, our last day in Zurich. I could not help myself; I took photos of anything and everything to just capture a hint of what this place is like out of the cover of clouds. It was a relief to finally see Zurich in pure sun-filed skies.

The train trip to Como was spectacular! Far more picturesque than we ever expected with far more scenic views than those we had on our ten-hour train trip through the Austrian Alps. The sights we saw today were just so very, very beautiful! I hope everyone who reads this takes a moment to see the photos. They are truly incredible and most of them were taken from inside the train. We arrived at Como and we walked outside the train station and simply took in a deep breath and breathed. We felt the wonderful warm clear air and saw the sunshine. We could see the town downhill from the station. It immediately reminded us of Venice, but perhaps younger? We could see the lake and the mountains. Fantastic! In minutes we were shedding a few of the almost permanent layers we have been wearing for the past six weeks. Again, we breathed. The air was fresh, clean and pure and just recently made from interaction between the lake and the mountains.

We met our host and spent a while with him getting the low-down of how the apartment works, learning about imperative visiting sights, local markets and his choice of restaurants.

We relaxed for a few moments, had a great Facebook conversation with Cody at home and then we struck out. We walked a few blocks to the north to the Saturday market - whatever you have in mind, you can buy it there. On our way to the market we realized our place is in a very desirable area. We passed block after block of glamourous designer shops and boutiques, offering clothing, shoes, jewelry, gelato and lots of outdoor dining! We walked up and down the allies of stalls at the market and only bought one item, a fancy, pocket-size magnifying glass so we can more easily read city transportation system maps. Boy, we hate to admit it but we cannot see s*** these days!

We walked back in the other direction, all the way to the lake. Oh my Lord! I don't think I want to leave this place. It is incredibly beautiful. I just hope our photos lend a hint of how wonderful this place is. I keep thinking about how we function back home. Often and for whatever reason, we are very smug thinking we are the biggest, best and most beautiful of the entire world. And yes, our country and our people are great indeed!! But sometimes we suppose nothing is better and in so many respects that is true. But there are other many, many places on earth like this location where people wake up every day to magnificent landscapes of mountains and lakes, streams and meadows - scenery, foodstuffs, music and customs - ones we cannot imagine. Yes, we are truly lucky and blessed to live in the USA, thank you, dear God, and I am ever so grateful, but as a young Frenchman related to me one morning a few years ago, "We are luckier."