Today we made our way from Venice to Lake Como. We had already purchased our train tickets but unfortunately the train we needed to catch didn't leave from the station near us. Instead we bought a ticket to go one stop to Venice Metrole where we had to find the platform and our train to Milan bearing in mind we have 8 big big bags and 8 carry ons. The boys did it tough carrying the bags up the stairs at the train stations. We first of all got all our luggage on one train only to find that it left too late so we had to move all the luggage onto another one. When we got to metrole worked out where we needed to be, more stairs and then we got everything onto the train. We worked out a system where Trevor got on the train and the luggage was passed up to him. This worked well for us but did hamper other people getting on and off. So we are on the train to Milan all good and relaxing, after 2 1/2 hrs we arrive and have to find train to Como we know we have 15 mins to do this. Unfortunately the train to Como was late arriving so there was a mad rush for the train. It was on the train trip that Liz realised that she had left her passports in the safe in Venice. Danos wanted to get off the train and head back to Venice to get them. Anyway after some discussion decided to call Venice hotel when we arrived in Lake Como. We managed to get on but our luggage was spread all over the carriage and blocking the aisles. Anyway we only had 1/2 hour to get there but I think a lot of people were happy to see us get off. More stairs to negotiate and then we get outside and find out there is a strike going on so no buses or water taxis. We try to hire a taxi but none are keen to go to Lezzeno where we are staying. After a bit of stuffing around we finally talk 2 taxis into taking us. It was all worth it. I think the most beautiful place I have ever been. Wish we were here for longer. The weather is beautiful, the family that run the hotel wonderful and the scenery magnifico. Because of the strike we can't go anywhere. The lovely girl who checks us in lets the restaurant know that we will be over to the restaurant for lunch. We have a wonderful meal and then buy some drinks and sit out on the deck relaxing and taking in the spectacular views. Really nice arvo just chilling and laughing. The strike finished at 4.30. So we took a bus down to Bellagio. Absolute postcard stuff we stroll around for a couple of hours then head back to Our friends at Hotel Aurora for another beautiful meal. I have really enjoyed the food in Italy this time. The Caprese salad is still a favourite and the taste of their tomatoes is unbelievable. Tomorrow we leave Italy but I so want to come back and spend some substantial time here. Gratsi Italia. It was bellisimo.