Lago di Como

We're on our fourth night at our campground on Lake Como. It's in a little town called Abbadia Lariana on the east side of the lake, not far from the town of Lecco. We really wanted to spend some time in the area so figured we would get comfortable here for 4 nights. Couldn't be happier we did.

The campground is right on the lake, and Lake Como is absolutely beautiful. We are just on the southern edge of the Alps so it's still mountainous an incredibly scenic. We did a drive around half the lake the other day that went through a bunch of cool villages perched on the hills around the lake. Lots of sketchy narrow roads and crazy drivers again. Should note the Micra rolled over 100,000 miles on that drive. While most of them weren't us I still feel better that the car can die more fulfilled having used every digit on the odometer.

Yesterday we did a day trip to Milan, which is about an hour by train and only €10 return. First glimpse at a very convenient and efficient train system here. It was great to see the Duomo and wander the fashion district, but it wasn't my favourite city. An aggressive gypsy lady was our first encounter, "helping" us buy our metro tickets by frantically pressing buttons we didn't want and then trying to take our change. The African men in the centre trying to sell shitty string bracelets were also way more aggressive than anywhere else we've been. Not that it means much but did leave an impression. I think Milan is a city you'd need to spend at least a few days in to enjoy the nightlife and maybe have some money for shopping because for a rushed day it's not heavy on sightseeing. On our way back our transfer train in Lecco was delayed an hour and a half due to an accident and we had some trouble finding out what was going on and how to get back as it was all in Italian. Luckily someone else stranded spoke a bit of English and translated the broken information he got, but it was a helpless feeling before that.

Our campground has a bar right on the water that has hosted an event every night. It's definitely the most happening spot in the area and it's been an amazing time being around so many locals in a small town party spot. A pizza for €5 and a litre of wine for €8 doesn't hurt. We met a really nice German couple who are in the area for rock climbing and got to drink and chat with them the last three nights which was really fun.

We're off to Verona tomorrow for 2 nights. I'm actually a little disappointed because its been so nice to settle in somewhere so beautiful and so much fun. If anyone ever has a chance to visit Lake Como do it, it's absolutely awesome.

-Justin