BELLA BELLAGIO

We are settled into the final Italian stopover of our holiday - Bellagio on Lake Como.

Getting there was an epic day of train to Milan, another train to a Varenna, ferry across the lake to Bellagio then the final stretch, a long pull up the hill and 40 stairs up to our apartment.

At least this time we didn't attempt the stairs through the town !

Once again the apartment is a winner and our hostess, a lovely lady called Maria, a real gem.

We've had thunder storms all night but this was the view from our bedroom window this morning.

As the sun began to come out around midday we set out to explore our surroundings.

Several of these cobbled stairs wind down and down, lined all the way with little restaurants, bars and clothing shops.

Scarves and ties seem to be featured here a lot along with expensive jewellery, clothes , shoes and handbags.

Down at the lake front beautiful vistas open up before you.

And it's easy to see why this is the playground of the rich and famous.

Places like this gem -

a pool with a view like this would be hard to take wouldn't it?

Or perhaps you'd prefer lunch here ?

Tomorrow we're going on a boat tour and I'll be on the lookout for gorgeous George Clooney.

Keep your fingers crossed !

Cheers.