Lake Como and Pontresina, 21-24 June 2019

Friday, June 21: Bülach-Lenno, Bellagio

Bülach - Knonaueramt - Axenstrasse - Gotthard tunnel (no traffic 😊👍) - Lugano - Lenno

In the afternoon, we visited the small town of Lenno right on the lake with its many cafes and restaurants, the 'Fabbrica del Gelato', some villas, and beautiful gardens.

Then we took a boat to Bellagio on the other side of the lake. We strolled through the narrow streets with many shops, had a salad, and climbed up and down some stairs.

Back at the campsite, we enjoyed the evening with a glass of grappa and limoncello...

Saturday, June 22: Como, Fireworks

Early on Saturday morning, we took a hydrofoil boat to Como in heavy rain. We had a second breakfast in a small café and read in the newspaper that the Obama family was expected to visit George Clooney at Lake Como 😳. They also wanted to watch the big fireworks display 'Sagra di San Giovanni' https://www.lakecomo.is/events/sagra-di-san-giovanni-2019/. Now we understood why we saw so much police the day before 😏.

But first, we went shopping in Como after the rain had stopped. Everything here was much bigger and more exclusive, and there were many more tourists around.

Back at the campsite, we strengthened ourselves with delicious cheese, sausage, and melons, accompanied by a bottle of rosé. 🤪

We got a good spot on the lakeshore with a great view of the fireworks. Watching the many boats, yachts, and rescue boats 🚤🛥⛴ in front of us helped pass the time until it started. The fireworks were accompanied by music from Lady Gaga, Queen, and Italian artists (a bit too loud!)

Sunday, June 23: Villa del Balbianello, Journey to Pontresina

On Sunday morning, we walked to Villa del Balbianello, a former monastery. It was recently owned by Count Guido Monzino, who housed his collection from his numerous polar expeditions there. The property is surrounded by a beautiful garden.

Ciao bella Italia! 🇮🇹

Near noon, we made our way back to Switzerland. Emily successfully drove up the Maloja Pass to the Engadine. In Pontresina, we found the ideal spot on the Morteratsch campsite with small lakes, streams, forests, and a beautiful view of the mountains. Pure nature! 🌲🏞☀️  😝👍

Sunday, June 24: E-Mountainbike Tour, Return Home

After a rather cold night (why didn't we stay in Italy 😬?) and breakfast, we picked up our rented e-mountain bikes at the sports shop in Pontresina. We quickly climbed up to the Morteratsch Glacier with the bikes. After a short break next to a cool stream, we went even faster downhill. We also added the route to Restaurant Roseg, where we treated ourselves to a delicious dessert. Back at Emily, we had covered nearly 35km with the bikes. ☀️🚵‍♀️🚵‍♂️💨

Our journey home took us over the Julier Pass to Thusis and Chur, and from there on the highway back home.

We had four wonderful and eventful days! It's easy to get used to such short vacations ☀️🚐🏞💑... 😊