24-25 September
The holiday began by travelling with Mark and Ruth via Hong Kong to Milan, and then in a hired taxi van to San Giulio de Orta and arriving at about 10am.

The drive into the lake area started at the top of the hill that wound its way down on cobbled streets designed and built centuries ago for horse and carts at the largest. Our van was at times literally only 2centimeters space each side and scrapping the sides when Luca was not vigilant.
As we meandered down we would get short glimpses of the lake and the villages in front of us and at various points around the lake. The driver came to a point where the van could no longer traverse; on the edge of the main square, and we were directed by pointing to where our hotel was meant to be. 30 minutes later, several locals pointing us in opposite directions, and up and down piazzas, we found the hotel. Almost back where we had started.
The day had a slight haze, rain threatened, but the agreed need to go for coffee at a cafe on the lakes edge was quickly agreed.
A truly picture post card village and setting. I am writing this lying on my bed at the hotel Aracoeli on the edge of the town square. The''French doors' on the balcony are open with a view a cross the lake on this 3rd floor room, breeze drifting in, church bells peeling for 4.30 pm and muffled contented sounds of people in the cafes below.
We have walked up the hill to the Sacro Monte do San Francesco. Stunning walk and 180 degree views at the top, and equally stunning houses with massive gardens on the walk to the top. The church had its own Large gardens and grounds with various chapels built over the centuries. The rain came down heavily at this point and we sheltered there until it settling to gentle level, then meandered down to find a quaint local piazzaria. Carafe of Rose and excellent piazzas. Then off exploring the shops, checking out picnic food with the idea of a picnic on L'isola di San Giulio tomorrow.
Siesta in the late afternoon before a delicious dinner at a taverna with first class dining and service . my faith and interest in Italian cuisine is restored as it was Italian with a difference. it incorporated the a variety of tastes and flavours. E.g. Scallops with celery purée and lemon. Additional offerings they included were their bread with oil and truffle butter, a range of bread crisps flavoured with saffron, squid ink and peppers, and tomato foam. Petit fois at the completion of meal; all little delicacies- toffeed almonds, aerated chocolate, mini profitoroles.