A morning excursion to Isola Bella, one of the islands in Lake Maggiore. It has a huge dwelling with immaculate gardens. It is owned by a family whose ancestors were wealthy bankers and dealt with steel. To this day they still have ownership rights over all the waterways here and own a majority of the main island. Oh to be so rich!!!! They live in the house during summer each year and were there today. The family live on the second floor which is not open to the public. Within the gardens were beautiful white peacocks.

Just after 11 we set off for Lugano in Switzerland. This town is also on a beautiful lake. The shops were mostly big brand names. Their specialities are swiss knives, chocolate, watches and fashion. I held on to my purse strings today and just window shopped as I am waiting for Firenze domani.