Two Days in Tremezzo

I LOVE Italy’s mass transit system.  Functional AND beautiful, Milan’s train station mixes old architecture with modern technology.  How appropriate to have an Apple sculpture in front of that classic building!  

This was my starting point for my two day solo adventure to Tremezzo.  Never heard of it?  Neither had I, prior to planning this trip, but Rick Steves recommended it, and I figured he knew what he was talking about.  The Hotel Villa Marie was reasonably priced, highly rated by Trip Advisor, within walking distance of the ferry and bus line.  It sounded like the perfect spot to, as they say in Italy “fare niente”, do nothing.

Well, I didn’t exactly do nothing, but I DID take it slower than usual.

This lakeside park is located between the Villa Marie and the center of Tremezzo.  I didn’t stop at the cafe in the park—there were too many other choices, but had I stayed in Tremezzo a few more days, I would have savored a Bellini by the shore.

Had I known there were going to be fireworks, I would have climbed to the terrace to watch the show.  Instead I leaned out my window and tried out the fireworks setting on my new point and shoot Canon.

The Grand Hotel is indeed quite grand.  At €600 per night, I decided I could do without the grandeur.  I DID, however, have lunch there.   Soup, one Bellini and a bottle of water came to €52, but the view and the music were free.  A high point was when the pianist looked at me, played “New York, New York” then waved.  How did he know?  I hung around to watch him play the sax, but left before he got to the guitar.

My favorite spot was the majestic Villa Carlotta.  According to guide books, most people spend 45 minutes there.  For me, it was two and a half hours, wandering along the trails, ogling the flowers and exotic plants, and visiting the mansion.

Lucky for me, there was a free concert, with different orchestras,  playing very different music—from the Beatles to the William Tell Overture—during my visit.

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Although I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Tremezzo, I much prefer traveling with a buddy (or buddies).  It just is more fun making memories with someone else by your side.  And, I will confess, after navigating the train, ferry and metro with back pack and wheeled carry on, I very much like having someone else handle my luggage and logistics.  It was a great two days,  but I was quite ready to meet up with my man in Milano!

I’ll end this post with a few random photos of lovely Tremezzo.

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