On the road

Since we left Aosta we have been moving most nights. A bit daunting at first but we have enjoyed our little road trip which has been full of wonderful surprises.  Had a couple of nights at Lake Como in a little place called Nesso, just south of Bellagio but situated right on the Lake.  It was an interesting little place and our host gave us a guided tour around.  Love airbnb as you get lots of local knowledge from those who host you.  We went to Bellagio on our day there and then caught the ferry over to Varenna.  It was all OK but not somewhere we would come back too.  As Rick Steves says, it's a place you come to see how slow you can get your pulse.

From Como, Giovanni had picked two castles he wanted to see so we drove to Parma

and saw this little beauty and then drove over to the delightful town of Ferrara where they had wrapped their's up in glad wrap.  

We really enjoyed our time in Ferrara though John is a bit fluey.  Still we had wonderful digs and it enabled him to have a good rest.  Nothing worse than being sick when you are on the road.

Our next stop was in Ravenna. This was one of those jaw dropping experiences.  We love mosaics and have seen some pretty well preserved beautiful ones especially in the Middle East but nothing like this.  They were so well preserved and in such a beautiful setting. We loved it here.  Some things pictures just don't reveal but here are a couple.

From Ravenna we headed down the east coast to Riccione. Can even say that with a great Italian accent.  John is still not well but we managed to walk along the umbrella studded beach.  Actually the water looked and felt great - a few little waves and not too cold.  There were loads of people on the beach which was good to see.  I think Europeans in general seem to love the outdoors and spend lots of time on beaches, on bicycles, on walking tracks etc.  

So today we are heading back into Tuscany to Arezzo for a couple of nights as their big jousting festival is on and we have tickets.  Can't wait!!!  

Happy Father's Day to my wonderful Dad for tomorrow and of course, to my much loved son on his first Father's Day.  xxx