Leaving Venice was beautiful as it was a sunday morning so the grand canal was almost empty.  The weather was good and the sun hitting all of the beautiful buildings just made it more special.  We drove onto Milan and toured the dorma (huge covered over arcade in the shape of a cross) with all the major shopping names paying to be there, Prada, gucci etc.  Thank goodness it didn't cost to look.  We then went to view some of Leornardo Da Vinci's sketches that had been donated to the Franciscan monestry.  they will be put away for the foreseable future to preserve them in the year 2015 so it was something amazing to see them.  Had a wander around a castle always impressive and then a view of Milan.  The locals really do look very fashionable.
A long drive onto Lake Magiore, just stunning.  Coming down the mountains to the hotel looked like I expect Switzerland to look, if that makes sense. Our hotel is on the banks of the lake and the family that own it, own 5 hotels in the region plus a couple of islands.  what a pity their sons are married as I would have sent one of my girls over.
Today we took a water taxi over to one of the main islands owned by the family and we had a look at their "humble" abode.  The gardens were just beautiful and "understated" as one would imagine.  We had lunch on another and now John and I have been walking around Lake Como, enjoying the serenity.
Internet is hard to get so this is coming to you from a coffee shop.  So glad I started drinking ocffee.  Oh, I had a real Italian hot chocolate.