It was colder, windier, and rainier during our first few days on the Italian Lakes than it had been in Switzerland. The four of us who started out in Switzerland were well-prepared for winter, with everything from boots to coats. None of us let the poor weather stop us from catching up with each other and having a great time.

We had pasta of every kind, went to several quaint and beautiful towns such as Baveno, Mantua and Verona where we were once more able to leave a “lock” by Juliet’s balcony. We took a scenic drive through Italy’s Lake District . We visited enough churches that we could not go inside ABC (another bloody church).  We were able to enjoy boat rides at both Lake Maggiore and Lake Como but not as fortunate at Lake Garda. The rain and strong winds made the lake look more like the ocean than a lake and a leisurely boat ride was never going to work out.

We admired the Dolomite mountains, took a train to the base of the cable car ride while being serenaded by a group of men who were apparently singing melancholy love songs and pleading with their mother to let them stay out late. 

We found ourselves in the midst of a Liberation Day commemoration that ended with marches, speeches and occasional clashes between police and pro-Palestinian groups who used the occasion to voice outrage at Israel’s war in Gaza.

We celebrated Mike’s  birthday!

And most of all, we had a great time visiting friends from all over the USA that we met all over the world!

Thank you all for joining us and let’s make it at least 14 next time!

Till we meet again