Italy or Bust
It’s official. Our 2009 vacation destination is…drum roll…Italy. Yes, I know we’ve been there a few times, but we can’t seem to get enough!
We’ll be visiting Northern Italy this year, traveling to Bellagio on beautiful Lake Como (see photo below) and then to Milan. Also since Lake Como is so close to Switzerland, we’ll probably take a train into the St. Moritz or Lake Lugano area. It will be heavenly! I can’t wait.
Now that the trip is booked, I will be getting more serious about learning Italian. I have a few words in my vocabulary, but since we keep going back again and again, I’d like to learn more.
Knowledge of the Italian language isn’t a requirement when traveling in Italy because many locals are proficient in the English language. However, I don’t care. I had fun speaking a little French in Nice, so I’m planning to learn as much Italian as I can and practice it while we’re there. Rosetta Stone software is on it’s way. It’s supposed to be the best way to learn another language (outside of a classroom environment), so I’m going to give it a try. I’ll let you know what I think about the program when it arrives.
Viva Italia!
As an Italian based in Milan, I can only say that yours is a good choice. Como lake is beautiful but there are also other lakes in Northern Italy that are worth a visit, such as Lago Maggiore and the small but cute Lago d’Orta. If you plan to go to Switzerland and are coming soon (that is to say in summer), I would suggest you to take the Bernina Express train, driving from Tirano to St Moritz. Views are really spectacular.
If I can be of any help for advice, just let me know. Otherwise, enjoy your trip. I will read more of your posts from Italy.
Ciao
Lake Como is stunning. We spent some time there last year and the beauty you see in the landscape will keep your mouth open during your whole stay. There are fab restaurants too. I particularly remember one on a little tiny island in the middle of the lake which served wonderful italian food and to which many worldwide celebrities have been. The owner proudly displays his pictures with all these celebs right across the restaurant. The views as you are sitting outside are spectacular. A very romantic destination!
Have fun.
ransom33
Wow, thanks for the great tips! If you have more info to share, I would love to hear it. Where are the best places to go? What are the “must see” cities on Lake Como (and nearby). Are there other places nearby in Switzerland we should visit? We will be spending a couple of days in Milan also — what are the “must see” places to go? Any and all recommendations would be greatly appreciated!