Wednesday, 25 June 2014

Isola del Garda

The storms had dissipated by early afternoon, so we had a delightful trip this afternoon by launch to the curious Isola del Garda.  First settled by Franciscans and later passing through many hands including American occupying forces after WW2, it is now in the hands of seven siblings and their noble English mother.  The island has been extended, as it were, to encompass a number of artificial ditto, and the gardens are a delight.  The house, too, though mostly of no great antiquity is elegant and intimate, and our guide was one of the seven sibs.  Others run their olive plantations, campings, bed and breakfasts etc, so we hope they aren't tripping over each other's feet. Pleasant crossing in a launch from the landing stage at the front of the hotel to the family's private landing stage on the island.  About two and a half hours in all, including drinks and nibbles on the terrace of the villa - my kind of excursion.

We've pretty well decided against the day trip to Milan - the prospect of another four hours in a coach and pavement-pounding in the big city lacks appeal so soon after the tiring day in Verona, particularly since our last day is a long one in Venice.

Meanwhile, the leak from the air conditioning gear has dropped to a drip every minute or so, but we'll leave the bucket under it for the moment.....

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