A Weekend in Italy - Bensana and Lake Como

This past weekend we all took a 3.5 hour road trip to Italy to visit with a friend of Dave's, via HP Vancouver, who has been living in Europe for 8+ years. The Leonetti's were gracious hosts and we all had a wonderful time! The weather was spectacular so we had an opportunity to enjoy the outdoor scenery of Bensana and Lake Como.

The boys played their first game of football (AKA american soccer) with their new Italian friends. They played at a local park where they made more friends - Kellen showed off his ultimate frisbee skills to a new Italian friend! Devan amused himself by spinning on the merry-go-round play equipment, stumbling in glee! And Rhonda and Joe's son, Zaven, played big brother to both of the boys which was great for the adults who conversed and enjoyed the sunshine!

As we walked around the village of Bensana we enjoyed gelato and looking at all the delicious pasteries and beautiful Easter goodies in the local "pasticceria." We were able to truly experience the pasteries following a delicious meal at home. The boys loved opening the package to see all the small, finger desserts for which they sampled many!

Devan learns Italian - talking with his hands, "Deliziosi, mil grazie!"

Kellen caring for the pet guinea pig and small hamsters ...

Lake Como (Lago di Como)

On Sunday, following a leisurely morning and watching the kids play in the garden, we ventured to Lake Como. Lake Como is in the northern Italian Lakes District. Lake Como lies between Milan and the border of Switzerland. It was 75+ degrees and the area was swarming with people enjoying the sun! What a gorgeous place - surrounded by hillside villas, resorts, outdoor cafes, beautiful buildings, walking paths, boats on the lake, lots of places to feed the swans, ducks and birds ... no better way to spend a sunny day!

We ate at the piazza as we peered onto the Como Cathedral (duomo). A little history - began in 1396, facade completed in 1457 and final construction in 1740. This front facade was completed by the famous Comaschi, Pliny the Elder and Pliny the Younger in Gothic architectural style. Other parts of the cathedral, were built in different styles (for example the dome was constructed in late renaissance style - rococo)

Gotta have some gelato before hitting the road!

Here are a couple of photos after crossing back through the Mont Blanc tunnel. We had a great view of the Mont Blanc glacier. The close to a gorgeous day!