With the recent passing of my Grandmother, and with my father not well enough to travel anymore. It's left me thinking of travel we were all able to enjoy together as one whole family.
This was from away back in 2009 and for my parent's wedding anniversary, we decided to take a trip to Lake Como in the north of Italy.
This for me was such a delight to visit as the vistas genuinely were to die for. with the views over that lake like above, and also how the little villages along with the lake form just on the lake edge.
We were staying on a hotel in the village of Caddenabia, around about the midpoint of the lake and it gave ferry access to Bellagio and Verenna which just made it the ideal spot. The hotel itself is within view of the image here, as is the ferry that travels across to Bellagio.
Being the lakes, in the height of summer, time spent in the water was a popular activity, from what appears to be makeshift diving boards
To the enjoyment of speedboats, all surrounded by such amazing buildings.
The colours of sunset over yellow coloured buildings in Bellagio gives for quite an interesting shade I found as well.
Verenna was the next village on the ferry trip between the three locations.
This spot felt a bit more isolated in relation to cars and appeared more accessible by water ferry than anything else.
Although a little further down from where we were staying in Caddenabia, was the village of Lenno, and on the edge of there, was a Villa of interest. One that is known to film fans, of at least two film franchises.
The location, Villa del Balbianello, is accessible via a boat taxi (although can be walked to as well)
This spot within the Villa grounds might be recognisable to fans of Star Wars (even the prequels have fans!) as this was the spot of the balcony wedding scene.
But there is another film and one at the cinema just now. From James Bond, this was the location used from Casino Royale, where Bond was recovering from his injuries.
From the tree that Craig's bond was recovering under
To the hill path, the bankers came running down to meet Bond.
But sometimes due to the nature of film, it can be difficult to really appreciate the art on display at the location. Something a visit to the location makes it all the more special
I have to admit, Italy has become one of my favourite places to visit, having been a number of times now in the north and I do hope I can explore more in the future.