Chiavenna

I have only been to Chiavenna once before and the visit ended abruptly after Bethan took one lick of a sorbet and had an allergic reaction because it surprisingly contained egg. We only saw the hospital after that, so I was determined to comeback and see it in slightly more detail!

It was certainly worth it, despite the extreme heat, anout 38 degrees, with little breeze. I think I am coping better and if you go out later in the day, it is reasonanly comfortable - as I write this, the sweat is trickling down my back, but I am trying to ignore it!

My hotel is great. The room is a wonderful cool haven with a phenomenal view!

The highlight for me was definitely the walk along the River Mera. It is fabulous and also sometimes unthinkable that buildings were built adjacent to the river and sometimes in the rocks. They are still standing, centuries later. They are incredible and so picturesque.

I started writing this between courses in one of the restaurants overlooking the river. I couldn't sit on the balcony, but was fine inside. Great food and service. I feel sorry for the staff working in this heat. 

Another area I found very intriguing was The Crotti,where many houses were built amongst the caves formed after earthquakes in the area. Apparently, they are so cool that they are perfect for the making of local cheeses and dried meat. Sadly the restaurants were closed while I was there, but they do look very special, in spite of the steep steps and cobbled stone.

Not fancying a scorching day in the town, and knowing that I wouldnot cope with the heat on the stairs around the hotanical gardens

I took the wonderfully comfortable little air-conditioned train to Colico. The old trains, which were dirty, nearly always late and invariably stuffy in summer, have been replaced with punctual, clean and spacious trains. 

Colico doesn't sound so mice for English speakers, but it was a fabulous choice on such a hot day - high thirties!

I so enjoyed sitting on the pebble beach watching the kids learning to sail, watching the kite surfers and SUPs, but most of all being totally enthralled watching dog owners introducing their 'kids' to the water. It was very entertaining.

Before the little yachts appeared, I had a wonderful dip in the warm water of Lake Como. So refreshing.

Some things get a little lost in translation. Hand bicycles?

I took the wee train back to Lake Mezzola where I planned another swim. I found a great pathway with spectacular views, but came to a deadend. Determined, I walked back to the stoney beach you can see in the background. It was swelteringly hot, 38 degrees and virtually no shade. Must have been mad, but I made it!

I didn't stay long, but it certainly was fantastic to get back into the water . What awesome scenery all around me.

After at least two litres of water, it was time to head out for dinner in the centre, where I ate at this restaurant ( I started writing this blog there).

A great two-day stay in this pretty little town.