Bergamo

 I was a bit sad to leave the lovely Engadine, but ready for my next adventure. It was a long day of travel, 8 hours from Maloja to Bergamo via Chiavenna and Lecco. The Maloja Pass was as fascinating as ever. I so admire the bus driver.

In Switzerland everything ran like clockwork of course. However, in Chiavenna, Italy, things were very different. A bus instead of the cancelled train seemed fine, but as a large group gathered around what we thought was the bus, confusion reigned and I enjoyed some wonderfully typical interactions, with plenty of gesticulating and shouting. I was pleased I could ask people in Italian what on earth was happening. After half an hour delay a bus arrived and it was a real bun fight to get my luggage and myself on the bus. The driver was uncertain of the exact destination, but at least I was on my way. 

After more confusion at the first stop, where I had to change bus, we set off at an incredible pace around Lake Como. So beautiful!

After several stops to pick up more bewildered passengers, we continued at even greater pace, practicing for racing at Monza I thought. 

Passengers were desperate to get a connecting train to Milan and so with minutes to spare we raced through Lecco to the station. Horn blasting, arms waving, we made it! Only damage was a fairly new pavement which we had to reverse up to let another bus through on a very narrow stretch of the road. I don't imagine the local commune will be happy. We blocked the road for a while, while driver and strong passenger removed the concrete from the road!

You should never be put off by first impressions! When I saw the rather dilapidated staircase to my apartment, I was a bit concerned.

But inside it was fabulous. Really spacious and cool. Perfect.

I was keen to stretch my legs after so many hours of sitting and had a brilliant afternoon and evening in this stunning Citta Alta, high city, of Bergamo. I rate it on a par with Matera.

Despite the heat, I trudged up the hill to the Rocco, a fortress with incredible views, 360 degrees, of Bergamo's spectacular surroundings.

Mountains 

And beautiful buildings 

And shady gardens 

Time for an aperitif 

I sat for ages enjoying watching the people with dogs and babies enjoying the water fountain.

I had a great meal in the square. There was plenty to watch.

Heading back, I couldn't help thinking I would be getting lunch at this place!

After a perfect sleep, I had a few hours before checkout so did a circuit of the city walls. 

It was perfect in the shade. How well fortified this city was. 

As I had thought, I couldn't resist a slice of focaccia, cut off with scissors to the size I wanted.

Final stop, with time running out, was the Cathedral and surrounding buildings. So ornate.

It was a fleeting visit, but I really enjoyed it. Now I am sitting in the middle of a bustling, noisy airport. Manners here are not the same as in Britain! Getting off the bus was a battle, with hoards pushing to get on before we were off. Unbelievable. 

I love Italy and the Italians, but could never live here.