When last we left you we were chilling in Tuscany enjoying the "Agriturismo" experience Italian style. We then headed south to exchange this for the chaos of Rome. What a city though. Everything from Roman ruins (the Coliseum looks a little worse for wear since they shot Gladiator there), to Renaissance relics, to a plethora of pizzas, glorious gelatos (champagne flavor!), and even the Pope, baby! We spent five days soaking up as much as we could, walking till our feet begged for mercy. When we could walk no further and were super-saturated with the culture, we found an English language cinema and saw Star Wars II. We have thrown our coins in the Trevi Fountain so will definitely be back someday.
Next as we drove north we fought our way through one of the most torrential downpours we have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Nearly had to trade the car in for an ark! We made it to Padova, though, and were looked after marvellously by Martina and Serafino. Took a day trip to Venezia, which fortunately was not completely sunk by the previous days storm. It exceeded our expectations in beauty and disintegration. See it before it goes under. Even though it is a definite tourist trap it is very easy to escape the crowds by turning down any of the numerous alleys and just wandering. Its real charm is that is has largely escaped the modernization of the 20th century as the narrow streets and numerous canals and lagoons make it impossible to bring cars into it.

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We then found Varenna, a picture perfect village on the breathtaking Lago di Como in the Italian Lakes, we had timed our visit here to beat the summer crowds and so found it to be very tranquil. Peach Bellinis with fresh peach juice at sunset, with a lakeside view! What more could you ask for? For you Star Wars aficionados, many of the dorky love scenes between Darth-to-be and Princess Natalie Portman were shot around here. For a romantic European vacation spot we highly recommend Varenna, although probably not in peak season. Lago Maggiore also has much to offer. We went on a great hike there as a warm up for Switzerland, our next destination.
We had arranged to meet our friends Zac and Mony for a week of hiking and cheese in Appenzellerland, which is exactly as you expect Switzerland would be. Imposing snow capped peaks, sweeping alpine meadows, more cows - with bells - than you can shake a stick at. The only thing missing was Julie Andrews. We stayed on a pig and dairy farm, authentic right down to the hearty animal fragrance and fresh milk on our doorstep each morning - Agriturismo Swiss style. The weather was beautiful and the hiking exhausting but spectacular.
After Zac and Moni split for Denmark we spent a day at Lake Constance, sunbathing, swimming and nursing our aching feet....

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