Lecco and Como

Buongiorno! 
On two separate trips I visited the lakes at Lecco and Como.  They are actually one lake and north of us.  I went by bus to Lecco which is about 20 minutes from Dolzago and I will be returning.  Really loved how quaint it is.  Manu and I drove to Como which is about 45 minutes away and much bigger although equally as beautiful.  And no! I did not see George!!!
Divertitevi!

Lecco and below.

He was thrilled to have his photo taken...and so was the owner!

I have always loved the alleys:)

This is a favorite scene with the bell tower in the background.  Next time I will be sitting here!

Como and below.

You can ride the funicular to the top!

Volta Temple

I'm glad I wasn't driving!

 

Back in Dolzago having the best hot chocolate in the world!  Why can't I find it in the US?

Another favorite hangout where I listen to the old men debate.

From my bedroom window captured the snow just drifting down:)

 

I'm in Dolzago, Italy

Buongiorno to all!(I'm really working on learning Italian)  I've been here a week and getting settled in to the Italian way of life and it's very exciting!  Lots of photos to share and more over the next two months.  I'm living with Manu, my student, who is also a history teacher at a public school.  I'm helping her to get more comfortable with the English language and especially all the American idioms.  I didn't realize how many I use.  I'm even teaching her Gin Rummy.  I beat her badly the first time out, but we don't talk about that.  She and her friends have been so wonderful making me feel right at home. 
I'm working on: dov'e il bagno!  Please enjoy the photos.

Manu and friends picking me up at Milano airport where they bought me a delicious dinner of all places!



Lovin

Cinzia

Walking around Dolzago.  Lecco is a lake near Lake Como and I will be venturing there by myself on a bus.  The mountain in the background is called "razor saw."

Manu's apt. is on the second floor and I can look out a window to see this old guy checking out the sights.

Walking around Dolzago.

Old, abandoned building across from her apt.

This is my new "coffee" hangout in Dolzago.  I'm getting to know the owner.

I sit in the back working on my writing.  Manu says I'm like Hemingway except I'm drinking cappuccinos.  In Italy if you order coffee, you get an expresso.  So I'm still working on that:)

We went to a local restaurant and these were the best mussels in a delicious broth!

And of course, gelato!!!

 

Street scenes in Dolzago.

 

Manu's church in Dolzago.

I love the insides of these churches!

Manu, Liliana who lives in Usmate and teaches French and Browen who is from Australia and is doing the same thing I'm doing.  She came to Liliana's mid December and will be leaving mid February.