A beautiful morning dawns in Cannero, finding us up and out of our room and exploring the lakefront promenade. It is so beautiful here, the architecture, the lake, and cobblestone streets. We meander through the lakefront area, then strike out toward the hills at the end of town, toward a viaduct and what appears to be the trail our sweet flight attendant told us about yesterday. There is a trail that runs all the way through the mountains and around the lake here, which sounds like a great walk – but maybe a little too much for us on our first morning here. Maybe later? Reversing course, we walk back down the promenade, passing our hotel and to the little marina/harbor near the camping/beach area. A lovely morning walk.

Breakfast with Gaby and Sigis on the cool patio overlooking the lake, then some time in our room – with the amazing views – to get organized before our morning escapade to Ascona, Switzerland.

Lake Maggiore straddles both Italy and Switzerland, and here in Cannero, we only a short drive away from the border – and today, Sigis is driving us to Ascona to wander the town and see the sights. A beautiful drive with the 2nd best driver in the world (he knows why he’s been down graded to #2!!!) – and a very considerate driver at that, dropping us off in town while he searches for parking. Gaby, Ed and I meander down through the cobblestone streets, marveling at the beautiful, albeit quickly warming day, snapping pictures here and there of the clock tower, the Swiss flags on the Municipal building (we had to memorialize our visit to Switzerland!). We end up on the beautiful waterfront, watching the swans swim and gazing across the lake, relaxing for a bit on a shaded bench waiting for Sigis to join us.

Reunited with our excellent driver, we meander through the lakefront promenade, stopping for a cappuccino and just generally hanging out and catching up. So enjoyable being together in person once again!

Returning to Cannero for the afternoon, we wander off for a late lunch at the sweet little Bar/Cafe at the end of the promenade to share a pizza and a sandwich – both so good, but oh so filling – before heading back to the hotel to rest for a bit before dinner.

We sort of chill up there in our lovely corner balcony room, watching some shows on our computer and staring out the balcony doors. Cleaning up, it is time for our afternoon drink on the balcony – what more can you ask for?…

….before joining Gaby and Sigis for a before dinner cocktail (which of course comes with snacks – Italia, bel paese – at Arancioamaro Ristorante, the little restaurant on the corner of the promenade.

Of course, next is dinner at Ristorante la Trattoria da Gino e Gabi, a lovely place just up the hill from our hotel – one that Gaby and Sigis have visited before and enjoyed. Dinner on the patio was delightful – from the food – Baked goat cheese salad, fish, ravioli, pear and shaved parmesan salad – to the conversation and everything in between.

Our walk back to the hotel was equally enjoyable, through the narrow cobblestone streets, past the odd collection of gnomes on the fence wall (Snow white? The 7, I mean 6 dwarfs? Haven’t a clue where the 7th was. Quirky) and then onto the hotel for a final night cap. A lovely day with our lovely friends. And we have 2 more to go! Happy sigh.