Following that epic thunderstorm the night before, we weren’t sure what we would be waking up to on this morning.  I hopped out bed, flung open the curtains, and exclaimed, “SUN!”

(For all photos, click on the image for a full screen view.)

It was sure to be a beautiful day in Varenna, located just 20 miles from Lecco and situated on Lake Como in the Lombardy region of Italy.  Founded by fisherman in AD 769, this town is old!  It is currently a popular tourist destination, so we were fortunate to beat the crowds that would be arriving later on the ferries, when we took our morning stroll along the waterfront.  As time ticked by, the little town became more and more crowded.  Thankfully, by then, we were making our way back to our meeting spot and had already done the photography I had hoped to accomplish without people in every photo.

This little town of 800 people has loads of character and photographic possibilities!  I enjoyed exploring the many staircases leading to the upper town and seeing the nooks and crannies along the way. 

After dining al fresco with our group for lunch in Varenna, we traveled on to Tirano, the beginning point of the famous Bernina Express train to the Swiss Alps.  After settling in at the hotel, Maria led us on an orientation tour of the town.  The skies became quite dark and gray; quite the opposite of our bright, sunny morning.  More about Tirano in my next post! Until then, thanks to all of you who have sent emails about my posts! I appreciate it!!

Next up:  SWITZERLAND & ITALY #12: VENTURING OFF TO A VALTELLINA VALLEY GOAT FARM & TIRANO