Yesterday we drove from Weggis Switzerland to Malgrate Italy on the east arm of Lake Como. Staying at a very good place Casa Sull’albero. The hotel is of a very modern design set in the trees overlooking the end of the lake and the town of Lecco. Como itself is said to be very much overrun with tourists and seeing that it was a weekend stay we came to the area less travelled.

http://casa-sullalbero.eu/

On the way here we had to pass over the Alps between Switzerland and Italy which happens via the Gotthard Tunnel or over the Gotthard Pass.

The vehicle tunnel remains only one lane in each direction. The Swiss recently voted to spend several billion euro to drill another tunnel starting in 2020 to provide two lanes each way. They also just finished the world’s longest train tunnel (57km) at a cost of some 11 billion euro. I like the way they do infrastructure!

When we checked before we left Weggis the Gotthard Pass had been declared open but with some construction. We had decided to take the tunnel in the interest of time but upon arriving at the approach to the tunnel there was a traffic jam several kilometres long as the roads management system uses traffic lights to regulate the flow of traffic through the tunnel.

Seeing the traffic we decided to go over the Gotthard Pass. Marg was driving so this chapter is called – “In which Marg drives over the mountains”.

A couple of stops along the way in very alpine looking surroundings.

After the pass we entered Italy – just a subtle change in the driving style was apparent after a few km. Through Germany, Austria and Switzerland the traffic flows in a (mostly) ordered and considerate manner. As we progressed into Italy the driving style adopted (shall we say) a bit more flair and gusto and leave it at that!

After about 53 traffic circles we arrived at the hotel and got unpacked. Then the sun came out and were able for the first time to go outside feel warm, wear shorts and indulge.

Followed by a fine meal of Italian food in the little hotel restaurant.

Today we took a walk to the village of Malgrate which is down the hill from the hotel. A long passageway with stairs leads down the hill.

A flower along the way. I first thought it was plastic since it is so structured. But there were many more like it.

We have no idea what it is.

Malgrate is across the end of the lake from Lecco and has its own small waterfront and harbour.

All nicely landscaped and designed with the help of lottery money according to the plaque.

Lecco is a much larger place.

A very nice tower and waterfront.

The three towns of Como, Bellagio and Lecco are famous tourist spots in this area. It seems like a longer visit in the off season would be a good idea.

Some other Malgrate images.

Such a nice door.

Then back to the hotel.

The hotel has various art pieces around the grounds – just wondering what this piece of exercise equipment is used for? Anyone feeling creative?

Tomorrow we are off to Monaco and that will involve driving past Milan which has a fearsome reputation for traffic. Details to come. M&M.