To a variety of friends I have met here, this is just short note to say from Menaggio on Lake Como. Will have more to report on the Black Forest, Alsace, Weggis and Como region when I get back. <BR> <BR>Best wishes, <BR> <BR>Rex

Rex, <BR>It's great to get your hello from over the miles. We can only picture you having a fabulous and epicurean time and will await your detailed report. You were a great help to me this spring when I was planning my trip this summer. I took your advice on 2 days in Venice rather than 1, and stayed in Venice rather than the Lido. Next time, we'll take our kids and friends of our kids. <BR>We miss you, <BR>Anne

Rex: <BR>Hope you can give us some input on the Italian lake district when you do return to your home base. We are planning our first trip to the area next summer and would appreciate any ideas you may have. <BR>We have spent the last few years travelling Spain and Southern France and next summer want to do further into Provence then to Italian Lakes. Absorb lots. Drink lots! (just for the purpose of reporting back of course) Eat lots and let us know what your thoughts are. <BR>Regards, and enjoy <BR>Lynn

Thanks, Anne and Lynn - - <BR> <BR>Lake Como is (or was for us this past week) truly a scenic and weather paradise. I rate Menaggio a good base - - we were coming from Lugano, and the drive down the west coast line to Como is slower and longer than I expected - - so I was glad that we didn't have to add that on top of the drive from Lugano. <BR> <BR>Ate at both Villa d'Este and at GH Villa Serbelloni. I rate both about a B+/A-. For what it's worth, I am very jaded and very stingy with "high marks" on restaurants. I had sauteed fresh foie gras at GHVS for example, and it was better at Vong in Chicago last January. <BR> <BR>I rate Villa Balbianello very highly. I am now dying to see "A Month on the Lake" which was apparently filmed almost entirely there. Not that great a movie apparently, but Vanessa Redgrave was the last known person granted permission to stay in the villa - - one night during filming when she didn't want to return to GHVS for the night. <BR> <BR>I rate Bellagio over all as very good, and no need for Italian whatsoever, if you are language challenged. <BR> <BR>Tremezzo has a nice little enoteca (wine shop) - - l'Uva Golosa - - and a good little salumeria/alimentari for picnic-buying. <BR> <BR>Menaggio is too far away from Milan if your goal is to use this as a base for places like Monza (we did go to the Grand Prix on the practice day), Milan (central) etc. We learned later that Hakkinen and entourage stayed at Villa d'Este - - I am surprised that they chose to stay that far away. <BR> <BR>But (the city of) Como (or Cernobbio) would be a perfectly good place to stay for those looking for a place close to Malpensa - - or so it seems to me. <BR> <BR>We made a quick buzz through the Citta Alta (upper city) Bergamo before our departing flight, and it seemed very cool to me. I think I would like to go back there sometime. <BR> <BR>Write me back directly, Anne - - or Lynn - - for further questions or general chat. <BR> <BR>Best wishes, <BR> <BR>Rex

Rex, I agree about Bergamo. It was our first stop in Italy on the way to the lakes and I will go back to Citta Alta! Peg