Hi everyone, how are you? This is a scheduled post, because as of right now, I’m on a weekend away, but you should travel a bit, too, right? After my first glimpse into my Living the dream feature, I have decided to take you back, across the Atlantic again, into a whole new country. WHY, you ask? Well, because I don’t want to reveal all of my wonderful american adventures yet, and because I feel like going back to nature, and to a small city, first. One I hope you’ll fall in love with, so let’s get started!
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I know, there aren’t much surprises here, since the name of the city, AND the country, is in the title already. But, in case you missed it, we’re off to the beautiful Italy. Let’s take a rest from the big cities, and settle in peaceful Como. This little city is located North, only miles from the Switzerland border, and right next to the beautiful Lake Como. I know, a picture’s worth a thousand words, especially when talking about travelling. So, welcome to COMO, guys !
After a little more than four hours of road trip – I LOVE ROAD-TRIPS, in case I didn’t mention it before. Should I post about it?! -, my family and I arrived in Italy, and in Como. Traffic jams and getting lost three times on our way to the hotel didn’t get to us, and we decided to get to it already. Because we’re CRAZY TRAVELLERS, just like that. So, without further ado, put on your walking shoes and explore Como !
IN THE HEART OF THE CITY ⛲️
Often, when we think about travelling, we can dream of the big cities, the capital. I’ve always wanted to go to Italy, but didn’t expect to start my journey there with Como. But we did, and I discovered such a cosy, charming city, perfect for a relaxing getaway!
The huge, and gorgeous Cathedral of Como, most commonly called Duomo. It makes you feel kind of little.
Right in front of the Cathedral, you’ll stumble upon this cute little plaza, filled with restaurants and chatty people.
The lovely streets and houses and restaurants of Como makes a walk through the city perfect.
I mean, just look at this. I couldn’t resist, but, that Duomo is kind of a BIG deal.
SIGHTSEEING IN THE CITY :
? FOOD 101 : I know, I’m starting with food, is that weird? I mean, if you’re in Italy, you’re thinking pizza, pasta, and ice cream, right? Well … Como’s a small city, but you get TONS of restaurants, and TONS of food you’ll want to eat in Italy. No recommendation here, because, to be honest, take three steps, and you’ll find yourself in front of another lovely restaurant.
?TOURISM 101 : I’m going to be once again your tourist guide here. You could have guessed from the pictures, but I’ll say it again, if you ever come to this city, you need to see the Duomo, it’s gorgeous. Walk around in the little streets, wander in the shops, have a great time. And obviously, walk close to the lake. It’s gorgeous. But BEFORE THAT… we‘re going to go higher.
GOING UP ?
One thing I love about travelling, is when you get to see the city from above. And just wonder how the little ants down there are living their lives, while you’re here, seeing the whole world. It’s especially beautiful, I think, to see cities from above. I’ve experienced my home town, New York, and lots of other places this way, and it’s always so, so great to see. But back to the subject… Como from above was absolutely GORGEOUS. You have to see it yourself.
If you’re there someday, and feel like going up, you’ll have to take the Funiculare Como-Brunate, Brunate being the city that’s above Como. It’s a short ride, and it’s quite impressive to see from the windows of the little cart you’re in, the city getting smaller and smaller, getting a sight of the mountains hovering behind, and the houses just becoming dots in it.
More than having this gorgeous view, if you want to take a walk, get back to nature, see wonderful little houses and paved streets, this is the place you have to go to. If you want the funny anecdote, it’s actually so disorienting that we ended up getting lost… but well, I guess it was okay to get lost in a place like this, haha.
You can easily spend the whole day up here, but at some point, you have to get back to reality, and, once again, get down to earth. Down, and down, and with a last glimpse at this crazy view (and, as you can see it, the railroads heading down. It’s making me dizzy again just to look at this).
GOING UP :
? If you feel like being a world dominator for one afternoon, or a whole day: Take the Funiculare Como-Brunate, and at the top, you can enjoy the gorgeous view. If you’re feeling extra in shape and want to walk around, you can always discover the little peaceful city and its lovely surroundings. IF you’re feeling like you ate too much energy bars, try out and climb until the Faro de Volta, to enjoy an even more gorgeous view. I bet. Because hm, we were tired and got lost and it’s EXTRA hard to climb.
ALONG THE LAKE COMO ?
If you ever come here, a walk along the lake is a MUST. Not only because it’s gorgeous -see above-, but because despite tourists and clicks of cameras, it’s so beautiful, and definitely worth stopping and taking some pictures.
Right next to the lake, yet surrounded by trees, you’ll find the Tempio Voltiano. It’s a museum dedicated to Alessandro Voltia, inventor of the electrical battery. I didn’t go in so I can’t tell you whether it’s good or not, but it does look beautiful, like a little treasure in the middle of nature, doesn’t it?
I’ll be honest here, walking along the lake, this, this gorgeous place you can see above, was the goal. It looked so, so beautiful from afar, and we really wanted to see it. After a great time longing the water, right next to tourists, bikes and everything, we finally arrived to the Villa Olmo. This beautiful place was supposed to be a summer retreat for aristocracy a long time ago, and now it’s open from time to time for exhibitions.
AROUND LAKE COMO :
? I really think that, the best thing to do here in Como, is to WALK. The city is really small, and, while the lake is HUGE, you can take just one day or even half a day to walk around it a bit, and enjoy the beautiful view, away from everything and everyone, just a peaceful place. There are lots of Villas around the Lake, Villa Olmo is a pretty big one to see, though. Just let your feet take you wherever, and enjoy!
These are such beautiful pictures Marie 😀
I went to Lake Como once on a day trip when I was in Milan with my family, it was ages ago so I don’t remember a lot of it but I do remember how amazingly beautiful it was! I’d love to be able to go back one day.
But I hope you have fun travelling with your family, if the pictures of where you are are anything to go by I’m sure you’re having a brilliant time!
How funny, ahah, I actually went to Como and to Milan afterwards, too! We could totally plan trips together, we’d get the same ideas, ahah! 🙂
Thank you so, so much! I just love getting away so much, I’d love to do that all the time 🙂
Ohh I love Milan, I actually love all of Italy, it’s such a beautiful country. I’ve only been to Milan and Rome so far but I’m heading to Venice in May and I’d love to see more of the country.
That’s a great idea, we do seem to have the same ideas, and it’s always fun planning trips with other people!
Same here, sometimes you just need a holiday don’t you 😀
Ohh Rome, I haven’t been there yet, but it sounds SO beautiful, I can’t wait !
Ahah, well since you travelled so much, I know I can ask you for advice on places to go, that’s already awesome! I’m thinking about my summer holidays already, I just want to plan everything NOW, ahah 😛
Rome is so gorgeous, I’ve been there twice already and I want to go again!
Yes, I’ve been to a few places already, and have more planned for this year and next so if you ever need travel advise you can always come to me! Also, ohh, where are you thinking of going for your summer holidays, or where have you booked to go?
I’ve seen tons of pictures and it makes me want to go so badly! Knowing you loved it so much makes me even more excited! But I bet it must be crowded in the summer… I need more holidays..and more travelling money, haha! 🙂
Well I’ll remember that, then! I’m so glad to find someone sharing my love for travelling! <3 I'm not sure yet, and I can't really book anything for now since well, nothing really is sure for me right now, ahah. But I was thinking maybe Canada, or Ireland! 🙂
Yeah, probably really crowded in the summer. I went for the first time in October and it was still really hot, like maybe not shorts weather but nowhere near as cold as it gets in England!
Yeah it’s a beautiful place as well, and there are so many amazing sites to visit as well.
I know what you mean, if only we could have unlimited money and resources for travelling!
Oh well, it’s the best when the weather is still okay and not too hot, I remember when I was in NY, it was 40 degrees and I took four showers a day ahah, it was just that crazy.
Oh I would love that, I get envious of people who can travel all the time. Maybe someday we’ll be able to do that, who knows 😀
It was literally perfect weather, unfortunately I listened to everyone who told me it’d probably be cold and packed jeans and t-shirts, not the best for what I would say was light English summer heat! God I can’t even imagine 40 degree heat! I think the hottest place I’ve been was about 32-35 degrees or something.
Well that’s the dream isn’t it, and hey, you never know what the future holds so yes, maybe one day. It’s something to aim for isn’t it 😀
Ahah, that’s the reason why you shouldn’t listen to other people when packing, haha! I usually pack really lightly, because I know I’ll end up coming back with way too many things. But it’s such a bothering thing to do, packing, haha. Ugh this reminds me I need to do so tonight…
Yes you’re definitely right, I love how positive you are 😀
Yeah. I probably should have checked the weather myself as well! I learnt from that mistake though, now I always check before I go what I should take with me! I try and pack light but it’s harder than it sounds at times because there’s so many things I remember last minute to take with me! Yeah, I’m packing for Edinburgh now, managed to pack slightly lighter for this one but it’s gonna be a different story coming home!
Oh yes it’s really hard, ahah, I can’t pack lightly, well, unless I’m sharing my suitcase with the one I’m going on holidays with. I just tried to fit WAY too many books into my overstuffed suitcase last night, haha.
OHHH that’s so awesome, I’ve always wanted to go there. PICTURES, please? 😀
I always start off trying but then I keep adding little things I’ve just remembered I need and before I know it my suitcase is full to bursting. See that’s why I love my e-reader so much, I don’t need to fit tons of books in my suitcase because I have loads more on my e-reader which weighs practically nothing!
It’s been brilliant so far. We climbed up to Arthur’s Seat today which was insane, my feet are absolutely killing me but I’ve got some amazing pictures from there, and yes I will definitely post them on my blog when I’m back home!
Ahah that’s the same for me, when I start packing I’m telling myself, oh, this is okay, I’ll fit everything, and then all of a sudden well I can’t close it, haha! Oh yes, an e-reader really is practical, but sometimes I just want to take physical books, too (I know, I’m insane, haha) 😛
You are making me travel a little bit with you, I love it! I can’t wait to see all of your pictures <3
Exactly, and then there’s the weight considerations to take into account for suitcases and carry ones and everything. I love going on holiday but I HATE packing and unpacking again! Honestly I think I’d be lost without my e-reader on holiday, it’s just so handy and there’s so many books on there I can literally read whatever I like!
Well I wouldn’t say no 😀 and I’ll have loads of pictures for when I get back as well, and stories from the things I saw and did!
Ahah yes, I hate packing too, I really wish suitcases would do all the work alone, haha 😛
I’m really excited to read all about your adventures! 😀
A self packing suitcase, that’d be amazing! It’d save so much time and hassle as well!
Thanks, I’ll probably be posting it alongside my March Recap in a few days!
OH yes it would be amazing, haha, I would love that so much. We need to invent it 😛
Como looks and sounds lovely, Marie! Thank you so much for sharing!
I loved how you put in pictures, and how you had little boxes of points in between! And also…starting with food is always recommended! 😛
Aw thank you, I’m really happy you like it! 🙂 Ahah, food is one of the MOST important things to share 😛
I have been to Italy- but only the northern parts and Venice- there is so much more I would like to see! Great post 🙂
Ohh, and did you have a great time? I would love to visit more of Italy, it’s such a beautiful country! 🙂
Thank you so much! <3
Yes I did- we went a few times when I was younger, but it was a long time ago now that I’m *desperate* to go back! 🙂 It really is!
You’re welcome
Ohh well I hope you’ll go back soon! 😀
The pictures you took are beautiful! This post was so detailed that I felt like I was in Como,Italy. I can’t wait for more of these posts! I hope you have a great time traveling far and near 🙂
Ohh thank you so, so much, you’re so sweet! <3 I really hope you'll go there someday. And I'm so glad you like these posts, thank you, again! If there's any city or things you'd like to see, please let me know 😀
You’re welcome 🙂 I’m looking forward to more!
I haven’t been to Italy yet but I have had friends that have! The country looks so gorgeous. And oh my gosh, pizza, pasta, and ice cream are like my all time favorites foods. <3 Lovely post, Marie! (Love these travel posts so much!!)
It is so beautiful! I haven’t been in too many different places there yet, but from what I’ve seen, it’s so gorgeous. And yes, the food is glorious,I think you’ll find yourself in heaven if you ever go there! 🙂
Aw, thank you so, so, so much, Summer, I’m really happy you enjoy those! <3
Gaaah these photos literally took my breath away!! Looks like everywhere is picturesque! They’re so lovely! I feel a little envious for Europeans because a trip to another country is just a couple of hour drive or just a short plane ride away. But anyway, I’m happy I get to see glimpses of these through what you share, Marie 🙂
Aww Trisha, thank you so, so much! <3 Oh yes, I definitely took hundreds of pictures in that place, it was too pretty. I understand, but in every country, I think there are so many great places to be discovered 🙂 And thank you, I'm glad I can make you travel a little bit with those pictures at least 🙂 <3
Como looks like a lovely place; I’d love to visit it someday! I’ve been to Rome twice, and it’s definitely one of my favourite cities in the world. I’ve also been to Pisa and Edna and a few other places that I don’t remember when I was younger. I really love it when you talk about travel 😀 (though obviously I love it when you talk about books too haha)
Ohh, Rome seems so pretty, too, I really want to go there someday! Wow, you know a lot of places in Italy, that’s so great! Do you have PICTURES? 😛
Thank you so much, I’m so happy you like it! 😀
It’s so pretty! You should definitely go 😀 My mom has the pictures of my earlier trips in Italy somewhere, no idea where haha. I do have pictures of my most recent trip to Rome (over two years ago already woah!) on my laptop 😀
Ohh, well I think you should post them, or send some, I would LOVE to see your pictures! 😀
I think I will post them! 😀 It will be fun to talk about Rome 🙂 I need to post about my last part of my day at Disney World and my day at Downtown Disney first though haha
I’d certainly love to know what you have to say about this city, how you liked it and EVERYTHING about it. Ohh yes you should do that too, I want to read those posts 😀
I will put a post about Rome on my to do list! 😀 And hopefully I’ll finally write those Disney posts soon haha. I was supposed to post them last summer ?
Haha, oh, well…last summer, this summer, no one will see the difference, haha, I will wait for those posts 😛
Haha true 😛
So I couldn’t help but check out the “travel” tab right away and YES I’VE BEEN TO ITALY AND IT’S ABSOLUTELY SO GORGEOUSLY PICTURESQUE I DON’T KNOW HOW IT’S REAL. (Sorry, I hope you don’t mind that I totally caps locked… hehe) I’ve been to Lake Como a few years ago and it was sooo nice but I was absolutely completely DEVASTATED because when I got home, I realized that all my Italy photos were GONE. I don’t know where they went. So now I’m still pretty salty about that but… things happen. :'( Anyways, I love the photos and your blurbs in this post! 🙂
Don’t apologize for the all caps, sometimes I GO CRAZY AS WELL, ahah. It’s so awesome that you went there already, but noooooooo for the pictures, that’s too bad. I would be devastated as well if that happens. I hope my pictures made you go back there, at least for a little while! Thank you so, so much, I’m so happy you liked this <3