Modena to Sirmione, Italy

Arrived Sirmione (Lake Garda) midday … a paradise indeed !!! … the lake is ‘pear shaped’ … 30 miles N/S, 10 miles E/W, crystal clear water … Sirmionne is on a tiny peninsula at the lake’s south end … Auroa Hotel is very contemporary, beautiful place.

Afternoon walk Hotel to Castello Scaligero … about 20 min. … Castle built early 1400’s … originally a Roman resort, now an upscale tourist location … the sidewalk to the castle lined with roses and giant oak trees … you must cross a tiny drawbridge to pass through the Castle to the area of sidewalk cafes, jewelry shops, whatnots (China exports) & gelato stands. ​

Had another pasta lunch … decided to ‘take-in’ the beauty of the Lake & surroundings … sat on a bench with another couple watching the Lake … Karen soon heard them speaking English (the first we heard today) … she struck up a conversation … it’s Bob & Bobby from Marin County (north of San Francisco) … this is a very special trip for Bobby since she just “beat” lung cancer! … they’re world travelers but have been on hold for quite some time as she fought her cancer … they just finished 10 days in Rome and will go on to Venice next …  they were a lovely couple to engage in an afternoon chat … they have a revised and long “Bucket List” of travel plans.

As we walked the beautiful street back to our hotel, we felt good and so very lucky to be here enjoying this day. We decided to have dinner at our hotel on the outdoor patio overlooking the Lake, and just take it easy for the evening.