Lago D’ Orta & a really steep hill...

Lago d' Orta (Orta Lake)

Lago d' Orta...a broader view.

Well...time is just flying along, as it always seems to do when on vacation!!  Having a fantastic trip so far and am excited for what's to come.

We traveled today about 45-60 minutes northwest of Pozzengo to the Lago D’ Orta (Orta Lake).  Giorgio and Patrizia were very clear that it is much better than Lake Como (too touristy) and more beautiful (aside from the lack of George Clooney sightings on Lago D’ Orta).  I have to say it was extremely beautiful and really lovely, but a George Clooney sighting could be beautiful and lovely too.  I’m just sayin’...

In any case, Giorgio drove us to the very top of the very high, steep hill and gave us some guidance on how to proceed and we were given until 4p (it was about 1030a when we arrived) to explore and enjoy. 

Because the views were so beautiful and breathtaking, I am going to let the pictures do the talking...enjoy!!

Leah and I on the Sacre Monte (sacred mountain)

The way down...and back up, as we discovered later on in the day.

More downward angling...

Getting closer to the water

Leah and her statue

On our way to the Abbey to the Island of Silence

The walk of silence

There were many signs along this path, but this was my favorite. 

A view down an alley and through the trees.

Leah on the water taxi.

On the water taxi ride

Another dock

Look-out...Leah found the real estate guide. 

Boat garage...look at the 'steps' along the left wall.

Leah and I did a little window shopping until we happened upon a store selling many items (bags, purses, hats) made of wool.  At first I found a fantastic wool duffle and was thinking that might be my 1st real purchase in Italy, but then I saw there hats and decided to try one on just to see.  The 1st one I tried was a purple wool with a wool ribbon around the asymmetrical base and with a ‘flower’ made by a little black/white wool.  Leah instantly told me I must get it and so now I own a purple hat.  Who would have thought that would happen???  I keep trying it on to see what I think and I think it looks good, but thought I would put a picture up so others can help me decide.  :)

My new hat.  :)

 Finally, we met up with Carol and Mark and they said Giorgio was ready for us whenever we wanted to leave.  They said he started ‘up the hill’ already and that we should meet him up there.  Well, both Leah and I misunderstood what Giorgio had told us in the morning ~ that he’d meet us in the square by the water at the end of the day ~ and we thought he met in the car.  What was really meant was that we would walk back up to the top, because apparently cars weren’t allowed down in the village.  So, we began the very steep climb to the top!!  It was a bit of a cardio workout for me, I know, but we all made it just fine and met Giorgio at the top!!  I remember as we were descending the hill this morning, we commented on how steep it would be to climb back up...well, now we know. 

Time for bed now.  Tomorrow (Wednesday, the 12th), we are off to Torino for a full walking tour of the city.  Should be really interesting.

More to come...

xoxo
Stacy