1st February, 2022

 Five

GOOD BYE LOG CABIN, HELLO SUNNY ITALY On 7th morning was cleaning up and packing off from the log cabin. You kind of get into the rhythm of it. Of course Bruno comes out last after making it spotless, chimney off, solar off, water pipes off, etc. I took a head start with a few bags and with Murali and a walking stick, clambered up and then hesitantly walked down and promptly sat down at a suitable place from where Bruno could not miss us in this descent. Finally saw a few farmers. At this height they grow grass, make it into hay and then pack it very neatly to be later sold. The cows feast on the rest, with their bells on. Very musical and friendly it sounds in this region. The lower part of town is very touristy with many cafes and inns. A final photograph of the six of us and we were en route to Italy. Matina, knowing my love for trains had booked us on a dinky, sweltering train from Domodossola to Lucarno. Close to 2 hours, it took through several small stations, where the bedroom windows looked into the train. Very charming places, with tiered gardens, flowering pots, deep valleys with greenery, green lakes, chalets up in the mountains and the searing burn of the sun. This is where the skiers get off and on the train. Bruno drove the vehicle to Lucarno and arrived at the station to pick us. Very friendly feeling. Then we walked down to one of the most beautiful scenic locales, the Lago Maggiore. Huge lake, traversing across Switzerland and Italy and it is beautiful throughout. They know how to maintain We had lunch at a small little umbrellaed place called Sensi. Charming waiter and ordering made easy by Matina. Considering I had had a beer and some chips on the train, I only shared with all and had a coffee. It is very European to come out to cafes and sit  having coffee, eat some bread and make it look stylish. A minimum expenditure of 3 Euros, if you just stick to a coffee or two. We are not counting but it is bloody expensive to eat out or have a coffee or for that matter buy water. Seems criminal to pay for water with so many lakes and melting glaciera. The irony is that you also pay one Euro to visit a clean loo. Everywhere in Europe, I am given to understand. Bruno drove th Hippy  Volkswagen with great aplomb and soo we were in the border of Italy and no one checked our passports. Very disappointing, for I wanted to be hauled by those good looking cops, with their hipster pants, guns and cosh on the side, goggles and thin, cruel lips. No one stopped us. We crossed the whole of Milan by their outer ring road to come to a small village called Piacenza. And as a welcome to Italy we heard some charming Italian music. Piacenza was our first Italian town.