Isola dei Pescatori and Lago Maggiore 2001

 [Early September 2001]

We returned to Italy in September, flying to Milan and then taking the train north to Stresa. Located at the far western end of Lago Maggiore, Stresa is not only a lakeside resort of some note but boasts a large conference center and we were there so Susie could attend a meeting of the International Emergency Physicians Association. 

Once in Stresa we made our way from the station down to the ferry landing and took the next boat to nearby Isola dei Pescatori (Island of the fishermen). The largest of several in the Borromeo Island group, clustered near near this part of the lake, Pescatori was the site of the Hotel Verbano which would be our home for the next few days.   

nondescript entry to the hotel, which was in any event very nice

the outdoor dining section of the hotel's restaurant

We were pleasantly surprised to discover the hotel had put us up in one of their nearby apartments with a superb view of the lake and plenty of room to spread out and relax.

Once settled in we explored the (tiny) island, fully of twisting alleyways and nearly always a view of the lake somewhere.

there was even a small outdoor market on the island

looking north

the northern tip seen from the ferry

the western side from the ferry

There was also a tiny cemetery wedged in-between homes and the island church. . . 

Rome 2001

  [July 1, 2001, photos with white borders courtesy of Carl Bergman]

We spent the last few days of our trip in Rome strolling the ancient Roman Forum, the Coliseum and the sidestreets of the city. 

Joyce

Roman wedding near the Forum

Capitoline Hill

Palatine Hill in the distance

Piazza Navona

next to the Coliseum