Bright memories – 6
Our love affair with the Italian Lakes started here in Bardolino. The small town sparkled on an evening. After an early supper in our hotel we would venture out to absorb the atmosphere. The passegiata, an easy habit to adopt, the water murmuring and glistening at our feet. The following year we returned to Torbole at the head of the lake, for more adventures. And then, emboldened and needing more, Lake Como.
We spent two holidays on Lake Garda. The first, based in Bardolino, enticed us to return. Not something we would normally do, but when something is such a perfect fit, why not? Our hotel, 5 minutes from the lake, was comfortable and easy. Small boys were very welcome, and when the tureen of spaghetti, in a simple but delicioza tomato sauce, passed around and around the dining room, not just the small one was delighted.
There was a favourite cafe, overlooking the ferry departure point, where once we watched a storm roll across the waters. Torrential rain poured, and it poured. The water joined with the flood waters of the lake and rose, higher and higher. The waiters diligently swept the waters away, and we sat, helpless, with our feet up on adjacent seats as it rose, and rose. And then, slowly abated, as if it had never been.
Small boy loved the hydrofoils, and was on first name terms with all of them. It didn’t even put him off when we got caught in a storm, out on the lake, and the hydrofoil leaped and danced through the waves like a dolphin as the water raged over us.
Another, much calmer day, we took the ferry to Sirmione. Ice cream by the harbour, compensation for the lack of hydrofoil. High on the battlements, we watched the boats come and go.
Becky has many bright memories of her own. Share them with her on her special day. Happy birthday, darlin!
The backdrop always produces a sigh. You know by now that I’m taking you on a watery journey, back in time, through the lakes of Northern Italy. We’ve traveled south today, along the western shore of Lake Garda to Gardone Riviera. A tranquil scene yet, set into the hills behind it, we encountered a strange place. Vittoriale degli Italiani – the shrine of Italian victories and former home of controversial Italian writer, Gabriele D’Annunzio, where a concrete battleship, complete with cannon, fired the imagination of a small boy.
Bright memories – 3
A sultry day. Small boy grouses. He’d rather be in the pool, but no- we’re going on an adventure. We walk through the verdant valley. The river flows, silently. And then, suspended in the sky, we see it! Arco in Trentino-Alto. A sight never to be forgotten, it lingers in my memory.
I don’t want to square this, though I could pretend it’s pink. I’m wandering back in time to Torbole, in the north of Lake Garda, and just around the shoreline from my previous image. It looks flat calm. and tailor-made for an icecream, sitting on one of those benches with a view. I’m sure we did! It was one way to keep a small boy still for a while, as we gazed at the splendour of mountain scenery. But in the afternoons a fierce wind would blow, stirring that calm to a frenzy, and the windsurfers would take to the water in droves. Remembering it still hurts my eyes, with the glare of the sun on the waves.
There will be more. It’s one from a box of photos I scanned before leaving the UK, more than 2 years ago now.
For some time I’ve been thinking about a wander down Memory Lane with you, but then yesterday I was searching the chaos of my past life. I didn’t find the pink palace at Estoi that I was looking for, but I was transported back in time to a place that I love. I’m sure many of you will recognise it. The magical light on the water and the allure of the backdrop of mountains.
The photo is not mine, and I have manipulated it to fit with Becky’s Squares but I’m sure he will still be pleased to see it. A pink house for Jude, or is it terracotta? Do you know where it is?
A Turkish gulet gliding across the bay
It seems like most of my life I’ve been admiring bays. I can get lost in this photo, which was taken by my husband on our honeymoon, oh, so many years ago. I’m tempted to go and dig out the photo albums and meander around a Greek Island or two, but this is Jake’s challenge for the Sunday Post this week. I’ll never make it in time if I wander off down Memory Lane.
The slideshow runs when you click on the first photo.
We have some wonderful bays with pebbly beaches, remnants of our mining heritage, just up the road from here. I planned to take the camera along after lunch, but it’s bouncing with rain. I guess I’ll stick to memories, and the other entries on the Sunday Post. I’m sure to find some beautiful bays there.
Visit Jake with me by clicking on the lucky snake logo or the links.
It’s been a dreary week weatherwise so I haven’t been out and about as much as usual. I’ve used the time well though and written a couple of Italian guides. The old albums came out and took me back down Memory Lane, and I thought that you might like to come too?
Malcesine from Monte Baldo
Lake Garda was a family favourite when James was small. Icecream, pasta and pizza- need I say more?
He was quite keen on the Power Rangers too! Remember them?
We stayed that first year in a small family run hotel in Bardolino. Our welcome was warm and the food memorable. A simple tomato sauce with the pasta was the best I have ever tasted. The tureen went round and around the dining room, till everyone was stuffed full. You just couldn’t refuse!
Our days were spent hopping on and off ferries to explore the lakeside towns. James especially loved the hydrofoils and his face would light up whenever he saw one.
Gardone Riviera
Limone del Garda
Castello at Sirmione
From the battlements at Sirmione
And then there was Gardaland! Not on a par with Disney, but it was a good old family romp, with pirates, parrots and sealions. The day ended following the procession, led by the park mascot, Prezzemolo (Parsley), a friendly green dragon.
Sunset in Bardolino
We had so much fun in Bardolino and still had lots to see, so the following year we returned to the top end of the lake, staying at Torbole. This time we had a pool but the water was FREEZING! James ventured in with his blow up dinghy, but I much preferred the ferries.
Torbole sul Garda
Windsurfers on Garda
A much younger Michael, lakeside at Riva del Garda
The moat at Riva
Torbole is the windsurfing centre on Lake Garda and some days the wind was quite fierce. The surrounding scenery was spectacular however, and one day we went on a walking trip to Arco.
Spectacular Arco
James was mostly just impressed with the icecream, and playing in fountains, of course. Another firm favourite was a tabletop game, a bit like pinball but played with a cue. We’d seen it before in Austria. Anyone else played it?
The following year we couldn’t possibly return to Garda again, so we went to Lake Como and lovely Bellagio instead. More ferries to ride. Still in love with Italy, Sorrento came next…. but perhaps I should save those memories for another day.
Hope you’ve enjoyed my Six word Saturday. It’s all down to Cate at Show my face, who had the idea to share your week in six words. (which often lead to many more) Go check out her page so you can join in? Use the link or my header above. The button below will take you to my previous 6WS posts. I promise to be briefer next week!
restlessjo 
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