28/08/08 - Mother comes to join.

Huh, quite road my a#€e! Not the best sleep, so we were up and on the
road relatively early as we have a bit of travelling to do today. Up
to the top of Simplon Pass (2,005), then down to the Italian border,
where there was such an obvious contrast between the Swiss Chalets on
one side of the border and the Italian stucco houses on the other. We
drove up a pretty forested valley, down around some very narrow blind
corners then back into Switzerland, complete with a stretch of
congested traffic, in 31° heat, adding another half an hour in our
very hot van. We then drove through the city of Lugano (which had such
an Ialian feel we had to check to see if we were still in
Switzerland), then back into the real Italy, finally reaching Menággio
and Lago di Como (Lake Como).

With its red terracotta roof tiles, brilliant green colour of the
lake, and steep surrounding hills - one can see how this area is such
a popular destination.

Unfortunately we couldn't relax yet - a ferry trip across to the town
of Bellágio, then up the hill to our camping ground where hopefully
life is going to slow down for a few days as we soak up the hot sun
and cool off in the lake!!

But there was no slowing down just yet!! We claimed our camp spot,
then off down the road to Milan airport to pick up Robyn - Marea's
mum, who is joining us for 4 days. Hopefully she will make sure we
take it easy :-)

Our timing at Milan airport was pretty much perfect, we, being delayed
by an infrequent ferry and Robyn by a fire alarm at Gatwick. Then back
to camp for a fantastic alfresco meal, champagne with our 'next door
neighbour' Ross, and a phone call home. Cheers Ross for sharing a
fantastic evening, soaking up the last of the Italian heat. I trust
your trip south is a good one, and your Harley behaves itself (even
though Marea suggested it was a Triumph!!).