There's no stress-a in Stresa

Ok, so second post of the day, but since we have free unlimited internet at this hotel, and no one else is in need of the computer at present, why not take advantage?

Today we were up early, at 6:30 so that we could get ready, finish packing, get breakfast, update the blog and get on the train by 9:00. Whew, I am exhausted just thinking about all we did today. We brought all of our pack with us on the train, and had to hike it about 10 blocks to the train station. Who doesnt want a brisk morning walk at 8:15 with a 25 lb pack on your back. And my friends at work think I am on vacation. :)

Finding the train station was easy, we slipped on the train 15 minutes early and had a smooth ride into Lake Maggiore. We found our hotel, which lookes more like a bed and breakfast, except that it has about 30 rooms to it, and is on a small hill overlooking the lake. It is centered in a town on the lake called Stresa. Very beautiful, and the people running it are great. We dropped our luggage and then went to the lakeside so that we could see about getting a boat out to the islands that are in the lake. They are owned by the same family, once connected by cousins to the pope (the cousins were prominant cardnials, and the family owned 6 different immense houses all around Italy). We caught a boat to the first one, and toured both the house and the grounds. I bought a few new scarves (ok, so I am now addicted, but they have so many cute ones here!) and then we hopped on the next boat. That one took us to another island, where there was both a house and a botanic garden. One of the trees on the property was over 400 years old, and was knocked down in 2006 due to a hurricane. They showed pictures of it pre-hurricane, and it brought tears to my eyes. It was so big and full, almost covering the entire view of the front of the house. What was left was this small thing, that looked like its limbs had been sheared off. So majestic, and now so frail looking.

After touring the grounds and the house on the second island, we went back to the room to ask the hotel staff about dinner recommendations. The recommended a new up and comming restaurant that they really liked. We went there, and ordered as we usually do. The wait staff were nice, and when they brought out the salmon appetizer, it looked like something off of Iron Chef. For those of you who have not seen that show on the food network, it pits a new chef versus a seasoned chef (known as an Iron Chef) and gives then a weird ingrediant to work with. Their challenge is to create at least 3 dishes with the ingrediant, and most use it in an appetizer, a main course and a dessert. The problem is, their portion size is so much smaller than we are used to. Well, that is what we received. A very good appetizer, but more artisitic than filling. Unfortunately, we were so hungry (remember, we only had breakfast that morning) that we dove into it with out taking a picture. The main course for Tim was a steak with vegetables and for me it was a pasta with fish au gratin. Mine was great, and Tim loved his. We shared a bottle of wine, with a little Tiramisu for dessert. Tim tried grappa, and yes, we do only need to try things once. :) We know know that Grappa is not a favorite of either of ours.

And so that brings us back to present day, with me typing away on the computer. I am quite sure that Tim is now asleep in the hotel room, and I will soon join him.

A few other random things of priases:

Praise God for good weather, as it has not been too hot, nor has it rained yet
Praise God for good health. Aside from the minor mosquito bites and blisters, we are doing well. My knees are holding strong (at true miracle since the arthritis has been solid in the right one for about 8 months and I am not taking 1 of the meds here in Europe). I had an allergic reaction to the Aspercreme I was using on that knee, making it red and itchy, but 5 days later it is gone.
Praise God for good relations between Tim and I. If you ever want to test your marriage, try traveling like we do for even a week. What does not kill us . . .
Praise God for friends and family who are taking care of our lives back home. Specifically Tims sister and family with our dog Shadow (hopefully he has not destroyed too much!) and our friends the Lindstroms taking care of Lizzy (glad she finally made a short appearance the other day!) We could not enjoy ourselves here without you there.

Much love to you all. Good night!