Going Garda

The rest of my first week passed by without much more incident. I was looking forward to the weekend to recharge my batteries and maybe take in some of the local sights. The reality was, in fact, much the opposite...

So Saturday saw my first voyage to one of the most famous lakes in all of Italy - Garda. Whatever you've read in the guide books and on the internet isn't true - there are no words to describe how beautiful it is. So I'm not going to try. I'll post some poor photos and fervently encourage you to go and take a look for yourselves...

On the southern tip of the lake is a series of towns. I was taken to two of them - Sirmione (see right) and Desenzano. Sirmione is a little island that juts out into the lake. (Adopting my best estate agent voice) It boasts many quaint streets and some impressive Roman ruins affording many beautiful views of Lake Garda.

I was taken by my host-uncle who had a reasonable command of English, a keen interest in music, and a typically Italian driving style. It was certainly an eye-opening trip...

The weather had been - let's say - interesting all week. Very humid spells were often followed by intense thunderstorms. It was very dramatic - certainly when you can see the rain coming in over the mountains, but it is a sight I could have done without during my whistle-stop tour. Nevertheless the weather came in across the lake and left Desenzano looking a little grey and lifeless.

It wasn't as tourist-y as Sirmione, but still pleasant. I imagine it would be beautiful on a clear day, but unfortunately I never got the chance to see it that way...