DENNIS JENDERS
Lake Como, Italy · 2018
We came in through Milan, and somewhere on that trip, I started to “feel” the money. Como is refined in a way Rome and Florence are not. It’s a place to be admired, mostly from the shore, from a nice boat, or from the villa terraces dotting the water.
We stayed in Varenna, which had a little “bau bau” beach (for the dogs), and set out to see Bellagio and Menaggio by ferry. I figured we’d just hop on whatever boat came and get back in time. Bellagio was worth it, and we wandered those streets for hours. But the ferry home turned into a five-hour Gilligan’s tour, port to port across the lake, never quite to Varenna. I made a game-time call to jump off at Lierna, and we just caught the last train back. So, enjoy Como, just check the schedule first.
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The Balcony View
The view from a villa terrace on Lake Como, a stone urn of red geraniums framing the water, a lone boat out on the lake, the mountains fading into haze. The Como everyone pictures, from the spot they picture it.
Down to the Water
A narrow lakeside passage framed by a weathered red wall, cobbled steps falling toward sailboats scattered on the water. The town parting just enough to show the lake.
Tiles and Water
Weathered stone-and-terracotta rooftops and a turreted chimney above Lake Como, a village and the mountains soft across the water. The lived-in Como, one roof at a time.
Keeping Watch I
A weathered garden statue in profile at Villa del Balbianello, lichen and time working the stone down. First of a pair standing guard over the grounds.
Keeping Watch II
The second weathered statue in profile at Villa del Balbianello, cypress spires soft behind. The companion frame, closing the garden the way it opened, under a stone gaze.
