On the ferry...
We enjoyed lunch with a view at a restaurant recommended to us, "Lamalghera". The owner, Matteo, one of the 30 inhabitants of the island, waited on us. He liked practicing his English (yay!) and loved living in Hawaii and Cali for a short time...who wouldn't? He gave us the most warm, helpful service that I've seen here. We started off with strawberries, shaved Parmesan drizzled with balsamic vinegar. He gave us a complimentary wine to correspond and then brought out fish that the fisherman had just caught in the lake. Then I had a crepe with fish and crab and fresh linguine and sauce. Fantastic!
We explored the very small island a bit then headed to "Isola Bella" on a ferry.
This is the grand hall of the Borromeo family palace. It is an enchanting mansion filled with 17th century decoration and furniture. Napoleon stayed in one of the bedrooms and it contains a music room where Mussolini met British and French officials in 1935.
The Italian style gardens boasting rare plants turned out to be a great place to goof off....I mean explore:) 
Do I blend?
Stache and glasses...haha!
Which of these statues does not belong?
View from the top tier of the garden.
Back on Stresa, in this decadent hotel, we found a little niche, great for conversation....Italian style.
One of the many grand hotels along the lake.
Horse noogie. Just because.
Back in Milan....Coffee/ pastry break along Via Dante, the pedestrian only street.
Fashionistas we are not.
I really didn't want a flying rodent pecking at me but was entertained watching Michelle screech as they landed on her.
Mom and Michelle atop the Duomo.
My American friend, Amber, invited us over for midday coffee, pears, and brie topped with honey and walnuts....very Milanese. She lives just up the street from me, very cool girl....also a North Carolinian!
I was still juggling some of my nanny duties while they were here. Homework time for Gabe.
Before I knew it the visit was over and I was saying goodbye:( We had such a nice time...just too short!
Fashionistas we are not.
I really didn't want a flying rodent pecking at me but was entertained watching Michelle screech as they landed on her.
Mom and Michelle atop the Duomo.
My American friend, Amber, invited us over for midday coffee, pears, and brie topped with honey and walnuts....very Milanese. She lives just up the street from me, very cool girl....also a North Carolinian!
I was still juggling some of my nanny duties while they were here. Homework time for Gabe.
Before I knew it the visit was over and I was saying goodbye:( We had such a nice time...just too short!
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