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October 18, 2015: Up Lake Como on the west side is a small, mostly unheard of, little Lake side town of Dongo and a very interesting museum. Well, if you study the history of WWII you would know that Dongo is where the Italian resistance fighters found, captured and executed “Duce” — Mussolini. It was nearly the end of the war and Duce was — with the help of the German Army — fleeing Italy to travel through Switzerland to safety in Germany. The Italians had been alerted that special group of high ranking pro-Nazi Italian military were fleeing the country — the convoy was stopped and searched, and only by accident, did an observant freedom fighter see a frightened soldier in the back of one of the trucks — wearing military “official” pin striped pants. Mussolini was executed and then hung upside down in the town square. The small museum — one of the best the Curmudgeon has visited — tells the story of the end of the war and the capture through s series of displays, interviews with some of those present, and series of outstanding multimedia presentations. Bravissimo!!

October 16, 2015: Not really—this was a day long “anti crime” information rally for local students (over 1000) and their families. The event included local, federal, water, air and some pretty neat hot motorcycle law enforcement agencies. All with impressive gear and distinct uniforms. Well done!!!

October 14, 2015: The town of Lake Como is more like a small city with lakeside vistas and small narrow ally streets full of European and over-logo dressed Asians—stores a mini version of Milan with all the latest fashions and prices. The city is full of history and charming walkway cafes – like the Ariston Bar (restaurant, wine bar and cafe). The best feature of this long operated family establishment is “papa,” also the chef, who energetically (that would be Italian loud) shouts orders to family staff from in and out of the kitchen. I tried to get him to open the 1953 Bacolo but at 1500 Euros a bottle no luck. Como is at the far south end of the Lake and easy to reach to by car, bus or train—also more expensive than most other lakeside towns here.

October 12, 2015: If you’re looking for a neat place – with great location close to everything – look no further than Belludi 37 Hotel Padova (that’s also the street address). Belludi 37 is better than a boutique hotel – it’s more like a personal residence with energetic young staff to make your visit comfortable and fun. Rooms are ultra colorful and modern—your first cup of morning coffee or espresso from your own Nespresso machine—and a breakfast that includes fresh baked treats in the Italian style …. light and not overly sweet. For longer stays, Belludi has four separate individual apartments that include bikes (also available for hotel guests). And for the more grounded who want to take on city streets and crazy Italian drivers, Belludi offers guests the use of a Vespa – husband and wife owners Mauro and Andrea Voltolina also operate a nearby health and wellness resort – in a great countryside setting. One of their slogans sums it perfectly … “For everyone, but not just anyone”.

October 9, 2015: What a treat – a concert piano in the Padova, Italy, train station —inviting travelers to “play me for free”! Have no idea who this lovely lady was or where she was going but such nice music echoing through the station. Now here’s a thought: wouldn’t this be a nice treat in airport food courts or boarding areas?

October 8, 2015: Well they organize and play in weekend music concerts in Prato della Valle – one of the largest and most colorful piazzas in all of Europe. And it’s not what I would call typical church music – modern, upbeat and with marvelous vocal (and talented) singers. God Bless!!!

October 6, 2015: I am told a “Mandrake” is a “anthropomorphic” plant—we’d most likely refer to this as a palm tree—well if you visited one of the world’s largest and oldest Botanical Gardens in Mantova you would be in the presence of one of the oldest in the world. This palm-like bushy tree is said to date back to 1585 and is one of the many finds in these gardens—that also include a multi level indoor bio structure that features rain forest and plant settings from just about everywhere in our world. All well worth the visit! -Mantova, Italy

October 5, 2015: What do you get when you mix a couple of Michelin two star chefs together to produce and open Gelato shops – a damn taste sensation! Light, favorable, refreshing, tantalizing – need I say more! Being a professional gelato expert I can truly say this might be the best ever – Pretto Gelato Arte Italiana shops feature dozens of flavor choices—as well as blended treats. Please please please – come to America.

October 3, 2015: It wasn’t a bad taxi ride from my hotel in Padova to the train station, just unusual as to what the driver was doing during the ride. My non-English speaking chauffeur, in no hurry as traffic was heavy, was alternating his attention between reading the newspaper comics and doing a crossword puzzle—really! Italians seem very good at multi-tasking you know?

-From Padova, Italy

 

September 29, 2015: The best food in Italy is not in the over-rated expensive restaurants, but the small bistro like cafes found street side. This one in Padova—just 30 minutes from Venice—run by four recent graduates from the University here—specialize in just about everything Italian, and at prices that won’t fracture your Euros! Why over pay for the linen napkin and snotty service? When visiting Padova—it’s Cafe Vento’s four locations.