May 31, 2010

  • Lago d'Iseo

    Ladies and Gentlemen of the class of '97. Wear sunscreen.
    If I could offer you one tip for the future, sunscreen 
    would be it. The 
    long-term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by 
    scientists whereas the 
    rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my 
    own meandering 
    experience... I will dispense this advice now
    (Baz Lurhmann, Everybody's Free to Wear Sunscreen)

    Oh how I wish I had remembered that advice today! I sort of forgot to take sunscreen with me when I went to Lago d'Iseo. I've burnt... my arms, my chest, my face (nice red nose and forehead)...at least most of me was covered up!! It was a really hot day and very clear blue sky. It didn't actually feel that hot, and usually I can feel that I'm burning. All the people on the boat (including various English) were lathering the cream on and I thought I was fine, but then I did feel myself starting to burn as I was walking along the lakeside path. Sitting in the shade for a while didn't help! 

    Anyway, Lago d'Iseo is supposedly one of the undiscovered gems. Less well known that Lake Garda so far less invaded by tourists. That said, there were a fair few (but nothing at all like the other lakes)...I was actually surprised by quite how many English people there were!

    I got the train from Brescia to Iseo and, having wandered around Iseo for a bit, got the boat across the lake to Montisola. This lake island is the largest in Europe! It's lovely and peaceful as no cars are allowed on the island. Everyone has motorbikes/scooters or bikes. It's 9km in diameter so there are lots of walking itineraries. Next time I will do some proper walking...this time I was wearing crappy canvas shoes which have given me lots of blisters - NOT idea preparation for waking in Le Cinque Terre next weekend!  I did do a fair amount along the lake path though. Enjoyed seeing lots of tiny ducklings!
    I'll definitely have to go back again sometime to do the things I didn't do, with the proper precautions like suncream and hat and stuff!!

    Looking forward to my next trip which is tomorrow...watch this space for where I'm going... !!