Lago Maggiore Day 2

Today we went to the Villa Pallavicino. After taking the ferry into Stresa, we had lunch in the central pedestrian only area

And then bought tickets to the villa. Getting there involves a small train (also very exciting for Zoe) that barely manages to fit through the tiny streets of Stresa, and climbs into a spectacular set of grounds which now house an impressive variety of flora and fauna.




The highlights for Zoe were definitely the Zebra, followed by the Wallabies or possibly the very animated Toucan. It was a hot day, and after a trip to the gift shop to buy Zoe a t-shirt with baby Zebras, it was time to go back to the island. We had left Babu there, and Zoe was by now overheated, tired and in no mood for sightseeing. We stopped by the car to drop off a few things, and then hopped back on the ferry:


And then went back to the hotel room to relax. I walked every foot of the island looking for wifi while Zoe was "napping" with mom, and found one network with which I could catch up on emails. I'm sure I looked like a junkie sitting there on a stone bench with my iPad!

Unfortunately, Ristorante Italia was closed, so we had to look for a new place to eat. The best option looked like it was the hotel Verbana, and it turned out to be a fantastic choice. The setting is of course magnificent: views of the lake, mountains and Isola Bella from a perfectly manicured terrace.

The waiters were also very nice to Zoe, stacking two chairs for a clever and improvised kid seat, and bringing her a special amuse bouche and some Parmesan.

The meal was fantastic again, of course. I am addicted to the local hams, so I ordered that again, and my mom ordered a scallop puff pastry


followed by lobster fettucine

mom ordered shrimp pasta

And then there was dessert:


Mom's was a zabaglione semifreddo which was the clear winner, and was soon dispatched by Zoe.

We were treated to more stunning views of Isola Bella on our way back to the apartment