Day 7 Zurich to Como

Day 7 - Zurich to Como


We packed the car, I got in the drivers seat, fired up "the missus" and headed off to Como. Once we got to the point where the missus wanted us to start from we were off and running with very little trouble getting out of town and onto the highway.

The drive to Como involved going back towards where we started our ride from yesterday, we passed the Altdorf turnoff then continued on going through very long tunnels. One of them was many kilometres long and looking in the rear view mirror we came from under a massive mountain that was covered in snow. We had gone straight under the alps. The tunnel was a constant rise and the other side was much drier and hotter.

We stopped at Riveira for a coffee stop, had a bit of trouble finding somewhere to park but got there eventually. We went get some money out of the ATM but were a bit confused when it only offered Swiss Francs, every thing was sold in Francs but people looked very Italian and spoke Italian so we thought we were in Italy.

We didn't bother getting any money out, we went to the nearest coffee shop and ordered from a very nice waitress who thankfully spoke excellent English.We asked her if we were in switzerland or Italy and she informed us that we were in fact in Switzerland still. There are three sections to Switzerland, the German, French and Italian which all speak their respective languages.

So we ordered our coffees and of course some pastries to go with them, we got the traditional type of coffee in very small cups, strong but very nice. We had used all our Swiss francs so we had to pay with a 50 euro and get the change in francs.

So now we had a heap of francs that we wouldn't need, we soon fixed that though by going to the local post office and changing it into euros, we are so clever. Now back on the road again, only about 50kms to go until we reach our destination. The views are very impressive but very different to Switzerland. Much drier with different vegetation.

Driving in Italy is an experience thAt has to be experienced to be believed. Luckily I am told my driving style suits Italy, as it is mad. I had a good time driving like they did just charged into where ever I needed to be. Had to do two laps of one block to get a car space. The car only just fits into the space provided. I didn't quiet have it parked right and was told by the hotel staff to get between the lines. Hmmmmmmm

We went for a walk down town and along the lake. This is a very large tourist place and the main square area is very large. So many small alleys to walk through and check out the shops. We had lunch at a cafe and were amused when the menus came out advertising XXXX. We had Aussie beer with our lunch lunch of salad and cold cuts. No where near as good as our two previous lunches which seen the plates wiped clean with bread. These had a lot of salad left in them.

Another walk through town with the temp around 32 degree's and a stop to get more Euro and we got back to the hotel for a rest and to watch the Tour.
I went for a walk with Bob to a bike shop to get chain lube. We walked a long way and were amazed again at the traffic. The young guys on motor bikes are mad as hatters and go so fast it is ridicules. Boys are the same the world over.
A shower and off we went to have dinner. We again walked to he city centre but ventured further and checked out many restaurants. Most were very we priced. We had a beer at a cafe and got potato chips and a terrible Bruchetta with it. Cheap for 9 Euro tho after wandering through some very interesting and extremely old neighbour hoods we cam across a little restaurant and had dinner. The waiters could not speak English some had a good time with them and they had a good time with us judging by the talking and then laughing. We laughed as well.dinner was very nice with myself having gnocchi Bolognese followed by chicken salad. Schnitzel with tomatoes and rocket. So simple. So yummy. Another beer followed by Vino del cassa (house red) was very good. Off for our now standard after dinner ice cream and we walked along the lake taking in the beautiful look of the water with the yachts and the house up the steep hills directly Round the lake. We got home in time to see Holland get 3-2 up over Ururaghy. Dom, Jo, Mark and Sue have arrived and are out dinner so i am going to make a phone call or two (you have to love Skype). Had a couple of drink with Doom And Mark as they arrived while I was making calls. Another great day and looking forward to tomorrows ride.