Reflection: Exploring Lake Como
As the lazy waves lapped the pebbled shores around me, I gazed out into the open, past the engulfing green hills that peaked over the horizon, and straight into the clouds floating between the breaks of the steep giants. Compared to the rest of the bustling and buzzing cities of Italy, arriving at Lake Como was almost like being hugged by sunshine and warmth after a long journey - the most welcome of all embraces.
Upon arriving, I was surprised at the elaborate train system that will take you to Lake Como – something I hadn’t expected by traveling to a more rural section of the country. What I hadn’t known was how much of a touristy location it really was. Lucky for me it was off-season, so annoying tourists were few and far between, but a wave of relief did wash over me as I was greeted by the welcome staff in the tourist information center, ready and equipped to answer any and all of my questions.
Compared to the rest of the Italian cities I had uncovered, this was the stereotypical look and feel I was really dying to find while in this beautiful country. There were narrow alleys and winding stairs, accompanied by traditional Italian meals, topped off with authentic gelato. As the sun warmed the air, I decided to explore some more, and was pleasantly surprised when I discovered a tiny beach along the shores of the lake.
I decided to lie down on the rocky earth below me, and blanketed by the blissful rays of the sun, began to slowly drift off into a dazed state of euphoria. The lullaby of the blue lake rocked me further and deeper into the black unknown, only being interrupted momentarily by the occasional quacking of a baby duck paddling nearby. As my eyes fluttered open to the clouds leisurely hovering over me, I realized I ran the risk of missing my train, and bolted back through the greenery, past the little Italian shops, and up the side of the lake back to where I came from, pausing only to take a last look behind my should to remember these views forever.
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