Went to Switzerland

Off we went on the Lake Maggiore Express. That's the name of a trip that encompasses a boat and a train trip up into Switzerland.

Arthur started out like this (right).

The guide book says, "it offers you an unforgettable tour on the Navigazione Lago Maggiore boats, on the narrow-gauge railway called Vigezzina-Centrovalli and on the Trenitalia trains."
I agree - it IS unforgettable  ...though I am trying to forget some of it!

We went by train first and the day was VERY long. After the change at Domodosola onto the narrow-gauge section, we climbed up, up and more up, high above the valley floor and into the mountains. The views were at times spectacular and I'm glad Arthur was sitting at the window as there were sheer drops a lot of the time ...down a seriously long way! The rivers and streams look so pretty bubbling over the white stones and coloured a pale aquamarine shade, and the snow on the high peaks glistened beautifully.
But we were SO "squished" in ...and the glare was coming straight into my (operated-on) eyes probably 80% of the time ...so that it was with relief that I got out at the other end!

Locarno has an attractive cobbled market place that was in full swing, lovely parks and walks along the waterfront, and plenty of cafes to choose from at lunch time. You also could do some serious shopping there.
We had some good food, and I tipped a macchiato coffee down Arthur's shirt!! - don't ask ... [Jillienne always makes a splash, wherever she is. So we left our mark on Switzerland - and my shirt! - A]
Even had a strawberry gelati there for you Amira, and it was delicious! You LOVED it!

But our timetable showed a very long wait till the next boat stopping at Stresa ...and that it ONLY went to Stresa. So our plan of going to Ascona, had to be scrapped.
Grrr, GGRrrrrrrrr! ...and bigger Grrrr!!

Finally we left, to find that ....our ferry was - 'the milk train'. Stopping ALL villages!!!!

Enjoyed the trip down the Lake but was glad to finally reach home at nearly 7.30pm.

Arthur ended the day like this (left)!