There are definite ups and downs to good design and engineering.
Our destination today was Lake Maggiore, with one stop in Biella, the centre of the textile industry. That should mean fashion. And so it does. There are numerous factory outlets along one of the roads leading out of Biella. One thing we have not yet mastered in Italy is taking the siesta into account. But fortunately they also have the odd mall, which means that you do get a chance to shop over lunchtime as well. Our first stop was at a small mall that had about 8 outlets. I cannot say that I recognised all the designer names, but certainly managed to recognise that, even at factory outlet prices, true Italian designer clothing is just impossible to afford. I saw a really exquisite pair of shoes - normal price 400 euro. Outlet price - 200euro.
We also found a bigger mall, with shops that looked more like the ones we are used to, and a huge supermarket. I enjoyed strolling through these shops, seeing what the real Italians get to choose from, but in the end, the lake won. It just felt totally silly to be spending time in a mall, when the beauty of the Alps and lakes beckoned.
Our first lake was Lake Orta, one of the smaller lakes. We drove up to Sacro Monte di Francesco, situated on a hilltop overlooking the lake and it's island, Isole di San Giulio. Once again, the views were spectacular. But nothing could prepare us for the beauty of Lake Maggiore.
Our guesthouse, and room, has beautiful views of two of the lake's islands - Isola Bella, and Isola dei Pescatori. And sitting on the balcony, looking east at the effects of the sunset on the mountains and lake, I once again wondered why it took us so long to do this trip.
Stunning photograph!
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