The importançe of the fine print

Well I would be the first to admit that adherence to timetables etc is probably not my strong point, but today I may have learnt something of value: read the fine print in the lonely planet descriptions.

Assuming Di is upright I am expecting her back in Italy sometime today. Spreading norovirus may not have been part of the original plan, but you have to be adaptable when travelling.  She must have got it from somewhere so she is just passing it on, like those chain letters we used to get as kids.

With Di not expected till after 18:00 local time I had a day to fill. Time to hit the lonely planet for some inspiration.  It transpires there are two significant religious landmarks (now that is a surprise for Italy ) quite close to Stresa.  First up Arona where there is another sacred mountain, but this time with a church and and VERY big bronze statue at the top. San Carlos is the man (saint) honored.  A local apparently way back.  Off I set, found Arona and big Carlos, doing well.  You are supposed to be able to climb big Carlos but the ticket box was unmanned and it wasn't after 1pm. Mmm. Check the LP - open every day through September. OK, 3-Oct. No good.  Oh well it wasn't much of a climb and the next stop promised a doozie.

Off to Santa Caterina Del Sasso.  It is a monastery set into the cliff on the other side of the lake. Gloria mark 2 was humming and we got there in good time.  All seemed very quiet. Mmm. Open times 8:30-12:00. Time now 12:05. As the gate was open I thought something may be open. Off down the steps - something over 250 I think. Speccie views of course over the lake but a locked door at the bottom! 250 steps down means 250 steps back up.  Nice!  The closest town that may have something open seemed to be Laveno so off we went.  A bit of a look around, some food and the mandatory gelato and it was after 14:00.  The cliff reopened at 14:30 so off we headed yet again.  250 steps back down and yes, open door, and a courtyard full of Germans. Germans and Americans are definitely doing their bit to keep tourism alive in Italy.  Both young and old. A fascinating place with a church built into the cliff with the mummy of a 13th century saint - Alberto I think. Amazing frescos, some from way.. back. 250 steps down means.. a lift ride back up.  Well I had already walked it once.  A well spent 50 cents.

A check in LP and yes it did tell me about the entry times for both venues, if only I had read the fine print ( the whole thing is fine print after all )

With time to kill so that I didn't have to pay a kings ransom at the airport I meandered around on the way to the airport.  Arriving about 16:50, when Di should have left about 16:20 I wasn't happy to see her flight listed as 45 minutes late. Oh well, blog time!