Thursday, July 30th:
Stresa!
The islands were absolutely beautiful - again, another paradise. We visited the mansions, the gardens, saw peacocks, laid out on the beach…it was a relaxing day after officially finishing our Italian classes and for me, finally finishing my last undergrad paper =)
I loved being in the grottos - which were under one of the mansions that were a series rooms all made of pebbles, stone, and coral. The place was immaculate - I overheard someone asking what a grotto was and the only thing they could relate that word to was Hugh Hefner’s playboy grotto. Well, I’m pretty sure these grottos would crap on any of grotto of Hefner’s, no offense. They were beautful…almost hauntingly beautiful since it was so old and magical down there.
Because I received no sleep the night prior, I was itching to find the beach and just pass out…which I did =) I rested under the sun rays and caught up on some much needed sleep. The water was cold though, but still a bunch of people swam in it - including Jake, who had the best sharkie/piranha speedos ever!
I’m sooo relieved my work is done. I can’t wait to go out tonight and enjoy these last couple days here in one of the most beautiful countries in Europe.
