Today we travelled by two Swiss and one Italian train from Interlaken to Stresa in Italy where we collected our rental car which will provide our transport until we get to Genoa to commence our Mediterranean Cruise in 10 days’ time.

When I reserved the car from Australia I stipulated it had to be automatic and air-conditioned, never realising that I should have also stipulated a non-electric option. I was therefore somewhat shocked to find that the only car Avis had available for us was an EV, and a fully electric one that requires regular recharging. I have no idea about how to operate or to recharge such a vehicle. The Avis agent showed me the tangle of recharging wires and connectors and hopefully I’ll remember some of what he explained in broken English. Our travel itinerary from here involves some reasonably long road distances so I’m now feeling very nervous.

Stresa is a comune of about 5,000 residents in the Italian region of Piedmont, about 90 kms NW of Milan. It sits picturesquely on the shores of Lake Maggiore, the second largest lake in Italy. The town dates back to the 9^th century AD, and by the 16^th century had grown into a thriving fishing community. Much of the charm of that time remains today particularly in the old town where our cute boutique Hotel Sempione is located. We understand that for us and other tourists, there are a wealth of attractions to visit in and around Stresa including a number of unique islands with their grand villas, palaces and idyllic gardens. Tomorrow we’ll learn more.

Unfortunately, both Sharon and I are still suffering the effects of a heavy cold which for both of us is numbing the elation one normally feels to arrive in a new exciting unfamiliar location. Hopefully, tomorrow will be better.

Our colds didn't stop us enjoying a delicious and elegantly served Italian meal at an old town restaurant recommended by our hotel manager. She's a very friendly outgoing soul who remembered me from my phone call from Australia when I made the reservation some weeks back. 

In that conversation she warned me that parking spots in the town are at a premium. And she was right. There was absolutely no parking spot anywhere within a km of the hotel upon arrival. No problem, she said and then kindly moved her car from its legal parking spot 100 meters away to an illegal one outside the hotel, leaving her legal spot for us. I know from past visits Italians have a loose attitude to parking restrictions.