At the end of September, Esther and I met our good friends Jen and Andy in Milan, Italy. Jen and Andy were our neighbors on Lake Oglethorpe, and over the years we developed a close friendship. When Esther and I started dating, she fit right into the group, making our time together even more enjoyable. This trip gave us a wonderful opportunity to reconnect while exploring one of Italy’s most vibrant cities.
Milan is often thought of as Italy’s business and fashion capital, but it is also rich in history, art, and culture. We spent our first few days exploring the city and visiting some of its most famous landmarks. The highlight was undoubtedly the magnificent Duomo di Milano. Standing in the main square, gazing up at the cathedral’s intricate Gothic spires, was truly breathtaking. We also had the opportunity to see Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, The Last Supper. Viewing one of the world’s most celebrated paintings in person was an unforgettable experience and a reminder of Italy’s incredible artistic heritage.
On Sunday morning, we rose early for a day trip to Lake Como. We took the train north to Varenna and then boarded a ferry across the lake to Bellagio, often called the “Pearl of Lake Como.” The weather was beautiful, and the scenery exceeded every expectation. The deep blue waters of the lake, framed by steep mountains and elegant villas, created postcard-perfect views at every turn.
Bellagio itself was charming, with its narrow cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and flower-filled balconies. We spent the day wandering through the town, enjoying the lakeside atmosphere, and taking in some of the most spectacular scenery in Italy. It was easy to understand why Lake Como has been attracting visitors for centuries.
Our return journey, however, became an adventure of its own.
Around 4:00 PM, we headed back to the train station, hoping to beat the evening crowds and get back to Milan at a reasonable hour. Unfortunately, a train had been struck by a falling boulder, forcing the closure of the railway line. Because it was Sunday, it took considerable time for crews to arrive and assess the situation.
What followed was a long and complicated trip home. We were directed onto buses that bypassed the damaged section of track and then transferred back to trains on the other side. Every bus and train was packed. Most of the journey was standing room only, and each transfer seemed to add another delay. What should have been a pleasant evening trip turned into an all-night journey. We finally arrived back in Milan close to 2:00 AM.
One of the most memorable parts of the experience was watching Andy handle the situation. As a self-described homebody, I expected the unexpected delays and crowds to test his patience. Instead, he took everything in stride, maintaining a positive attitude and good sense of humor throughout the ordeal. His calm approach helped keep everyone’s spirits up during a very long day.
A few days later, on Wednesday, September 24, our paths separated. Esther and I boarded a train to Turin, where she was attending a conference. Meanwhile, Jen and Andy traveled to Florence to meet their daughter Carrie, who now lives in Edinburgh, Scotland. It was a fitting conclusion to a wonderful few days of friendship, sightseeing, and shared adventures.
Looking back, what I remember most is not just the beauty of Milan or the stunning scenery of Lake Como, but the joy of experiencing it all with good friends. Even the travel mishaps have become part of the story—one more adventure to laugh about and remember for years to come.
