Italy

As many of you know, I had a work trip this past week to the Lake Como region of Italy. I arrived last Sunday morning, quite groggy, but elated that I could be a tourist for 2.5 days. Milano and Lake Como are great areas to explore. The colors and pace of life on the lake were so refreshing, and the food is amazing, as is the shopping. Check out all my photos at: share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8Aasmjhw2buXaQ

The work part of the trip started Wednesday. I was there with five co-workers, each of us concentrating on our functional areas of engagement with the supplier. We had long meeting days Wednesday through Friday, and accomplished a lot. The supplier is a wonderful host and we enjoyed great lunches and dinners out all around the area. Nothing like having the locals show you the good restaurants! I'm definitely exhausted (writing this post during my 4-hour layover in Boston) since most of the working nights I didn't get back until 11:30 or so after dinner, then responded to work email until 1am. My ankle problem also continues to persist, with some severe swelling the past couple of days. Probably time to see a doctor. Nonethless, it was a spectacular trip and I'd go back in a heartbeat, for work or pleasure.

Some of my favorite experiences (you'll note food is a key theme!):

- Fresh buffalo mozzarella
- The view of the lake - I would love to have a vacation home here!
- Falling in love with espresso - who knew I could like coffee?
- Three-hour dinners with the Italians, finished with limoncello
- Gelato
- One of the best dinners of my life at Trattoria del Fagio (I think!) on the lake
- Tasting the best pizza ever at a hideaway in Milano
- Seeing the city of Milano from the Duomo
- Learning a few key words in Italian. I may just start answering the phone with "Pronto."

If you have never been to Lake Como, definitely put it on your list of places to see.