So, unless you want to just sit and sun and commune with the waterfowl, the thing to do at Lake Maggiore is to tour the Borromeo islands, those owned and developed by the Borromeo family (Milan) over the centuries. Isola Madre is known as a botanical garden with mother-in-law palace. Isola Pescadori is where the
little people live. Isola Bella is the grand palace. We did all three. In one swell foop, consisting of 4 voyages.
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Independent travelers get from mainland to island and island and mainland via
water buses like this |
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The big mountains peek through just barely, despite their having been visible
throughout most of the drive from Milan; and even in Milan they're pretty
spectacular |
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Thus (somebody else's picture) |
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Approaching Isla Madre |
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Welcome to Isla Madre, or maybe Kuckenhof...tulips all over... |
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This and the next to demonstrate that pretty much anything grows here |
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Some haka music, please |
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Other shore of the lake |
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More tulips |
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And then an island-wide profusion of azaleas, rhododendrons, etc.; are we in
Kent?! |
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And a profusion of peacocks, including the Chinese white |
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Ancient willow, felled by a tornado (!) in 2001, righted and
saved and now thriving |
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Rain gutter wisteria |
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The palace contains the usual 19th century rich people stuff,
including the legitimizing family tree portrait |
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But, more interestingly, also a huge collection of marionettes, theaters, and
puppet paraphrenalia |
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Obviously, the Borromeos can afford the nicest Murano |
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Top of a descending wisteria arch |
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Quite a show |
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And a final burst of color |
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