I always write about good travel experiences whenever I write about my travel journey or the locations I explored. But sometimes behind the story I skip or just don't like to recall them. I guess it's not just me, many do the same. Traveling without hassle is kinda fairytale because the fun part is you definitely gonna face some problems while you are traveling. I think many of you can relate to that. Even if you plan everything before the journey, sometimes it doesn't go according to the plan and that's the fun part. Today I am going to share an experience with you that not only makes me regret my decision but also I feel angry about it whenever I think about it.
Last summer I mean this summer 2023, when we were on our vacation to Switzerland and Italy trip, one of our destinations was Lake Como, Italy. Yes, the famous Lake Como people talk about social media and post a lot of photos and videos. During our trip, I was so excited about Lake Como after seeing all of those photos and videos; also planned what to do what not to do, where to go; almost everything. However, my biggest mistake was not understanding the detailed location of Lake Como or the details of Lake Como.
So, when the day arrived we drove from Milan to Lake Como by car and decided to spend the entire day at Lake Como. Like I said without any research, I went there thinking it was a city/village located near Lake Como where I would walk and explore. Before ranting about my exploration, I would say Lake Como really is a picturesque and gorgeous lake area located against the foothills of the Alps. Como City is located at the bottom of south east branch of the lake. It's true what you see on social media, beautiful villages like Onno, Bellagio, Lecco, etc located at Lake Como. As I said earlier, I thought it was an entire city or village, but I didn't know that to visit villages, either you need a water boat or you have to visit there by car.
So our tour guide or group guide drove to a location called "Valmadrera", a commune in the province of Lecco. It's a town basically and our car left us in an area called "Giardini pubblici con giochi", a local park. At first, I was so confused about what was happening, and our entire group was confused as well like me. It was summertime so everyone was sunbathing in the park and some were swimming. So, at first, we all scattered and decided to see the surroundings. We didn't find anything worthy of seeing almost for 3 hours.
Unfortunately, locals don't speak English, they only speak the Italian language so it was very difficult to figure out what we gonna do, and how to explore Lake Como. Well, our tour guide left us and went somewhere else without saying anything to us. All we could do was sit in the park and watch the big Alps mountains in front of us. My internet connection was also so bad that day, what an unlucky day was it. Suddenly I noticed waterboats coming and going, a small docking area. We went there and it was too late already when we figured out that there were so many villages and small towns nearby and a boat was needed to go to those areas. Well, better late than never, we started waiting for the boat. People were asking where we wanted to go, and which village/ town we wanted to see but because I didn't do any research and was feeling exhausted because of the heat, I couldn't say anything. Even at that moment, I didn't know the name of the village called Bellagio and Como where I wanted to go so badly.
The biggest problem of social media is, that it basically writes about Lake Como but never mention clearly the village or town name and how to get there. Well, I didn't know who to blame, our tour guide who just left us somewhere near Lake Como or the social media for misinformation, or, just myself.
 |  |  |
|---|
After one hour of waiting near the docking area, finally the boat arrived. We finally decided that we would see the lake and its surrounding scenario and would spend leftover time in Lecco City which was nearby. Unfortunately, unplanned trips are always like that and I realized it that day. Until we figured out, it was too late to see places. We had a time limit for the tour guide because he would eventually pick us up from Valmadrera.
My mood was already spoiled and I was very upset so I didn't take photos or anything. I was just looking at the huge Alps mountains and small tiny villages picture from the boat.
 |  |  |
|---|
We took the wrong boat and we didn't even know that. Like I said nobody there speaks English. Normally from Valmadrera to Lecco city, it takes 20 minutes by boat but we took that boat which takes 60 minutes to reach Lecco because it goes to different villages and then its last stop is Lecco. So another hour was wasted in the lake. When we reached Lecco city, we were already tired and had only 55 minutes to see the city because we had to catch the boat again.
The city was crowded, a lot of tourists were strolling around, taking photos, and having dinner/lunch. We decided to walk a little bit near the lake because one hour is not enough to see a city. Basically, you cannot do anything within one hour if you don't know the city.
Not only me, but our entire group was upset because nobody did the research.
We started to see around, basically wandering around without any plan. Things happened, disaster happened and sometimes unplanned things happened. We didn't find anyone to blame because we should have asked or done some research before coming here.
Lecco city is nice, so much to see but yes, we were already late and had no time to see unique locations.
 |  |  |
|---|
I know it's not the way I explore the city. At that moment, my mind was full of sadness because I didn't expect to have such a horrible day. I felt like a fool.
Lecco City is one of three sections that form Lake Como. To be honest, the city is really nice to spend time. You can enjoy the harbor area, and beautiful mountains and can go kayaking, and swim in the lake. From far away I saw the Church of Saint Nicolò, you can see it in the photos. Luckily I went to the city center which was not far away from the lakeside area and saw Piazza XX Settembre, in the centre of the town, and the San Martino mountain. source
Piazza XX Settembre (can't pronounce it) is the old town city center surrounded by old buildings and restaurants. From the center part, you can see beautiful Alps mountains and the Church of Saint Nicolò. During summer a lot of tourists spend their time there. Most of the buildings are neo-classical style architecture. One part of this square is linked to the lake (Piazza Cermenati) and the other part is connected to Piazza Garibaldi.
We did go to Piazza Garibaldi later but I figured that out later. source
 |  |  |
|---|
This is Piazza Garibaldi and from here you can also see a glimpse of the Alps mountain. Many shops, and supermarkets are located here and I liked the cobbled walkways. It's not like a pebbled path, it was smooth and well-finished materials.
 |  |  |
|---|
I don't know what to say or how to explain the feeling I felt at that moment being in Lecco. Obviously, it was not what I expected or had planned for Lake Como but something is better than nothing. Instead of running all day in the park at Valmadrera, we managed to see something. I have regret and upsetness about the Lake Como trip but still, I consider it as a lesson. Sometimes you have to accept reality and my mistake was, that I couldn't realize that time was running and instead of enjoying and accepting fate, I complained a lot.
My wishlist is not fulfilled so I wanna go back to Lake Como again but this time definitely I will have a proper plan.
Love
Priyan...
I am @priyanarc.... An architect, a dreamer, and a passionate writer who loves to write about life. I try to present my own perspective and experiences. Please leave your feedback and criticism because it's the only way I can know and reach your mind and thoughts easily...
Find me on:
All images used are captured by the author...
How great it is to be able to have those first-person views. I really enjoy your publications, I can't travel, but the magic of the Internet helps me have a little piece of that experience.
Thank you very much and have a great week.
I am glad you always love my posts and that means a lot. I haven't written about my full summer vacation trip but I will slowly do it. I hope you had a lovely holiday week and take care of yourself...
Unfortunately these things happen even if you do your research previously. I understand your feelings and I'd be feelings the same as I don't like time and opportunity wasted, but as you said, take it as a lesson. Next time you know to do your homework and don't trust the guide either as some can't be trusted.
In any case, I think it's a nice place and definitely worth going back one day.
For sure; I will be careful and will try to avoid such situations. I knew trips never go smoothly but this was so unexpected. Lake Como is many people's dream place and I was not ready to miss any kind of opportunities. Not only me but the entire group was frustrated and later many of us was mad to the guide because he left us alone. Another fact was, that from Lecco to Bellagio or Dolce Vita was very far but we could have managed the ferry if we had known how to do everything.
Yes, I have a plan to go to Italy again to see Rome, Florance, and Positano part so maybe that time I will add Lake Como to my list again.
Your content has been voted as a part of Encouragement program. Keep up the good work!
Use Ecency daily to boost your growth on platform!
Support Ecency
Vote for new Proposal
Delegate HP and earn more
Sounds like an unexpectedly challenging adventure! Navigating unfamiliar places, language barriers, and time constraints can truly be overwhelming. Your candid account of the experience reveals the disappointments and surprises of the journey. Despite the hiccups, there is a certain charm to the spontaneity of exploration. Hope your next trip goes smoother, take care 🙏🏻💕
Yes, you are right, the trip was disappointing but at least I saw something new, and learned my lesson. Things happen when you travel and I accepted that later. I was mad at that time but yes, at least I saw something and explored new things... Thank you and Have a wonderful week.
Happy Holiday...
I can relate 😄not only one such situation happen with me in my trip
Yes… I understand you, it’s a little bit complicated to understand what to do and you are right… if you don’t know the city only one hour is not enough.
I ponle visited Bellagio when I traveled to Como, but the tourist guide told us about all the things we could do there.
Amazing pictures btw!
I saw your post yesterday and at least you were lucky that your guide told you what you can do. Our guide just dropped us off and left us alone at Valmadrera Community Park without any information except pickup time. Our biggest mistake was not to ask him questions. Unfortunately, that day, my internet was not working properly and our group was also confused because of the language barrier. That's why we also took the wrong boat. Anyway, I have a plan to visit Italy again so next time whenever I will go, I will visit Lake Como again to see other towns and villages.
Exactly...
Happy Holiday my dear...
Happy Holiday!!
I know the struggle to get answers to your questions but meet only people who don't know English. The minimum, basic, English, which is supposed to pe spoken by anyone out there more or less.
But I totally feel you, as sometimes I prefer to write only the good parts of what I see during my trips but also think that this might end up not fully honest. However people are interest about our opinion and experience, so we should do that more often.
Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones! 🎄🎁
Yes, I was expecting that but unfortunately, Valmadrera is not a tourist spot, it's more like a residential town of Lecco city. Besides if tourists go there, they always have guidelines but yes, our luck was bad.
Yes exactly, because I saw social media and just expected what I have seen instead of doing research. Like I said I thought Lake Como is a city like Milan. Also, due to a lack of information, we all were lost and the entire day trip became messy. Yes, such places like Lake Como always require research and enough information to understand geography and locations.
Happy holiday my dear and thank you for stopping by...
Such a beautiful post! (loved your dress btw)
I wish to visit this place sometime, a good friend lives there.
Enjoy your day Priyan, all the best!
xx
Thanks, Kate and yes, Italy is really beautiful and in general, the Italy trip is my all-time favorite trip so far. Thanks for the compliment about the dress, I specifically bought it for Lake Como to take photos.
Happy Holiday my dear...
I think the guide still have to take part of the blame. Next time, get some help with ChatGPT. You'll probably still need to fact check but I did a bit of experiment and at least it told me about ferry.
v
So, next time get some advice from ChatGPT.
This is actually a good idea but not was in my head at that time. Next time definitely gonna ask Chatgpt for details. Ferries are tricky at Como and I experienced the timing problem as well. Next time, never gonna rely on tour guide for such locations :D
Happy Holiday my friend...
You deserve that trip 😍 so beautiful city and you too, in white dress ❤️
Yeah many stories behind just cant tell, right 😊
Hope you have beautiful new years coming sis❤️❤️❤️
Sis, I had a mindset that I was gonna take beautiful photos wearing that white dress but it didn't go well according to my expectations. It was also hectic at some point wearing such a long skirt in summertime. It is what it is and I accepted it. I will go there again if I get the chance, this time with a proper plan.
Happy Holiday and Happy new year sis. I hope you are doing well.
it happened to me many times. but when I use just random dress, the photo is just awesome. lol.
sis, at least for me, the photo of you turned out beautiful even I knew, you were not truly satisfied with that.
That is true and I also agree with what you have said sis. Random dresses sometimes make a picture so elegant and pretty because of the location. I had a high expectation about Lake Como so I dressed up like a doll to take good photos. Thank you sis, I am glad you liked the dress.
Ahaha yeah. Best lesson, expectation always kill us 😅
😀 Agree sis
Sorry about your misadventures. Gorgeous photos still. For sure next time, you'd have a better experience with proper planning 😉
Yes, it's just unfortunate and I was mad about the whole situation because Lake Como was one of my desired locations to see. It's not always possible to go back to the locations one more time so I was sad. But yes, like I mentioned, lesson learned. Thank you so much and I am glad you liked these photos...
The mountain views there are amazing, I really really want to go to a beautiful place like that
Thank you so much. Italy is really amazing country and there is a lot to see. Each city has its unique architecture and enriched history and culture.
Happy Holiday and thanks for taking the time to read my post.
did u enjoy the Dolce Vita?
Unfortunately, we wasted so much time figuring out what to do at Lake Como so didn't visit Dolce Vita or other amazing towns and locations. Our planned trip somehow turned into a messy, unplanned trip...
Thank you for taking time reading my post, Happy Holiday...
Beautiful pictures! I love Italy! 💗Good to know that you traveled there 🫡
Thank you my dear, I am glad you liked the photos. Happy Holiday...
Hiya, @ybanezkim26 here, just swinging by to let you know that this post made it into our Top 3 in Travel Digest #2099.
Your post has been manually curated by the @pinmapple team. If you like what we're doing, please drop by to check out all the rest of today's great posts and consider supporting other authors like yourself and us so we can keep the project going!
Become part of our travel community:
Thank you so much, appreciate such honor always.
Ahhh, these rock formations look very climbable :D
Oh yea, people do hiking and climbing there often, forgot to mention it 😀. Happy holiday 😀
I hope it would be better the second time around. I wish to visit Italy soon. Will study basic Italian then. Thanks for the article. !PGM
Yes, basic Italian or at least location names and details help a lot for such kind of location as Lake Como. Because I thought it was a city like Milan, Rome but it was not. Properly planning won't waste time. We wasted a lot of time just to figure out the geography and what to do.
Hehehhe I know the feeling on this one. Lake Como is way more about private houses and people just taking trips from their house and also all rich and famous live there. But the cities itself, nehhh not so big indeed. Lecco is the bigger one and has a trainstation even in there right?
I guess if you want more city life then Lago Maggiore (with a Swiss and an Italian side) and Lago Lugano with Lugano as a hang out city might be better (Lugano with a crap load of expensive cars there always) but either way on all of these lakes...the cities are not really all that if you really want to go sightseeing
Hopefully you did enjoy the surroundings and the sight of it because the mountains there with the lake are beautiful!
Ah I see, that's why I thought where are those houses? Valmadrera was a completely residential area but more middle-class people lived there.
Lecco is expensive and food is expensive there compared to Milan. Yes, they have a train station. My wish was to see Bellagio and Como but it seems like you know a lot about Lake Como than me. I should have texted you before going there. I wanted to see nature and architecture but Valmadrera had nothing.
I will go to Italy again to see Rome sight so maybe at that time, I will stop at Como as well.
Definitely gonna text you for more information before going there.
Congratulations, your post has been added to Pinmapple! 🎉🥳🍍
Did you know you have your own profile map?
And every post has their own map too!
Want to have your post on the map too?
Congratulations @priyanarc! Your post has been a top performer on the Hive blockchain and you have been rewarded with this rare badge
You can view your badges on your board and compare yourself to others in the Ranking
If you no longer want to receive notifications, reply to this comment with the word
STOPCheck out our last posts:
Wow, what an honor...
Well, you deserve it @priyanarc! Congrats on your constant involvement on Hive 😊👍
😊
Hello priyanarc!
It's nice to let you know that your article won 🥇 place.
Your post is among the best articles voted 7 days ago by the @hive-lu | King Lucoin Curator by deepresearch
You and your curator receive 0.1777 Lu (Lucoin) investment token and a 12.00% share of the reward from Daily Report 158. Additionally, you can also receive a unique LUGOLD token for taking 1st place. All you need to do is reblog this report of the day with your winnings.
Buy Lu on the Hive-Engine exchange | World of Lu created by @szejq
STOPor to resume write a wordSTART