Water links us to our neighbor in a way more profound and complex than any other.
John Thorson
John Steiner’s theme this week — On the Water — made me think of real estate.
I know. This is a water theme. But how many times have you looked for houses on the water, noting that waterfront real estate is some of the most expensive anywhere?
And you don’t have to look far to realize there’s no ritzier, lovelier, or more palatial on-the-water real estate than that of Lake Como, Italy.
No matter the time of day, Lake Como — the water and the buildings hugging it — makes for a lovely sight.
Who wouldn’t want to be on the morning ferry with a view like this?
Even in broad daylight, the lake sparkles with energy and life.
Everywhere you turn, you see open-air restaurants, stately hotels and people walking narrow steps upward to shops and places of business — all on the water.
And who doesn’t love the elegant villas that have been movie sets like the photo at the top of this post that formed the backdrop for the first James Bond movie, Casino Royale? Or other movies that have followed?
Could you live here? Well, no doubt someone does — and my guess is that whoever it is, he/she/they love it!
Even places that might be considered “ordinary” are extraordinary by our standards.
I’d love to know: Who lives there? How old these buildings? And what’s the best thing about the view, in your opinion?
The answers may only be available to us tourists, however, if we purchase a ticket to roam through a villa and look out at the water ourselves.
Nothing is softer or more flexible than water, yet nothing can resist it.
Lao Tzu
Thanks to John Steiner of Journeys with Johnbo for leading the Lens-Artists Photo Challenge this week. If you want to see more entries, be sure to check out his site. Next week, look for more great photo contributions for the challenge led by Anne of Slow Shutter Speed whose theme will be Black and White.
And thanks for journeying through Lake Como with me today.
Travel on the water,
Rusha
rkrontheroad
What a lovely place! The morning light photo makes my heart ache.
Oh, the Places We See
I love that one as well. Thanks so much for letting me know which one is your favorite. It does pretty much boil down to light in any of our favorite photos, doesn’t it? (Or location, people, activity . . . )
Ana
A very interesting post. Lake Como is on my list of places to visit.
Oh, the Places We See
Please go when you can. It’s lovely.
rajkkhoja
Very nice collection photos.
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much. I’ve always wanted to live on the water, but probably never will. Travel is my friend!
Rupali
Such a wonderful place. Thanks for sharing.
WanderingCanadians
Lovely collection of photos. I find there’s always something so magical about being by the water. It’s very calming and I love the way the water shimmers and shines when the sun is out.
Oh, the Places We See
Oh, to live on a waterfront. We find it grand as well!!!
lisaonthebeach
Wow, amazing! And I do love to look around and imagine what life must be like for those who live there. If only I get a glimpse into that other world it just fills me with wonder! …and photos just help take me back! What a great post that stirs the imagination 😊
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much! This area of the world is so charming, and the pace was relaxed. Would love to return!
Khürt Williams
I like the photos of the private homes and the Bellagio.
There is a Lake Como in New York State but the two are incomparable. Unfortunately, in Lake Como (New York) the entire shoreline of the lake is privately owned.
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much for weighing in on the photos. It’s a beautiful place and seems pretty amenable to tourists and residents alike.
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thehungrytravellers.blog
Absolutely agree: we would love to live close to water, wake up each morning and look out to sea or across a lake. And the Italian lakes are so beautiful.
Teresa
Rusha, this is an awesome place. Love it 😍
Oh, the Places We See
We found ourselves just riding the ferry that takes people to various towns a lot. It’s a great, cheap way to see Lake Como!!
Tina Schell
Wonderful post Rusha, loved the images. Like Pat we were there pre-digital so your images were a lovely reminder of such a beautiful place
Oh, the Places We See
It’s fun just to ride the ferry on Lake Como and dream of what you could see if you got off and toured each town. A lovely place in the world!
Sue
Aaah, you have reminded me of my last visit to Como!
Oh, the Places We See
Oh, how I’d love to go back!!!
Sue
Me too!
photobyjohnbo
Wow! Beautiful place, and one that has been on my bucket list for years. You have shown off the lake well in your response. Thanks for sharing!
Oh, the Places We See
Hope you get there, John. It’s much prettier in person!!
Prior...
Hi rusha
wonderful photos of water and a tour of lake como – we had a “como park” in western New York when growing up but it was nothing like this – ha
Oh, the Places We See
This really is a special place. Serene, historic, yet thriving! Thanks for commenting.
Prior...
🙂
tappjeanne
Beautiful- many thanks for sharing Rusha. You’ve sent me on a virtual tour!
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks! I truly appreciate your following my blog. Means a lot!
Toonsarah
Great response to John’s theme – who hasn’t dreamed of a house on the water somewhere?! Your morning ferry photo is especially alluring and I love the faded pink of what looks like a boathouse in your ‘private homes’ shot 🙂
Oh, the Places We See
That last one is a favorite. Not so “over the top” I guess. Just ordinary, if there’s any such thing on Lake Como! Thanks for commenting.
Pat
We were there many years ago, before I had a digital camera, and don’t have many photos to jog my memory. Thanks for sharing yours with commentary.
Oh, the Places We See
I wish I could remember where each was taken! Thanks so much for your comments.