My niece Saskia arrived today, staying for a few days, and as a special welcome the town of Gargnano put together a little festival: a stand-up rowing competition…..

It seemed like the whole town was there: life music, dancing, full restaurants, cheerful people – the races started at 9pm which is typical Italian style…

Rowing like that is difficult, rowing around a boje during a race requires serious skills

It should actually be titled “Malcesine: Sunday”, because that’s where we went with a small ferry to spend the day. It was wonderful! Small town, cobblestone streets, old castle, narrow alleyways – everything you wish for in an Italian fairytale village…