The Last Chapter: Reflections on My Lake Como Adventure
- wanderingazuki
- May 27
- 4 min read
Table of Content
🎢The Rollercoaster of Travel Mishaps and Magic 🪄
"Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you; it should change you." — Anthony Bourdain
Lake Como gifted me an unforgettable journey — not just for its breath-taking views and elegant villas, but for the surprises and challenges that made it feel real. From unexpected transportation delays to last-minute itinerary reshuffles, this trip reminded me that travel rarely unfolds perfectly. But honestly? Those unpredictable moments turned into some of the best stories.
One morning, a cancelled ferry led me to a quiet café tucked away off the main square in Bellagio, where I ended up savouring a lovely dessert while soaking in the charm of the town. Even when the weather didn’t cooperate, the dramatic skies only added to the atmosphere — transforming Villa Monastero’s gardens into something straight out of a classic film.
Sure, the transportation wasn’t ideal — it was stressful at times — but somehow, we always made it to where we needed to be. In the end, what mattered most was sharing the experience with my friend and helping her tick off a long-held dream from her bucket list. That made every mishap feel worth it.
♥️ Highlights That Made My Heart Full 💖
🏅 Of course, Lake Como’s beauty was a constant joy — from the serene lakeside promenades to the ornate charm of villas like Villa Cipressi and Villa Monastero. The blend of architecture and natural scenery created a picture-perfect backdrop for reflection and exploration.
🏅 Savouring local dishes like handmade ravioli and wood-fired pizza offered a delicious glimpse into the region’s soul. Every meal felt like a celebration — not just of food, but of place, people, and presence. And in the stillness of those lakeside moments, watching boats drift by under a golden sky, I remembered why I fell in love with travel in the first place.
🏅 As a child, I used to dream of running my own hotel — a place where people could feel at ease, surrounded by beauty and warmth. Wandering through these historic villas, with their timeless elegance and inviting spaces, rekindled that dream in ways I didn’t expect. It reminded me that some dreams never really leave us — they simply wait for the right view, the right moment, to come back to life.
🎓 Lessons Learned on the Shores of Lake Como 🤩
🎒Slowing down was the real luxury: This was the first holiday where I truly wanted to slow down—no jam-packed itinerary, no rushing from sight to sight. It felt freeing to leave space for spontaneity, and the rain even gave us permission to pause. I realised that not every trip needs to be about ticking boxes; sometimes it’s about simply being there.
🎒Logistics don’t have to steal your peace: I’ve learned that transportation is one of my biggest stress triggers when travelling. This trip showed me the value of researching logistics ahead of time—just enough to feel prepared. Having a few backup options like taxis or alternative routes would’ve saved me a few nerves. Planning doesn’t mean rigidity—it’s peace of mind.
🎒Balance spontaneity with a few non-negotiables: I didn’t pre-plan much for this trip (maybe relied a little too much on my friend!), and while we made it work on the day, I genuinely regret not securing tickets to Villa Balbianello. Lesson learned: have a short list of “musts,” especially if they mean something personal—like a Star Wars filming location!
🎒Trust yourself, even in the moment: Even without a strict plan, I surprised myself by being able to show up and “perform” when the day called for it. Navigating setbacks, adjusting plans, and still creating beautiful memories—turns out that’s a strength worth celebrating too.
🌝 Final Thoughts 💫
This Lake Como adventure was more than just a trip; it was a reminder that travel is a teacher — sometimes gentle, sometimes demanding — but always transformative. Earlier this year, my first trip to Asia (posts to come!) had me feeling nervous and clinging to a detailed itinerary just to feel in control. In contrast, this time around, I let myself go with the flow a little more — and it felt freeing. There was beauty in not knowing exactly how things would unfold, and trusting that it would all work out.
I’m grateful for every mishap, every smile, and every moment of awe. I return inspired, more curious, and ready for the next chapter of wandering.
🧳Your Turn to Wander In🧋
What’s one travel mishap that unexpectedly turned into a memorable experience for you?
How do you balance planning with flexibility when you travel?
What’s a place you’ve visited that challenged your expectations in a good way?
If you could visit any lakeside destination, where would you go and why?
Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your stories and experiences!
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