V-Flyer

Long weekend trip to Lake Como. My wifes friend, who lives in Ottawa, came over last week and she said how much she misses just being able to catch a short flight to a totaly different country. I forget how lucky we are sometimes.
Ryanair have sunk to new depths though.No matter what time you check in, it is now just a lottery of how fast you can get to the gate and push your way to the front as both outward and inward flights were first come first served at the gate. No calling of letters, seat numbers, nothing. Costs/quality of drinks and food is poor and the white wine, champagne and beer is served warm. Both landings rattled your teeth, which I am convinced now is some sort of training technique to get the aircraft down faster and turned around for the next flight as it has happened on every one of the last 6 flights I have taken. The wake turbulance from another aircraft somewhere over Germany was also an interesting 30 seconds of the flight.
Bergamo old town is well worth a visit if you like old Italian towns. Very good atmosphere and good choice of restaurants.
Lake Como, 1.5 hours on nice A type roads by car, is a good base for taking the many ferries/boat taxis. There are fast and slow types and all were very reasonably priced. Funicular from Como up the mountain is only 4 Euro but is only for views as the bars/restaurants are low rent. Funicular is at a 55 degree incline so if you don`t like heights....
Bellagio is nice but didn`t have the atmosphere of Como. There is a nice restaurant just on the left as you get off the boat at the dock. It looks over the lake and is covered by shady trees. You can`t miss it as it is the only restaurant overlooking the lake in the shade of trees as you turn left from the dock.
The lake itself and the surrounding area is beautiful with steep mountains and quaint towns. The lake is full of fish which is a great indication of the water quality. Got to see one of the new Fiat 500s in white that looks like it will be a real seller.
We stayed in Como at the Barchetta Excellsior with balcony/lake view. The hotel had the rate at 290 Euro per room per night for our stay. We used http://www.Venere.com at 160 Euros and you don`t pay until you leave.
Great weekend but Ryanir has had its last chance with us. It will be Jet2 or scheduled from now on.
Lufthansa to Naples this Saturday, so looking forward to seat allocation and free peanuts.