Breakfast in Merzig was lovely, and as in 2007 we popped to a local bakery in the main street to stock up for a picnic. The drive from Merzig saw temperatures drop to 15 degrees and then rise up to 28 degrees as we entered Italy. Although the highest temperature was some 32 degrees in the middle of the 11 mile tunnel in Switzerland. We have now managed to drive through in excess of 40 tunnels on our journey from Wales to Italy.
The directions provided by the lovely owners of Hotel Cappana CAO, Brunate-San Maurizio-Via Alle colme-Piazzale C.A.O. were spot on. Although it’s times like this that you wish that you were on a scooter or driving a Smart Car and not in the Volvo S60 D5 AKA ‘The Beast’. The route from Como up into the mountains was torturous with hairpin bends every 50 metres or so and single width roads most of the way, Demanding on the concentration but great fun and places Cappana CAO as our find of the holiday. The Panorama from the hotel is simply breathtaking. We are so high up it is like being on an aeroplane.
Drinks and a read on the terrace were followed by a feast. I love the Italians, they are so thin and so well presented but eat so much! I must have been Italian in my former life, as I share their national love of food. I was probably a Centurion, not a General, but some schmuck foot soldier being bullied for 30 years. But hey ho, I bet the Centurions never eat like this. The first course was the size of a main, and the beer is washing it down very well indeed.
There was a bad thunderstorm later in the evening as it got dark and the Internet was turned off due to the weather.
European touring important points:
You need a Motorway Pass for Switzerland
We bought our one online for £30.50 before travelling
In September 2007 we could have accidentally driven through the border
In August 2010 cars were being directed to buy a pass at the border
If you are stopped without one there is an excessive fine
Sat-Nav motorway speeds are incorrect in the rain
Motorway speeds reduce near towns and junctions
Don’t forget your headlamp deflectors
Today’s important points were:
France motorway toll between Merzig and Switzerland 6 Euro 90
Bio Diesel in Merzig was 1 Euro 18 per litre
Petrol was circa 1 Euro 40
A motorway stop in Switzerland took Euro for payment
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