DAY 6 | Stresa

We had left the previous night at 11pm to drive towards Milano. Right before we left, Sergey spoke with a friend who had been staying in a small town in northern Italy called Stresa. After this conversation, we decided to take a slight detour and head to Stresa.

We arrived in Stresa at 5 in the morning. Perfect timing, because the sun was rising, and there wasn't a single person on the street. Again, small town, northern Italy, with a beautiful lake in front (Lago Maggiore). It was an incredible view. One that's difficult to forget.

We drove towards her villa, and had a panoramic view of the lake, the tiny islands below, and the opposite shore with the sun peering through the clouds. It seemed surreal, partly because of where we were, and partly because we barely had slept.

At 7am (after running around Stresa) we called Sergey's friend Gloria to meet us. She came down with a warm inviting smile, but surprised at what stood in front of her (4 random guys and Sergey).

After the introductions, we began the hike up to the villa. Stair after stair we climbed until eventually we saw the space. From the outside it looked awkward in shape, but as soon as you entered you understood that the form followed function. The main room housed a massive piano and directly parallel to the piano, was a panoramic view of the lake and most of Stresa. Again, an unforgettable view.

That day, Gloria took us around Stresa. Eventually we took a boat to one of the smaller islands on the lake which housed a stunning estate. The gardens were incredible.

Eventually, we made our way that night towards Milano.

Here are some photos from that day.