2001. It's a long story! In 1982 the BBC produced an Italian language series called "Buongiorno Italia!" on television. We watched and recorded the series (we've still got it) and bought the book. It was recorded in Stresa (amongst other places) and the place looked so stunning that we vowed to go there. Nineteen years later we were not disappointed! Lake Maggiore is fabulous. The Islands are brilliant. The trip into Switzerland is fantastic. All in all - not bad! In the original series there was a lady who stuck out more than the others, the first photo is taken from the book issued with the original series (I know it's copyright but I'm giving them a plug!) and the second photo is the same lady in 2001. Apparently she still gets visitors from all over the World (the series was multi-lingual) who, like us, go to Stresa because of the series (well done, the BBC!) Italy has style and Stresa has style in spades! This is a once in a life time experience which we intend to repeat (that will make it a twice in a life team experience!). You will not be sorry if you go.

La Scala, Milan (if you don't know what this is then don't talk to Edna)