Short stop in Varenna. Lots of narrow, steep alleys lead up from the water, crossed by more to complete the maze!

When I see something offensive or distasteful I just ignore it. Doing otherwise just encourages said activities. Wouldn't you agree?

This morning's ride was round a misty Lake Como. Menaggio to Bellagio. Shots on the ferry back home. Nice way to end.

Late afternoon walk down to 'central' Menaggio here by Lake Como. Stopped for gelato. Or was that the plan all along?

Sitting on the balcony at dusk, looking across at the lights on the other side of Lake Como. Nice way to 'unwind'

Today's ride in the hills above Lake Como. Amazing views, but keep your eyes on the insane roads & insane drivers!

If noodles are hard to come by in Europe, what to do when finding a store that sells your favourite brand? Yum!

Messing around at Passo del Gavia. Pratiwi showing how to throw &... erm... 'catch' snowballs. And make a snowman

Already at 1586m altitude but there's 36 hairpins left to do. Or you've done 72 if coming back down like I was!

The Umbrail Pass. Well, it would be rude not to visit the Swiss border & another pass as was only a 200m detour!

Second (just) highest paved pass in the Alps! See the name under all those stickers? View down the other side is OK!

Dinner at 'Al Filo!' in Bormio. Very nice setting in the 'cave'. Lots of food. Here's Pratiwi & her starter. Yum

Ah-ha! Cold (see the snow on the hills?) but sunny. This is more like it! Morning view from the room in Bormio

Looks like there was snow down to 2300m yesterday. Should make top of the Stelvio interesting... if I can find enough kit to wear! Brrrrr

iPhone 5? Sapphire lens cover a nice touch, but mostly same a-bit-better-all-over update. Won't get me into the world of Apple with this!

Cafe at lunch has copies of 'Il Gelatiere': a magazine dedicated to ice cream. Someone approves! Only in Italy?

Arrived in Italy. Eating out is cheap again: Joy! Pillows that provide support: Joy! Internet fast enough to stream Tour of Britain: Joy!

About to enter Italy. Heading up to the Umbrail Pass (yes, few hairpins here!) & looking back into Switzerland.

Mountain flowers, meadows & forests. Looking down the valley to Scuol, from up by Tarasp.

A walk around Tarasp, Avrona & Lai Nair (sort of mountain peat bog place - hence the boards). Beautiful day for it

Crush Alba in Lavin. See the bike connection? Vintage TdF prints decorate the walls inside & local riding is great!

Having dinner in Lavin. Don't pick up the wrong glass!

Offenpass & Fluelapass. Love it but can't stay in Switzerland too long: so expensive! Lucky the memories are free!

Not a cloud in the sky on this beautiful day in Lavin, where the altitude is over 1400m, yet today's ride will go nowhere but up! Hmmm...