Tue 7 Oct- by boat to Como, Villa Olmo, back to Bellagio by bus

Tue 7 Oct- after breakfast, we took a boat to Como for E8 ($12) each. It took about 2 hours, sailing along the side of the lake past picturesque villages at the foot of the mountains. The weather was cool 15-16 C, partly cloudy and windy, too chilly to be on the deck, but the view from the enclosed compartment was just as good. We got a few photos of Villa del Balbianello as we passed, but generally just enjoyed the scenery as it unfolded.
In Como, after we had caffe lattes at hotel Barchetta Excelsior on Piazza Cavour (E8 for two - at $12 that's really expensive), we visited the only "garden" around Como, at the Villa Olmo. The villa is situated right on the lake, with its own little beach and dock for boats. It is more of a park, but admission was free and the view of the lake, the mountains, and Como city was beautiful. We took a few photos, then went back to the old town to look around. There were, as usual, lots of upscale shops selling the usual upscale shoes, clothes and other goods, cafes, restaurants, hotels and souvenir shops. We stopped by for espresso at Cioccolandia on Via Rusconi, and paid only E2.60 for both (moral: don't go to the big hotels for coffee or snacks, instead stop by the little cute bar/cafes). I was tempted to buy several of the chocolate bars they sell, but Kiyomi says we have more than enough chocolate.
We decided to return by bus so we could see the lake from a different perspective, not realizing the bus would be packed, with standing room only. Apparently lots of high school kids were going home to villages along the lake, and there was a big group with lots of luggage heading for a hotel along the road. So we hung from the rack for a half-hour until some seats were vacated. The road goes pretty high up over the lake, and the views down into the towns and gardens was very pretty (once we got the window seats). All in all, we decided the time and expense to visit Como was a bad investment; we could have gone back to one of the really pretty gardens, or Villa Cipressi for a leisurely coffee and snack after it warmed to 20-21 C, the wind died down and the sky cleared up.
For dinner we had: 1/2 liter house white wine, shrimp cocktail over lettuce appetizer; lasagna and spaghetti with tomato sauce as first plate; escalope with mushrooms and grilled trout fillet as second plate; cheese cake and chocolate pudding for dessert. Again everything was delicious, and we went away full and content.