Como Town in the cold

While in Italy last spring, I traveled to Como Town on the famous "Lago di Como." In the summer, this picturesque lake town is a favorite destination for celebrities and wealthy Europeans. Sounds great right? Well, I happened to go in February when it was absolutely freezing! At first I was miserable in the cold. I don't tend to fare well in extreme temperatures... but, somehow I managed to spend an afternoon sketching plans and perspective views of the place in my teeny tiny sketchbook with shivering fingers. The image above is a compilation of about 8 pages in my sketchbook that show four different piazzas throughout the town. From spending time studying the architecture and urbanism there, I gained a strong appreciation for the seamless integration of the vernacular Italian architecture and the newer rationalist style so prevalent in the area. The town is a really quaint place to visit, and I would especially recommend taking the fun, but somewhat scary/cramped, "funicolare" to the top of the mountain for an amazing view! (See photo below) I can't wait to go back when I can actually wear a bathing suit.

The girls and I at the top of the mountain in Lake Como after riding the funicular