Laglio Life
by Lena
930 Habitants, 2 Restaurants, 1 George Clooney …
If you ever find yourself in Laglio, Italy, you should definitely stay at Ca’Spiga.
It’s a beautiful place with the views of Lake Como and mountains, homemade breakfast, warm and hospitable hosts, that make you feel as their family.
I was lucky, the whole villa was basically my own for a week.
Awakened by the sun rays on my pillow, I would stretch on my huge antique bed, tiptoe barefoot to the window and soak up the morning sun…
Life in Laglio is very slow and relaxed. Small family shops, villas, beautiful scenery and a group of really angry swans. After breakfast I would walk all the way to the water, to the only somewhat public sunbathing spot in all Laglio.
Me and other travelers were forced to share this spot with a bunch of really angry and territorial swans. I thought, that throwing them some bread will get them into more friendly state, unfortunately for me, no amount of bread would make us all coexist peacefully on this spot under the sun.
So all of the people ( about 5 of us ) constantly had to fight them for our clothes and a few minutes of relaxation.
Swans were not the only distraction. Well, since this is Europe, not USA, I happily sun bathed topless. A group of Italian men would stand a few feet from me pretending not to look…
Ummm, no ladies, unfortunately, they didn’t look like that… They were much older and with much more body fat…
What was funny, is that they would call up their friends and tell them to come over, so in 20 minutes they doubled in number.
The fact that this little spot by the lake was easily seen from the road, every time there was someone on a bike, they for some reason just HAD to stop and walk to the water, with a “I’m just here for the nature” look in his eyes.
Laglio is very special though. It has a feel of untouched beauty about it.. savage almost. You can stroll for miles and explore villas, nature and taste absolutely delicious Italian food in one of their two existing restaurants.
And then of course, there’s George Clooney. Residents do know where he lives and always wink at you knowingly when you pass his villa with a “oh, I know why you’re here” look …
Basta!
The truth is, I wasn’t here for that… Worked with him once, then he was a jury of a festival in Los Angeles, where he voted for a film I acted in back in 2006 and then, we went to the same parties and awards for a few years, back in my Hollywood days. I came to Laglio, because it’s one of the most peaceful of all places near Como. And after my crazy journey through Italy, was ready for some peace. Laglio is perfect for that. Very similar to Cori.
All of the sudden on one of my several mile walks it starts to rain like crazy. Quickly hid my camera and ran as fast as I could back to my villa. Seemed like my only company were thunder and lightning. My white tank top, that was being worn bra less (naturally), was soaked. Was kinda glad that there were no men around at this point… I picked up the speed, laughing from the fact that my drenched skirt was sticking to my body, making it hard to run faster… and here, looking like a total mess, I ran by “The Villa” …
And as I’m running by it, noticed that the gates were opening… a few seconds later, saw a motorcycle in the distance that was turning to the entrance of George’s villa… with laughter, soaked through hair and barely there clothes, I make an eye contact with him…
At that very moment a very famous smirk was now facing my direction…
I continued to run in the direction of my villa in attempt to save my camera and lenses.
In a few weeks, noticed one of the main news on yahoo was that George split with yet another one of his beauties.
Mr. Bond thinks it’s my fault…
“This is what happens when you forget your bra at home”
~
Wishing all of you a fantastic New Year’s from New York City. I hope that 2014 will bring health, happiness, prosperity and peace, to you and your loved ones. 2013 wasn’t an easy year, it had its challenges, tragedies, bad health and mistakes. But it also brought me joy, love, new friendships, understanding and hope… and those are the things worth to be taken with me into 2014. All the others can stay in this year. Dear 2013, thank you for all the blessings and all the lessons…
Excelsior!
love,
Lena
Christmas 2013 in New York
___________________________
The woman behind the words …
I look forward to your postings. The way you write cheers me. The photos you take are never ordinary. You inspire me.
May 2014 bring to you all that you desire.
Ok so I gotta say I LOVE your sandals. And your post. Looks a marvelous place. Thanks for sharing it.
May you have a year full of light.
Amusing post – life is always full of lessons, if we choose to learn from them, rain or shine! Bonne annee!
LOL! Cute story. Gorgeous photos. Happy new year – hope it’s an absolutely fabulous year for you!!
Reblogged this on thisoldtoad.
Lena, I love your outlook, your ability to laugh even when rain pours unexpectedly! Of course, George Clooney is a huge plus. 😉
Oh, to run laughing in the rain! Those were the days – although I can’t do that without a bra these days though – I can’t even fill one haha!
Loved your post and your pictures. Laglio is now on my bucket list. George who?
I always enjoy your posts. Love from Trinidad and Tobago.
Very interesting read! 🙂 Thanks for sharing and happy holidays!
PS- happiest new year… May this year be blessed with many new adventures. 🙂
Amazing, as always.
Have a wonderful New Year…best wishes!
Oh, Elena, you are such a character, and I mean that with open heart and a laugh. You are SO different and unique and boy do I ever Love the way you entertain. Giving us music to listen to while you tell your tale. I laughed so hard thinking about those men eyeing you as you sunbathed. Too funny. Men will be men, no matter what age!
Bless you, and your 2014! May your health issues diminish, and may your JOY increase. Every time I read one of your stories, I am fascinated and right there with you. Thank you for being you! So free and light at heart.
You truly are an inspiration. You are giving me lots of ideas for my “next Life”. LOL
Big (((HUGS))),
Amy
thank you so much.
happy new year!
xo
Lena, do you have any adventure in Naples. It is one of my favorite large Italian cities.
Chiley
I love your descriptive writing! Happy New Year! 🙂
Looking good, as ever. .
Laglio sounds magical — thanks for your lovely post and pictures!
*chuckle*……Yes, that would be fun (George Clooney not the old gawking geezers haha) 🙂
Funny story. Alluring place. Thanks for the past year of your informative, fun and fascinating posts. Wishing you a Happy New Year, where ever you may be. Marty
Happy New Year, from New York, Marty! )
[…] * Lived in a villa next to George Clooney in Laglio, Como. […]
I don’t typically write one word comments, but I’ll make exception here.. “*Legs!!*” :).
))
Beautiful photos!
I havent had a chance to visit Laglio while i was visiting Italy this October but I visited Bellagio that has as well stunning views of Como Lake and mountains.
tried to get to Bellagio, but it didn’t happen. next time.
Laglio sounds beautiful and like a place I need to visit. I will be adding it to my list.
Ha. Nothing ever wrong with leaving the bra. 🙂 It really can rain around Lake Como, can’t it? I once got caught in a similar shower. The trail quickly turned into a waterfall.
it was crazy ))
A great post, interesting to read!
I wish you a Happy New Year!
Hahahaha Laglio sounds like a heavenly spot! I must include it on my list of places to visit. Enjoy the rest of your stay.
Hey, life could be worse. Thanks for sharing.
A very funny and interesting blog post Elena. I am going to add Laglio to my list of places to travel. Take care my friend and also have a great New year when it happens. Cheers.
Have a wonderful Holiday and Happy New Year!