There's lots of exciting little bits of news from Stresa in these days. Today let's take a look at singers, silver, and steamy snacks:

We hear that the singer Madonna will be spending some time in Stresa this month. Just like me, it seems she wants to buy a house here. Rumor has it that she is considering a large villa, directly on the lake, previously owned by Gianfranco Ferré. The 18th century mansion is said to be in need of some renovation but sits in a lovely private park and has two private beaches. I'm guessing, and hoping, that my own little dream house down the road in Meina, still for sale, is not on her list. We can be neighbors though...



Last week, at the ceremony held in Cervio, Stresa was awarded a silver medal from the Entente Florale competition judges in the contest for the most beautiful floral cities in Europe. While we certainly would have loved the gold, this is the second year in a row that Stresa has entered the competition in the "Village" category, and the second year that it has come away with a "4 fiori", four flowers, level, the very highest awarded to any city in Italy. Congratulations Stresa, and to all the Stresiani, young and old, who planted and tended to make this possible. We never needed an official award to know that Stresa is beautiful, but it is an honor nonetheless.


Inevitable each year in these first days of autumn, the wild chestnuts in abundance all over Italy. And also as expected, the volunteer fire department of Stresa is, as has become their tradition, preparing roasted chestnuts along the lakefront. This next Sunday, October 10, they will be providing chestnuts hot and smoked for all. Come and enjoy!