Sara is our new Sales Consultant here at Lakeside; like everyone else at Lakeside, she’s grown up on the lake, precisely in the region of Valle Intelvi, at just 20 minutes driving from the Lake shores, perfect for hiking lovers! We like to describe Sara as a real volcano: from the moment we met her, we realized she seems to be apparently very calm. But, hey: she is the most strongest soul we ever met! And we are sure you will love her as we do! Sara speaks fluently German, English, French and a bit of Russian.

In this section of our blog we have prepared for you a tit for tat where each member of our team - Sara, Elisa and Marco - tells about “their own lake”.

Here we are! Sara Giovannini, our new talent at Lakeside!

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE VILLAGE OF THE LAKE?

I can say without any doubt that my favorite village of Lake Como is Sala Comacina, which is the place where I live. I like to wake up every morning and take a look outside the window, where I can see the famous Isola Comacina. I’ve been living there for 3 years now, and I immediately fell in love with the cozy streets of the ancient part of the village and the relaxing little promenade at the lake, especially during summer evenings.
At night, the lake becomes magic and I love to loose myself in looking at the reflection of the moon on the water.

*Walking around the lake, you can easily recognize Sara: she is always reading a book overlooking the lake!*

YOUR NUMBER 1 RESTAURANT OR CLUB?

Undoubtedly the best restaurant in the area for me is “Al Boschetto”, which is located in Sorico, in the northern part of the lake. Here you can taste a good variety of local dishes, like the so famous “Risotto al Persico” and “Pizzoccheri” in addition to a great wines’ testing.

Typical “Pizzoccheri” dish | Photo crediti to Alpenfein

WHAT ABOUT YOUR I-CAN’T-LIVE-WITHOUT SPECIAL DISH OF THE LAKE?

I can say that without the typical dish “Polenta Uncia” I couldn’t survive! It is a dish made of corn flour, a lot of cheese and butter. It means a lot to me because I used to prepare it with my grandfather since I was a kid, so it is something which reminds me his memory and all the good time spent together.

IS THERE A SEASON AT LAKE COMO YOU PARTICULARLY LOVE?

Autumn is my favorite season at all because I like the colors of the leaves with their beautiful reflection on the water and the fact that the days get slowly colder and introduce the beauty of winter season. Moreover, my birthday is in September, so how could I prefer another season?

A SONG YOU LINK TO LAKE COMO?

What I will mention is a song which is not so common to link to Lake Como: Tender Surrender by Steve Vai. It’s an instrumental song which has both delicate and strong riffs which remind me the moods of the lake. To me, this song combined to Lake Como region, means a lot.

*Sara is a wild soul: she play in a Band, drive a 125 motorbike and has a pure love for traveling!*

3 PLACES/THINGS TO DO AT LAKE COMO YOU ABSOLUTELY RECOMMEND?

First of all, for the nature lovers, I can only recommend the famous greenway, which is a beautiful walking itinerary that crosses all the main villages of Tremezzina and allows you not only to have a breathtaking lake view, but also gives you the possibility to visit all the little and characteristics hamlets of the area.
Another nice walking itinerary can be done on the way up to Monte Generoso, which is in Valle Intelvi region. Once you’re on top, the view is nothing but terrific. Besides, with likely one step you cross the border and find yourself in Switzerland.
One thing that cannot be missed if you are in Lake Como at the end of June is the famous “Sagra di San Giovanni” which takes place in Sala Comacina. It is a beautiful firework event where the Comacina Island is completely surrounded by the fireworks and it is an event which is deeply felt both by the locals and tourists.

*Photo credit to: Ferrovia Monte Generoso SA*

YOUR “PLACE OF THE HEART”?

My place of the heart is Valle Intelvi, which is the place where I was born and grew up, so a lot of my memories of the heart are linked to this place. In addition, whenever I go there I can really feel myself.

*Valle Intelvi Panorama. Beautiful Pic of “Oltreilbalcone.com”*

THE BEST VILLA OF THE LAKE?

I think the best villa of the lake is "Villa Carlotta” in Tremezzo. I love it because for two specific reasons: the villa internally has plenty of beautiful rooms and ceilings, lot of original details which easily bring you back to the Past. On the other side, it is a rear gem when it comes to speak about the beauty of its botanical gardens, which during the spring becomes full of wonderful flowers.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL EVENT?

My favorite local event is the “Carnevale di Schignano”, which take place during the carnival season. Quite a very particular event, where people from all over the region meet all together to enjoy. If you ever go to the Carnevale di Schignano, be ready to see the beautiful, traditional wooden masks and be even more ready to be one of the protagonist of their funny jokes!

AN ADJECTIVE, A SCENT OR A SOUND THAT FOR YOU BEST REPRESENT LAKE COMO?

Musk is the first element that reminds me our lake: it can have different shades and smell, like the lake does.

The Very Best of Lake Como According To Sara, Our New International Sales Consultant