Sometimes I just enjoy things so much I want to share them. European traditional market days are some of my favorite travel days. Whether it is a giant flea market or small stalls, I am all in! So it was a delight to take my brother and two of my sister in laws on a market day adventure!

We bought pants and coats. Hand made florentine leather purses came with a discount because we bought three! We scoured messy accessory bins and perused Milan runway styles. When one sister in law wanted a scarf, I paid. She then handed it to our other sister in law to put in our shared market bag. I had already moved on before my sister in law put it in the bag. The vendor saw her bag the scarf. He hadn’t sold anything to her and thought she was stealing. He began yelling. She froze and just kept repeating “my family bought”. Eventually I realized what was happening and came back and waved to the seller. When he saw me he calmed down. It was a bit of excitement.

When our bags were full and our pocketbooks had enough, we caught a ferry to Isola Bella. I love the house and gardens and couldn’t wait to share the experience.

On our way, we took a boat to Isola Superiore or Fisherman’s Island. We lunched at Ara 36. They make fresh bread and pasta every day. The waiter is friendly and the prices are right. We had a great family meal.

Eventually we made our way to Isola Bella. This was our second time through the Borromeo Palace and I noticed many things that weren’t obvious the first time. It was much less crowded and the pace more relaxed.

The gardens were also different in the few weeks since we visited. The trees were turning vibrant colors and the fall flowers were now in bloom. The lily pads were still colorful and the same molting white peacock pranced among the visitors.

My husband found a seat at a cafe, while we wandered and took photos. Gardens are not his thing. But they are my favorite places. The tiered gardens and its many statues are beyond incredible. I don’t know if I could ever get enough of the views.

My brother, unfortunately had pressing business which required the internet at our house, so we took the first ferry back so he could head to the house. We thought ahead and brought separate cars so my husband now played chauffeur to the three ladies. Despite shopping half the day, we decided to shop some more so we could find the perfect gifts for those at home.

We walked down quiet lanes and peaked in shops. We looked for a pipe for my youngest brother (who couldn’t come with us) but had no luck. We chatted with shopkeepers and other tourists. Part of the fun of travel is the constant multilingual exchange.

We got a laugh when my sister in law couldn’t figure out how to get in the car. It had a tiny handle on the upper door near the window. She didn’t see it and stood by my window wondering why I wouldn’t let her in through the front door. I watched and wondered why she wasn’t getting in the back seat. Finally she said, “aren’t you going to let me in?” I looked at my lap and said, “where would you go up here?” But eventually we all made into our tiny car and headed home.

We finally tore my brother away from his many business calls and found a local restaurant that came highly recommended. La Rapanello had local fish and pasta made from scratch. I had the saffron risotto with hazelnuts. Heavenly goodness. My brother ordered it only so I could have the dish, because the minimum number needed to order was two. It is good to share things you love with the ones you love. We laughed as the candlelight and fire glow provided a lovely backdrop to close out another full day.