IL LONG WAY DOWN: CAPTAINS LOG - 36 hrs to go

I'm going to begin this post by bringing up the fact I have spent a good half hour writing it. That's right, I've already written down everything that's happened today, but my IPad decided to have a fit and boot me out of the Blogger app without saving ANY of it. @?!%*#.
Right, round 2 (must save it every few lines this time).
Ok, got up just before 9am and was at Gatwick airport by 11:30, so not bad going really.
Flight was good (I hate flying) and the views were spectacular. The captain made an announcement that in a few moments we would fly over Mont Blanc. Wow. Never seen anything like that before. Absolutely breath taking (see photos below)
The landing was good and as soon as I got off the plane, I knew England was a distant memory. Warmth!!!!
As soon as I got into Milan airport, I ran for the loo and headed straight out for a smoke. Once done, I got in a cab and headed to Milan Central train station. Mixed reviews here of when to buy your ticket. I paid less online, but when I showed the clerk my print out he looked at me like I'd just shown him a load of Hebrew algebra, so I ended up paying again. Word of advice, just wait til youre there to pay for your travel. In fact, had I been dishonest, I could have avoided paying at all. Obviously the jobless rate in Italy includes the entire Italian rail networks ticket inspectors. Anyway, I got to Como.
Wow, this place is @£&%*#^ beautiful! Everything is bright green covered, wonderful coloured plants and spectacular mountain views all round. I would definitely recommend staying here to anyone, my fiancée would love it here.
The walk from the station to the hotel was less than a mile, so decided to walk and explore on the way. Como isn't very big, but it packs a load. Very Italian. Everything you'd expect, and more. Fashion shops, alfresco dining/drinking, gorgeous weather.
I spent no more than 20 minutes checking in and being shown to my room as I was so desperate to come outside and enjoy the food, the wine and the atmosphere. I'm sat outside, having eaten a Chicken Milano Focaccia. Mmmm! (see picture)
It's very busy here, everyone looking for somewhere to eat, cars coming and going, scooters buzzing by all the time. It's great. Really makes you feel like you're on holiday, although I always ask myself when I do these crazy bike rides " Am I on holiday or on exercise?"
Either way, Rob, Robs Dad and myself are in for something unreal. I know this is going to be one heck of a trip and I can't wait...... Just so long as they turn up... Still not heard from them?!?!

Ciao!