Lake Garda: Espresso, Castles, Chaos

A week at Lake Garda was exactly what was needed. It was not perfect, but even the hiccups turned into good stories once the stress passed.

Weather

The weather cooperated. Most days were comfortably warm, with a couple of heavy downpours and one thunderstorm that had the kids counting seconds between lightning and thunder.

Kids being kids

The best part was watching normally screen focused children switch to pebbles, wakes, and late nights with gelato stained t shirts. Friendships formed quickly and the group energy carried the week.

The rental car

The hire car was a low point. A smaller model arrived than booked, the air conditioning failed in summer heat, and the satnav did not work. Navigating narrow mountain roads while a phone overheated on the dashboard was not fun, but it was instructive.

Sirmione

Castle day was a highlight. The climb to the top was a workout, but the view over the lake made everyone forget the complaints for a minute. It was a clear we are not in Harlow moment.

Ferry day

Driving around the lake proved slow, so day passes for the ferry were the best purchase of the trip at about €41. A smaller group went for this one, just three of us, and the time on the water delivered exactly what was needed: wind, mountains in every direction, and a calmer pace.

Desenzano surprise

Desenzano del Garda turned into a favourite stop. An art shop created a minimalist family portrait from just our eyes that somehow worked. It is going on the wall when it arrives.

Eurocamp routine

Eurocamp was more than a bed. Multiple pools kept the kids happy after hot days. A small daily ritual emerged too. The reception coffee shop became the morning destination, with a quick ride on the dotto train for an espresso before the day started. By midweek the barista knew the order.

Evenings brought quiz nights, a local band that was better than expected, and a magic show that actually held attention. With everything on site, it was easy to mix downtime by the pool with small adventures.

Food and coffee

The pizza near camp was memorable, especially a diavola from a wood fired oven. Espresso exceeded expectations even with high standards set long ago while working at Starbucks. The routine became coffee, pizza, gelato, repeat, and it was worth it. The kids tried more than usual and fresh lake fish won them over.

Coming home

The last day brought the usual fantasies about staying forever, but reality won. The trip did what it needed to do. Everyone came back fresher and more connected, with a short checklist for next time: check the rental car contract more carefully and bring a backup GPS.

P.S. Espresso at home is fine, but it is not the same.