Author Archives: comocompanion

About comocompanion

I am an Englishman in Como, Northern Italy - definitely both a Euro and Italophile with an interest in modern history, walks in the hills and mountains, and food and wine. I favour 'slow' tourism alongside of 'slow' food.

San Donato to Camnago Volta: Opening up a Circular Route to and from Como

Posted on May 3, 2018 by comocompanion

The recent opening up of a section of footpath from Garzola to Camnago now makes it possible to follow a circular route taking in the Sanctuary of San Donato and the Cosia Valley. Continue reading →

Posted in Itineraries, People, Places of interest, Uncategorized, Walks | Tagged Alessandro Volta, Brunate, Camnago, Garzola, Pila, Sentiero dei Sogni, Volta, Walks | Leave a comment

‘Como Antifascista’ – Then and Now

Posted on April 25, 2018 by comocompanion

‘Como Antifascista’ – Then and Now. How Como’s workers helped defeat nazifascism in Italy, in celebration of April 25th 1945 – Liberation Day 2018. Continue reading →

Posted in Events, History, People, Politics, Uncategorized | Tagged ANPI, antifascism, CLN, Gianna, Liberation Day, Mussolini, Neri, partisans, PCI, Schuster, strikes, war | Leave a comment

Going Slow on Lake Como

Posted on April 19, 2018 by comocompanion

What is Slow Tourism and what are some of its options on Lake Como – in support of AMADO’s initiative Primavera di Mobilita Dolce. Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Food, History, Itineraries, Lake, Sustainability, Uncategorized, Walks | Tagged camminacitta, iubilantes, Judith Wade, mobilita dolce, Ossuccio, sacro monte, slow tourism, Sustainability, tourism | Leave a comment

Ester Negretti One Year On – With Menaggio in Mind

Posted on March 26, 2018 by comocompanion

Ester Negretti One Year On – With Menaggio in Mind. An interview with Ester to appreciate how her art has developed over the last 18 months. Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Culture, Events, Lake, People, Uncategorized | Tagged Art, Artist, Como, ester negretti, Lake Como, landscape, Menaggio, mixed media, sculpture, Via Borgo Vico | Leave a comment

Como’s Ines Figini, Auschwitz Survivor – A Celebration for International Women’s Day

Posted on March 4, 2018 by comocompanion

Ines was a young girl working in Como’s largest silk factory when she took part in a strike that led to her deportation as a slave in Germany’s labour camps. This is a summary of her story for International Women’s Day. Continue reading →

Posted in Events, History, People, silk, Uncategorized | Tagged Auschwitz, Birkenau, holocaust, Ines Figini, Mauthausen, Paolo Porta, Politics, Ravensbruck, strikes, Tintoria Comense, Umberto Walter | Leave a comment

Lords and Ladies of Misrule at Schignano

Posted on February 14, 2018 by comocompanion

Schignano Carnival is unique, anarchic and genuine with a cast of characters that make it true street theatre. Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Culture, Events, Folklore, Itineraries, Lake, Uncategorized | Tagged Argegno, artisans, Brut, carnival, Folklore, Mascarun, masks, Schignano, wood carving | Leave a comment

Fables, Legends and Folklore: The 3 Days of the Blackbird

Posted on February 2, 2018 by comocompanion

What is the meaning and origin of ‘i giorni della merla’ – the 3 days of the blackbird. Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Folklore, History, Uncategorized | Tagged blackbirds, Cremona, legends, Lodi, lombardy, Merla, milan, weather, winter | Leave a comment

Heroism and Disaster in the Vallassina – Holocaust Memorial Day, January 27th

Posted on January 24, 2018 by comocompanion

As a memorial to the millions of victims of the Holocaust I would like to recall the act of a young priest in Sormano who guided a party of 16 Jewish refugees to safety in Switzerland and set an altruistic example to his parishioners. Continue reading →