2016 AW F80 M3: My Amazing European Delivery Story - Journal Complete 05/17/16

[phatr1s]

Awesome pics!!!

[Clark_Kent]

Very impressive and well documented. This is one of the better ED threads I've seen. I really enjoyed looking through your photos. Looks like you and the family had an unforgettable time.

[TiresOnFire]

Well done. Thanks for sharing!

[///M///]

continuing.............

Day 9, 10 and 11 - Train to Monterosso (Cinque Terre) and then to Vernazza (Cinque Terre)

We woke early next morning and I was feeling better with the fever down to 99F. Got to Milan Central station just in time for the train. The train ride was really comfortable and we were at Monterosso in 3hrs.

Cinque Terre is a string of really old seaside villages on the rugged Italian coastline. It is known for it's 5 main towns and each of these towns consist of these really colorful houses and ancient vineyards. The region is also very well know for it's Pesto We chose to stay in one of the main towns called Vernazza which is a stop away from Monterosso which is the north-most village. In the 2 full days that we spent there, we visited Monterosso and Corniglia and spent the most time in Vernazza, the village we were staying in. The whole area was very very touristy but still very enjoyable. We stayed at a AirBnb house close to the water. It had 2 tiny bedrooms and one kitchen and bath but was very well kept and clean. We spent most of our time just walking around through different narrow alleyways leading up to some interesting places. There was gelato and Cafe's almost every 20 steps, food was pretty good and the overall place felt very vibrant and alive.

Onto the pictures now.............

Train into Monterosso







Vernazza




















































TRUE DAT!




This green contraption is the validation machine. On the italian regional trains even if you have bought the tickets, they are not valid unless you swipe it though this machine. It basically time stamps it.
































































































































































































































Train back to Milan





Next up - Lake Como

[mntbiker]

This is amazing!! Looks like an awesome trip so far. I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of it. These journals are invaluable for planning my first ED. Thanks for taking the time to document it all.

[F80N215]

I know we were both over there doing ED at the same time, but this is absolutely EPIC dude. I finally started to filter my pics this weekend and this is making not want to even post them Great job, way to represent PA

[///M///]

Originally Posted by F80N215

I know we were both over there doing ED at the same time, but this is absolutely EPIC dude. I finally started to filter my pics this weekend and this is making not want to even post them Great job, way to represent PA

Thanks man. Please do post your photos as well. It is never enough

[croutons]

Amazing pictures! Thank you!

[CntryClub007]

Having lived in Munich and done the ED process before we left, along with the places you've visited so far, it brought back some great memories of our time in Europe. Looks like you have thoroughly enjoyed it, awesome!!

[///M///]

Sorry guys, traveling for work so haven't had time for the final two posts. Probably later this week

[Niko ZV]

Could I see a picture of the engraving on your keys? Also did I miss what the HK gift was in the white bag at the welt? What was that? How does your watch look? My web sucks right now

[///M///]

Originally Posted by Nikolai Roskov

Could I see a picture of the engraving on your keys? Also did I miss what the HK gift was in the white bag at the welt? What was that? How does your watch look? My web sucks right now

Will post all of it when I get home later this week.

[Niko ZV]

Originally Posted by dsm918

Will post all of it when I get home later this week.

Sounds good. Thanks for sharing!!

[m3doc]

Awesome photos!! I just picked up my M4 last Thursday in Munich and have been enjoying Europe for the past week. I'm actually in Cinque Terre right now, and your pics look like a replay of my day today... even down to the curly blond lady in the pizza shop.

Can't wait to see the rest of your pics!

[EmE90]

I'm really enjoying your post. I'd sworn off buying a new vehicle ever again, but your ED post is causing me to definitely reconsider. Beautiful photos and thank you for sharing the description. I'd love to travel back to Europe and show my wife and son some of the places I've been fortunate to see.
Cheers and enjoy the car!

[///M///]

Day 12 and 13 - Lake Como

So got up on Day 12, got a nice relaxing breakfast in Vernazza and then boarded the train to Milan for a 3 hour journey. Train ride was smooth and we got into Milan on time. Took the tram to the garage where the M was parked. Inspected the M and everything was intact . I thanked the owner of the garage and we were on our way to Como. The drive out of Milan was a little challenging more so because I was trying to stay out of the ZTL zone and the GPS insisted I go through it Still not sure if I accidentally went into it or not. Guess I will find out later Got into Como in the evening and headed straight to the town of Argegno which is Southwest of the popular towns of Bellagio and Varenna. We decided to stay here because the amazing AirBnb accommodation we got. It was penthouse facing Lake Como with amazing views. You will see why we liked this place when you see the pictures below The other plus of staying here was that right at the bottom of the house was the dock for the ferry which connected to all the popular towns on the lake. We basically settled into the place and got dinner in Argegno that night.

AirBnb Home with Amazing Views

























Parking for the M - They ahd private underground parking but it was so tight that I decided to park it outdoors










Can keep an eye on the M from the bedroom










Day 13 - Exploring Como

Got up reasonable early at 7 AM and what an amazing Amazing view from the bedroom. Made some tea and enjoyed it on the awesome terrace with the wonderful view of the lake







The ferry runs about every 45 minutes so we got ready and headed down to the street next to the dock. Stopped to get a quick pastry and cappuccino for breakfast at this small cafe on the same street.

Trail down to the main street






















Cafe on the street. LOL! I didn't try that cocktail given that it was so early in the day. LOL!








Hopped on the ferry to head for Bellagio.














































Villa del Balbianello



















We didn't know what to expect and when got into Bellagio it was pretty damn amazing. Looked very upscale and was filled with tourists and shopping. My favorite thing about Bellagio were these neat little streets that you think was only for pedestrians but then you see some nice cars coming through as well . Thought about getting my M through here but never got to that. We spent half the day in bellagio and then took the ferry to Varenna.

Bellagio

























Varenna was the total opposite of Bellagio. It was a quaint little town with soem really nice walking trails along the lake and very much quiter than the neighboring town of Bellagio. I could not pick which I liked better between the two because they are so different. I would recommend visiting both places if you were in the area. After spending a couple of hours in Varenna we headed back to Bellagio to get a late lunch.

Varenna





































It was around 5:45 by the time we left Bellagio so we decided to Skip Mennagio and headed back to Argegno. The evening was spent just relaxing and later we got dinner in Argegno itself.










Amazing view at night






That was it for Lake Como. Next up is final leg of the trip - Swiss Alps and Drop off in Zurich So interesting stories to share regarding the drop off



to be continued.......................

[///M///]

Originally Posted by Nikolai Roskov

Could I see a picture of the engraving on your keys? Also did I miss what the HK gift was in the white bag at the welt? What was that? How does your watch look? My web sucks right now

http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1179585

[OneRib]

Great job keeping up with these posts. Lots of pictures to deal with. I will say that parking job in Argegno is a little sketchy. Stay within the lines.

[Niko ZV]

Cool enough. Awesome post. Really enjoying your write up and pictures.

[///M///]

Originally Posted by OneRib

Great job keeping up with these posts. Lots of pictures to deal with. I will say that parking job in Argegno is a little sketchy. Stay within the lines.

The black car started it all. I just followed. Didn't have a choice but to park parallel to them

[OneRib]

Originally Posted by dsm918

The black car started it all. I just followed. Didn't have a choice but to park parallel to them

OK you're forgiven.

[Irishsig]

Wow never get tired reading these ED threads, very cool looking trip.
I have to live vicariously through you guys.