In the sixties and seventies the Swiss shore was a meeting place for artists and the rich. The money is still there, but got older. Where hip galleries used to be now you encounter expensive pharmacies. But the azure coloured lake, Riviera-like shores and surrounding valleys never lost their attractiveness. The largest part of the lake is in Italy and nothing has changed there. The beauty of its islands like Isola Bella is timeless. Lakeside resort Stresa still dreams of the return of its belle epoque. And subtropical botanical gardens, hidden monasteries and proud castles dot the shores as they did before.
[SWITZER.TICINO 01379] 'Pool of a 'Lebenserotiker', Brissago Island.'
The larger of the two Brissago Islands was until 1949 in the hands of the Max Emden, owner of a German chain of department stores. When 60 he decided to become a 'Lebenserotiker' as a way of retirement. The female beauties, gamboling about naked on his island, caused a stir regularly. His favorite passtime was sitting in his rocking chair at this pool, throwing coins in the water and looking at the ladies diving after them. Photo Paul Smit.
[SWITZER.TICINO 01379] 'Pool of a 'Lebenserotiker', Brissago Island.'
The larger of the two Brissago Islands was until 1949 in the hands of the Max Emden, owner of a German chain of department stores. When 60 he decided to become a 'Lebenserotiker' as a way of retirement. The female beauties, gamboling about naked on his island, caused a stir regularly. His favorite passtime was sitting in his rocking chair at this pool, throwing coins in the water and looking at the ladies diving after them. Photo Paul Smit.
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