It's all Italiano in Lugano....

Lugano is BEAUTIFUL! We decided to come here on a whim after a suggestion from my friend, Maria (thanks Ria!!), and we’re so glad we did. Lugano had an immediate Italian feel along with all the glorious mountains and Swiss charm we’d seen since we arrived in Switzerland. Mountains and charm aside, Lugano was vastly different from the other cities we visited. It’s hard to believe that so much can change in such a short distance, but it was a warmer more bustling city and everyone was speaking Italian in loud, expressive voices. And here begins what will henceforth be affectionately known as our “Italian Blunders.” We did pretty well on our first night ordering our espresso and gelato. We began with “no parliamo l’italiano,” which started a humorous banter with the bartender who quipped back “anch’io” or “me too.” The next day was not as successful, however, as we stumbled through simple phrases trying not to intertwine the Spanish that still comes so naturally along with Italian. If you think about learning language like kids do, we would still be in the baby stage right now.

The next morning we woke up bright and early to get a train ticket to Milan. The Icelandic ash cloud had stifled travel considerably and we heard that the train to Milan would be difficult to catch. We decided quickly that we needed another full day in Lugano to relax and take a break from train travel. I’m so glad we did. Not only did we need the reprieve, but seeing the city was a lovely and a great transition into Italy. The first thing we did after the train station as go back to our hostel for a nap. When we woke up again the sun was bright in the sky and we were eager to get out and enjoy. Of course, the first thing we did was get some food (our favorite thing to do). We stopped at a little café ristorante for pizza, pasta, and wine and then nearly had to be rolled off the patio as we were so full and lethargic. From there we took a slow walk along the lakefront soaking in the warm sun, and then landed in the park for a couple of hours to read and rest. The park had beautiful spring flowers and really neat looking Dr. Seuss-like trees. We then toured around the city a bit more and then went back to the hostel.

In Lugano, we stayed at the Hostel Montarina, which was very conveniently located right behind the train station with a lovely view of the city and palm trees all around. However, being so close to the train station also meant that you heard the trains coming and going well into the night, not the best for light sleepers. It wasn’t the best in terms of security in my opinion. Although there were lockers to be used with only a 2 CHF deposit, the front door to the hostel lead right into our room of about 8 bunks and seemed to never lock, leaving it open for anyone off the street to walk in. The door from inside the hostel also didn’t lock. So, you can imagine how I felt at about 1:30 a.m. when the darkly dressed, 6 foot man came in the front door and looked around. I couldn’t see that his hat said “security” until he was about 3 feet away from my bed. I nearly crapped my pants. There were private rooms available with much better security, but also at a much higher price.

The time we spent in Lugano was just what we needed. But now, as we approach Italy (our final destination), the reality is sinking in that we are not on vacation rather that we are going to have to try and find work very soon. I am nervous and excited to get to Italy. I wish my Italian was better, maybe I can get up to the toddler level after about a month!