Blogs from Lugano, South-East, Switzerland, Europe

My mum and I had booked a journey on panoramic trains in Switzerland. We had started our trip in Basel, travelled to Chur, from there to St. Moritz on Glacier Express, and had spent a (rainy) day in St. Moritz. On Monday (28th of August), another rainy morning, the bus picked our travel group up before 9 and took us back to St. Moritz Station. From there, we caught Bernina Express, the train that runs from St. Moritz to Tirano in Italy. The train goes through Pontresina, where the electric current changes from alternating current to direct current (probably the only train in the world running on DC?), and then climbs up to Bernina Pass at an altitude of 2,253 metres ASL. Piz Bernina, the peak of the mountain, is 4,048 metres tall and the only ... read more

We arrive by car to Lugano, on our way we drive through one of the longest tunnels in the world. We are so impressed with the engineering that went into building this tunnel. Lots of moutains and waterfalls on the drive here. Lugano is a Italian speaking area. So we now say ciao (hello) and grazie (thank you). This area not only speaks Italian the architecture is more Italian than traditional Swiss architecture and the people look Italian. Lugano is located on Lake Lugano, Italy is only a stones throw away. We have rented an Airbnb two blocks from the lake. There is a heat wave going on and it is 95 when we arrive. The first thing we do when we arrive in a new city is grocery shop. Switzerland is the most expensive country ... read more

The end of our tour, and the beginning of our trip home. This is the last day in our Best of Italy Tour. Of course, ending in Switzerland technically isn't Italy, but the border has been very dynamic over the centuries, and it used to be at one time. Today was a free day for everyone. Some chose to take a train ride up into a quaint little village, and return. Others chose to hang around town, walk some more, shop some more, eat some more, walk still some more, and return to the hotel. For most of us who are not hanging around for the 'extended' version of the trip, are heading home tomorrow. So, while there is a Day 13, it is on a plane, starting at 6AM and as far as I can ... read more

This is our last day trip in this area. We used the car today to drive north about 45 min. And then south about 1 1/2 hrs. into the Italian part of Switzerland. Went on a boat to a small village on Lake Lugano named Gandria. We were here umty-ump years ago. Very interesting but difficult walking (you wouldn't have enjoyed that part Annie) we had lunch there to celebrate our 52nd wedding anniversary. Made it back by 7:45 before dark. Tomorrow is packing and cleaning day. We leave for the SW of Switzerland on Friday early as we are doing a little detour into Austria to stock up on some food goods and diesel for the car. (Much cheaper) Here are some images from the Italian part. Lowell... read more

Day 11 - Paradiso campsite, Lugano region, Switzerland After 10 days on the run, I have decided to stay another day in this picturesque part of south eastern Switzerland. Not to enjoy myself you know, but to carry out essential maintenance to the car, the paraffin lamp and cookers which have all failed. I have had to rely on the use of a new camping gas cooker and candles. Last night there was a clear sky and I can see the stars, so I decided to sleep Al-Fresco, no tent, just a sleeping bag on my luxurious wood-decked roof rack. Staring at the stars until I dozed off - what an experience!... read more