Still around

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Ok so i am sorry that i never really finished my last trip with an entry that summed everything up. The reason i never really finished is because i was extemely sick at the end of the world University Games, and although they were one of the greatest experiances i have ever had, by the end i was ready to come home, sleep in my own bed, and eat some bacteria free food. Now you all know that i have been living in Switzerland for just over a month, and there are many reasons why i have not posted a blog yet. some examples so you can better understand;
1) i knew i was going to be here for a while so i did not feel to much pressure to post everything right away. I guess when you have all the time in the world nothing ever really gets done.
2) i have not had internet at my home. since pictures are such a big part of the blog i did not want to simply describe everything while paying 5 CHF for every half an hour. even with the picture i am sorry to say you will not get the full effect of the sights of this place.
3) the pace of life here is just a bit slower than i am used to and to tell you the truth, its one of the things i am enjoying most. I feel as though im on summer vacation. we have practice for two hours everyday except wendsday and Sunday, with games Saturday nights. this adds up to about 10-12 hours of "work" that i must do each week. i have no homework and no tests to study for, so my biggest worry is what im going to cook for each meal. the Weather is getting colder but its clear most of the time so walks around the lake are almost a daily option.
These are just a few of the reasons i have not posted a blog but i have talked to most of you on a limited basis through email and family. i do have Skype which is a program that uses the interent as a phone and its free for the download. it only works on high speed internet connections but it is free and i would love to be able to speak to everyone from time to time esspecially around the holidays. i have posted some pictures of scenery around Lugano and just a few other things that i have been up to. soon to come will be a tour of my house through pictures and of course when anything interesting happens pictures will be sure to follow. just wanted you all to know that i will be using this again and things have been great thus far. thats it for now.

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Photos

Lake Lugano
This is what i get to look at as i walk to the gym on Tuesdays and Thursdays. the view is looking over down town Lugano and on the other side of the lake is and Italian town called Champione. The mountain to the right is San Salvador and out of the picture to the left is Mt. Brea.

My New Bed
Things were pretty interesting when we first got here. there are no closets and we had no furniture. all of my belongings were organized in neat piles on the floor for about two weeks. Thank goodness for Ikea.

The Lake Again
Lugano is a very well known tourist destination so it has many parks that are kept very pristine. this is one of my favorite look out points.

Side Street
One of the things that really surprised me was how much graffiti is all over the city. Switzerland really is as clean and nice as everyone says but no one ever told me that graffiti was so big.

On the Way to the Swiss Cup
We had a tournament in Laussanne, which ment a 4 and 1/2 hour bus ride. everyone is really nice on the team but getting them to pose for a picture can be difficult.

At the Swiss Cup
The next morning, after staying in a local Youth Hostle for the night, some of the guys were in better spirits and jumped right in.

Bummer
Although Lugano is full of stunning views this is what i get to look at from my window. I guess a crappy view is a small price to pay for having no responsibilities while living in Switzerland.