Getting To Know Lugano

First of all, it is soooo hot here! Hot and (h)umid, but it is a nice change from the cold summer California was having.  My apartment is 15 minutes from campus, so when we have to go to school we have to trek uphill to campus and by that time we are dripping sweat.  I think it will be interesting to live here when the weather is super hot one month and snowy and rainy two months later.  Should make for an interesting walk to campus, but I'm excited for it!

This is our campus! The palm trees are a bit weird 

The last couple days have been full of information about my college and the surrounding areas.  Yesterday we went on a walking tour of downtown Lugano.  It has so much character and a lot of Italian influences.  There is gelato and pizza around every corner.  One of the main grocery stores is called "Manor".  It is 6 stories tall, the first floor is grocery, the second is makeup, the third and fourth are clothes, the fifth is really expensive clothes, and the sixth is electronic stuff.  Downtown and the lake are a 7 minute walk from my apartment and the train station is right across the street which will be great for traveling! There is a pizzeria at the bottom floor of the apartment building and park around the corner I believe. There are 6 study abroad students in my dorm and the rest are juniors and seniors.  It is a perfect living situation so far!

The streets of Lugano!

Saturday I am going to Bellizona, Switzerland to visit Castles and Sunday we are hiking to waterfalls. I am looking forward to a fun weekend!

Pretty flowers!

Ciao!

XOXO