April 18-19 Dinners with great friends

April 18 was another beautiful day in Lugano. It was a perfect temperature, although the skies were not clear - just a hazy sunshine. Rick and I walked downtown so I could shop a bit - I needed some shorts for hiking. Now, why I didn't bring any - I can't figure that one out! This weekend is "AutoNassa" in Lugano. There is a famous shopping street called Via Nassa, and on this street but also in all the piazzas there is a car show. Every fancy car is on display -kind of like the Chicago auto show, but much more scenic!

In the evening we took the train to Mendrisio, which is the main town north of Chiasso - which is on the border of Switzerland and Italy. We were invited to dinner at the Fasol's. Signor Fasol was the director of the school where Rick taught 8 years ago. We enjoyed an aperativo with Rino and Manuela - it was absolutely a dreamy evening outside. They are always so nice to us and we truly appreciate their friendship!

April 19 - It was supposed to rain all day, but the rain held out until evening. Earlier in the day Rick and I were walking to the grocery store when we ran into my friend Sara. We had a cappuccino together before doing our shopping! In the afternoon I discovered new old pathways through the town, which lead to new trails in the mountains. I can't wait to further explore them!

My friend Patrick, from my French club back in Illinois, was going to be passing through Lugano late this afternoon. He was in Milan for work and was driving back to France. He finally made it here - right in the middle of a fierce thunderstorm! Rick had to go to football practice, so Patrick and I went across the street to the Pizzeria del Sole to enjoy great pizza before he had to get back on the road. Thank you Patrick for taking the time to stop by! So fun!!!!

Cool mushrooms and moss during my hike today.

My friend Patrick ready to dig in to his pizza!!