May 1st is a national holiday here in Switzerland (and also Italy). Last night Rick and I were trying to figure out what to do, since everything is closed. Weather predictions were 100% rain, but when we woke up early this morning, the clouds were breaking and we were seeing blue sky. We quickly ate breakfast and went out for a hike, since we didn't know how long it would last. Well, we were lucky today!!!!
We first walked down to the main river flowing through Lugano - the Cassarate, which of course was gushing and would make a good river rafting trip! We went all the way down to the mouth of the river into Lake Lugano. Then we headed through the main botanical park in Lugano - Parco Ciani, heading for downtown Lugano to have some cappuccino. It was such a beautiful morning, and since no one was working, it was so quiet! Fortunately by 9:30am we found a cafe just opening (only restaurants open on the holidays) along the lakefront and enjoyed our cappuccino.
The weather was surprisingly still beautiful, so after our coffee we hopped on a bus - the stop was right there, headed to Morcote. Morcote is an old, quaint town on a steep slope into Lake Lugano - further south, just across from Italy. There is a large section along the lake of medieval arcades which cover the sidewalk, where we knew there are several restaurants. It's a great place to have lunch - if it rains we are protected, yet still enjoying the outside.
After arriving, we first went hiking through the town, which is a maze of steps that wind up and down the slope, between many medieval stone homes. There are several churches along the way and we climbed to the church at the top. Again, the wisteria growing everywhere really added to the charm - and also the perfum of the town!
We had a relaxing lunch under the arcades - there were only a couple of brief showers. All in all the rain held out! After lunch we took a walk along the waterfront. This can be tricky at times because there is not a sidewalk in all areas because it is so narrow, and only 1 car can fit on the road. Cars passing each other is tricky. Because this is a flat road along the lakefront, on a holiday there were many cyclists enjoying the day.
A great day after all!!! I didn't think we would have such a nice day, and again I only had my iPhone, but it did come to the rescue in order for me to take this pictures. :-)
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| A canopy of trees along the walk next to the Cassarate River through Lugano. These walls hold the river in its place! |
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| Our walk through Parco Ciani |
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| A tranquil Lake Lugano from Parco Ciani |
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| Tucked between two homes - The Captain's Tower, from 1239! |
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| Beginning of the arcades in Morcote |
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| Climbing the steps in Morcote. Beautiful wisteria! |
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| View of the lake through the wisteria. On the far side of the lake is Porto Ceresio, Italy |
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| More wisteria on this path! Rooftops of old Morcote below. |
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| The church at the top! |
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| We also found this old church. On the right is it closed off - there are many old frescos inside. But interestingly, the stone on the left was probably like bleachers for the church! |
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| Narrow streets of Morcote |
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| Narrow passageways and little bridges. A perfect spot for a table and chairs outside. |
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| Looking back up at the churches |
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| Houses and boat houses along the lake in Morcote |
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| While waiting for the bus to go back to Lugano, we stopped and watched the kids playing soccer. Not a bad field! |
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