March 21, 2017 Back in Lugano!!!

We have made is safely to Lugano! We arrived yesterday, and instead of the usual connection flight from Zurich to Lugano, we decided to take the train connection. This is very convenient in Switzerland, since there is a train station right at the airport.

Everything went smooth... after picking up our luggage, we first went to the shopping mall at the airport (an all public area and just a few steps from check-in, baggage, etc.) At the Sunrise store (cell phone service), we each got new sim cards for our iPhones. I was lucky enough to get the same Swiss phone number I've had for years (I let is lapse last year and almost lost it) and Rick got almost his same number except for one digit. I really wish it were this easy in the US. For $20 each we get a Swiss phone number with $20 worth of data or calling. It's very inexpensive and worth changing to a new number while here.

After the Sunrise store we went to the train station where we renewed our one year 1/2 price subscriptions. For the time we are staying, it's worth it to buy the entire year subscription. Then, just a few steps to the next departing train for Zurich. This trip takes only 10 minutes, where we had to change to a direct to Lugano train. This was the only negative about taking the train with heavy luggage for our 2-3 month stay, but all worked out well. Oh, and as we left the ticket counter, the agent handed us a chocolate bar. Do we LOVE Switzerland or what???!!

Our Swiss train chocolate bar!

We have taken this trip between Zurich and Lugano many times, but this was our first time through the new San Gottardo Base Tunnel, a tunnel that runs much deeper under the Alps and cuts off 30 minutes of the trip. Timewise this is nice, but unfortunately the most beautiful view of Switzerland is turned into pitch blackness. It was a very eery feeling, knowing we were so, so far deep under the earth! Everything was very smooth with no ear pressure or weird sensation.

Today, our first full day after a good night's rest, we walked down to Lugano. It was a very foggy day. I know how beautiful the area is, but I feel sorry for the tour buses that stop for just one day and those tourists miss just how spectacular this magical place on earth is.

We noticed some changes after our 2 year absence. A smaller Manor grocery store that wasn't too far from us has closed. Luckily the main store downtown is open and thriving. A few other stores have changed also - I look forward to seeing the new ones! Also, one thing I always struggle with is trying to be right with the fashion styles here. I'm always "off".  Sometimes it's hard to tell if the fashion begins in Europe and moves to the USA or vice versa. I've seen it both ways. A few years ago I wanted to buy short tan boots in the US. I had to search like crazy for what I wanted. Then we came to Lugano and they were everywhere. Later I saw them everywhere in the US. Two and three years ago, I was wearing leggings with longer tops here. No one else was. :-(  Now, I'm seeing that everywhere here. Unfortunately I left all of mine but one home this time! At least I only brought tight, straight-leg jeans, which will work also. Phew!

Rick and I feel so fortunate to be back at our "second home".