August 3

Day 121 Lugano by train

Day 120 Airolo to Faido
Day 122 Faido to Biasca

After the super strolls of the last three days we felt that we needed a day in which to laze about and also to do some of the less interesting tasks which a stroller’s life makes necessary. Both Janet and I visited Lugano when we were very young and have intended to visit, in order to walk down memory lane, but have somehow never managed it. I was a little put off Lugano when I read that mega rich Italians had sought financial refuge here and that it was a bit like Monaco now.

We travelled by train this morning and were particularly looking forward to the spirals that the train must do in the tunnels in order to lose height. We weren’t disappointed as we were able to see the same view twice as the train popped out of a tunnel mouth much lower down.

On arrival in Lugano our first need was a laundrette and, as Janet had spotted one on Google, we headed straight for it with great eagerness. We toiled up the hill in the heat and eventually found it. Curses and despair when we realised that the blighter was closed. The next move was to find the tourist office in order to find another laundrette. The assistant told us that there were no laundrettes in Lugano only dry cleaning places. If Lugano is like Monaco then I suppose we should have expected this and brought our household staff along as well.

No laundrrette
No laundrette in Lugano

We have really noticed the heat here after the relative coolness of the high mountains which have been our home lately. We are looking forward to returning to the mountains tomorrow to continue strolling to Italy. In the meantime we have found a beer cooler in the bathroom so we can refresh ourselves.

Beer cooler
Beer cooler

Returning to an earlier theme of the jolly Swiss character I spotted eggs with the Swiss flag emblazoned on them in a supermarket.

Swiss eggs
Swiss eggs

We have done nothing of interest today just dozed, eaten ice cream, been for a ride on the funicular railway and hand washed our small clothes. We are now ready for tomorrow and more super strolling.

Lugano
Lugano

 

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Day 120 Airolo to Faido
Day 122 Faido to Biasca


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Posted August 3, 2012 by mike in category "Days of rest", "Strolling in Switzerland

8 COMMENTS :

    1. By mike (Post author) on

      It isn’t the mind which boggles in this case!

      Reply
  1. By Becky on

    Even were I to like beer, I don’t think I’d want some from Mike’s stash

    Reply
    1. By mike (Post author) on

      The containers are watertight so no chance of contamination

      Reply
  2. By Sue Jells on

    Twenty-four hours later one wonders how things have proceeded – beer and bidet -wise. Any news?:-D

    Reply

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