100 francs short, soaked...and is that snow on the mountains???

After returning from Zurich, the last day of my break, I had a great idea to get a manicure and pedicure, since usually places are closed when we try to go. Luckily, I was able to make an appointment, since walking in is out of the question here. They say "Doppo?" meaning right now...? and look at you like you are crazy. Since it was pouring and I have no car and there is no bus near the place, I had no choice but to walk in the rain. On the way there, it wasn't too bad, but the way home, when what looked like a river was running down the path I was walking on, it wasn't so good. The only part about this experience that was similar to home, was the fact that she barely spoke English. Instead of Vietnamese, she was big surprise... Italian. Instead of the place being filled with Americans, it was JUST me. The worst part was instead of it being cheap maybe 35 bucks, it was 100 francs, pretty much 100 dollars. And this was not the complete manicure you're thinking. No long soaking, no 15 minute massage, no huge selection of colors to choose from.  From this frustrating experience, I learned that I need to keep looking and appreciate what we have at home!  Thursday we went back to school, and on the way walking home noticed that while it has been raining non stop here, it has obviously been snowing a lot in the mountains.  The alps surrounding Lugano are covered with snow!  Good for the ski trip we'll be taking!  We're keeping our fingers crossed that the temperature doesn't drop low enough here.  Happy Halloween by the way!  I've pretty much skipped the entire holiday, except for Sally and I making Halloween cupcakes and goodie bags for our students.  Hmm, guess I'm not missing too much.  Some TASIS teachers are having a Halloween party this weekend and I'm sure some will feel the need to dress up.  I also get to FINALLY move into my new apartment.  It has two bedrooms, so get your tickets to come visit!