Como, Cernobbio, Bellagio and then off to Zurich

My mom and I had one day in Lugano to explore the area. There were definitely a lot of choices, but we decided to head south and hang out in Italy, Como specifically. We have both been before, but haven't spent much time checking out the other lake towns. We drove to Como only taking a small detour, after taking the second exit instead of the first. One major difference that I think I've mentioned before is the difference in road upkeep and signage. Switzerland runs circles around Italy in this department, as you can probably imagine. Our first ferry ride, was from Como to Cernobbio, the home of Villa de Este. After scouting out the small town and taking a coffee break we headed to our next destination...longer train ride this time to Bellagio. By the way, one of my students lives in Cernobbio. Just to give an idea of how close it really is to Lugano. They do take a taxi to school everyday and have to leave pretty early, but it's completely normal for many of the students to live in Italy and go to school in Switzerland. We reached Bellagio and enjoyed lunch at a nearby cafe and then stopped in for some gelato while strolling around. My mom made the mistake of accidentally ordering only meringue. When the lady asked if she wanted another flavor with it, I think we should have taken that as a hint. When she started enjoying the gelato, or meringue it was complete sugar. I described it as feeling like you were eating straight cool whip...things could be worse. After relaxing over an espresso and sightseeing, we decided to try to catch the "fast ferry" back to Como, only an hour. Right when we were about to board the boat we realized we needed to upgrade in order to take the fast ferry. Of course by the time we were able to stand in line and interupt the ticket man from his cigarette break, the boat left. Then we were ready to board the next boat, that someone told us was the one to Como, as we heard the crew saying, "no, Como, no, Como." So then we waited...for a bit, for the next fast ferry and had time to change our tickets. It wasn't a bad wait, watching the activities on the lake and the rays of lights from the sun shine through the clouds. On the way home, we only made one little detour and went past the autostrada into a small mountain town. It was only a slight diversion and we were heading back in the right direction in no time. That night my mom and I went to one of my student's homes for dinner, an American family that has lived in Lugano for the last 2 years. They live in a area called Catemario, a large hill that overlooks another town called Agno (actually where the airport is). From their home, they have the most amazing view of the entire lake and surrounding area. It is quite a curvy road up, but it was well worth it for a home cooked meal. Even with my mom driving it took about 15 minutes up the hill. We had a great dinner and loved hearing about their recent trip to Thailand. It was also great for my mom to meet a student of mine and see what their life is like here. Thanks Glasers! It was also great to hear more about their experience living in Hong Kong for 9 years. They are trying to convince me to apply for a job at the Hong Kong International School, supposedly it's REALLY one of the best! We'll see...
Thursday we left the rain in Lugano...happily for Zurich. For once I think the weather was better north. We loved the hotel I chose in Zurich. I decided to take a risk and try somewhere else. It was called Hotel Adler and it's right in the Neiderdorf area. That afternoon we explored the city and then had dinner with Stephan at a local Swiss restaurant. My mom's eyes when we sat down at the table with other people was priceless, until I saw her look at some of the meals being served...let's just say it wasn't exactly light. The next morning my mom's flight left and I decided to go to the airport with her, especially since she took two rather long suitcases home for me! Thanks Mom!
It was a great, bittersweet trip. Knowing that I am leaving definitely makes me appreciate my time here more now. I'm looking forward to enjoying Lugano, especially in the springtime the next month and then heading to Greece and hopefully Portugal in June. While there are many places I'd still love to travel, because traveling only opens your eyes to new places, I also know I will be excited to come home, especially to see all the special people there! Miss you all!