København

After our semester was over and before I flew home, Shannon, two of her teammates and I went to Copenhagen for the Tivoli Christmas market. In December there is very little sunlight, we only had around 5 hours of “daylight” a day, but it was mostly grey and rainy so it didn’t really make a difference! We arrived Saturday evening and went to dinner. Sunday was jam packed with touring.

We started off at Lagkagehuset, a well-known bakery for breakfast. We had danishes and “snail” pastries. After we climbed Rundetårn, known as the round tower.  The tower was built in the 17^th century under Christian IV as an astronomical observatory. Instead of stairs we circled up to the top on a sloped ramp. Copenhagen is known as the City of Spires, due to the relatively flat skyline with few towers and spires piercing the horizon, which could be seen from the top of the tower.

View from the Tower

As we made our way throughout the city we walked down Østergade the main shopping street. In one of the squares off the street we found a small Christmas Market, which reminded me a lot of the typical German and Austrian Markets.  We then made our way to Nyhavn, a 17^th century waterfront and canal that is dotted with many colorful bars and cafes. This strip is probably one of the most photographed sections of Copenhagen and even in the rain it was beautiful.

It was finally time for the Tivoli Christmas market! Located in the Tivoli Gardens, it is one of the most famous Christmas Markets in Europe. We wanted to go in the late afternoon/early evening to see the Market lit up. The Market was so large and unlike other Christmas Markets that I have been to! Over 50 stands were in the shape of mini houses and they sold a wide array of food including pastries, Glühwein, crepes and waffles. We found one stand that sold pulled pork and Danish Meatball sandwiches that were delicious. After eating we began to walk taking in the sites. As it got darker and the lights came on, it became even prettier. This year’s main theme was Russian Christmas and in the center of the Tivoli Square was a Russian village and St Basil’s Cathedral. The rest of the Market had the Nordic Theme, so thousands of bells, ornaments and lights hung from the pine trees and houses twinkling at night providing the perfect Christmas atmosphere!

Shannon and I at Tivoli

Sunday morning we went in a totally different direction and headed to Freetown Christiania, a self proclaimed autonomous neighborhood in Copenhagen. Freetown started in 1971, when locals began to take over the Military barracks. The Christiania Law of 1989 governs the area and their nine main laws include no hard drugs, no guns or bulletproof vests, no fighting, no gangs and no private cars. It is definitely not somewhere that I would picture myself going because it cannot be further from my likes and my style, and the four of us couldn’t have looked more out of place, but it was interesting to see. After we headed for lunch we walked around a little more and caught our plane back to Milan. 

Bikes in Christiania. The bike on the left is the Christiania Bike

Copenhagen was a beautiful city and the people were so friendly and helpful. It was a great place to go for a quick weekend trip and with all the Christmas markets and Christmas themed decorations it really got me in the holiday spirit! Throughout the city there were Christmas decorations everywhere, including hundreds of red hearts. We asked a girl why there were so many hearts and she replied “It’s Christmas!” and when we asked why the hearts she replied that Christmas is love. I think that pretty much sums up the Christmas Season perfectly!  

Heart Tree at Tivoli

It's Christmas Time in The City!

Wednesday marked the half way point in my masters program! It's hard to believe that the semester is already over and I am going back to the states in a few short days. With all the papers handed in, presentations given and tests taken my friends and I were able to go into the city and enjoy Lugano at Christmas time! Wednesday night, to celebrate the end of our semester, we went to the city for aperitivo and dinner.

Without Thanksgiving, Christmas decorations start appearing rather early. The window displays have been up for a while and the advent calendars were on sale in early November. Starting December 6, on the feast of Saint Nicholas, the bakeries begin selling Grittibänzen, also known as "Christmas bread men." The bread tastes like challah and are sometimes baked to look like Santa Claus. They usually use raisins for eyes and some hold twigs and pine. Mine, below, looks more like a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, and his raisin eyes were swallowed in the baking process.

Christmas Bread Man from Munger

The city strings up Christmas lights throughout the streets and wraps the trees surrounding the lake for the holidays. It is so pretty and festive at night with everything lit up!

Christmas Season in Lugano!

In the piazza they have a huge Christmas tree that they decorate with gold ornaments and lights. A tree lighting ceremony on December 1, which I couldn't attend, marked the beginning of the official Christmas Season!

Christmas Tree!

The Christmas Market takes place from December 1 to January 6. In the main Piazza they set up an ice skating rink and a mini Christmas market. The stands sell food and drinks such as crepes, pretzels and hot spiced wine.

The rink, stands and lit trees in the back

Friday morning, my last full day in Lugano, I awoke to a snow covered city! Jeannie and I went to the center to walk around the Christmas Market. We got crepes from one of the many vendors and then went to our favorite cafe, Grand Cafe Al Porto, for tea, since we were freezing.

Cinnamon Sugar Crepe!

This has been an amazing semester and I cannot believe it's already over! I am so glad I met the friends I did! Lugano has really begun to feel like home, so although I'm excited to return to the states for a little, I am very much looking forward to come back to Lugano for a few more months!

Merry Christmas!!

For Coffee Lovers Only

So here I was thinking that ordering coffee in Europe would be the same as the US, and I was wrong. European coffee names are not the same as what America (and Starbucks, which I still love) has led us to believe. Therefore, in Lugano and other non-touristy cities you must be sure of what you're ordering. This past semester I've come to learn the actual differences in the multitude of espresso based drinks, through some trial and error. People have their one size only coffee in the cafe or bar and therefore to-go cups do not exist. I'm still trying to comprehend the reason behind this, and am currently unsure if I ever will. Therefore, I am ordering a large coffee to go right when I return to the states!

Un Caffe

Also known as espresso in the states, it is the basis of the specialty drinks described below. Espresso is just hot water run through coffee beans in a very concentrated manner. It has a higher caffeine volume than most beverages. In Europe, espresso is the caffeine drink of choice in the afternoons and after meals because you are not supposed to have hot milk after you eat. I don't like espresso and therefore, do not follow that rule.

Latte Macchiato:

Latte Macchiato literally means stained milk. Therefore, there is only about half a shot of espresso- not even a whole shot!! It took me a little while to realize this and have since stopped ordering it- because 1/2 a shot is not enough to get me through the day....The Latte Macchiato consists mostly of foam, rather than milk, and they make it by adding warm milk, espresso and than topping the rest off with milk, creating the layered effect seen below. The latte macchiato tastes more like a latte that you would get in the states. However, if you order a "latte" you will receive just hot milk, I can luckily say that I have not made that mistake!

Latte Macchiato and a berliner from Al Porto

Cappuccino 

The most popularized espresso drink. It's equal parts espresso (1 shot), milk and foam. The espresso is added first, followed by the hot milk and topped with foam. Sprinkled on top is usually cinnamon or chocolate, but here in Switzerland, they naturally choose chocolate. Originally cappuccinos were usually consumed in the morning as part of breakfast, however, now people order them in the afternoon at cafes as well.

Cappuccino and Raspberry Tart from Al Porto

Caffe Latte

This is just espresso added to hot milk. Out in restaurants and cafes they add just a little bit of foam to top the drink off. The Caffe latte is much stronger than the macchiato due to less milk and more espresso, which I personally prefer. It is usually ordered in the morning with breakfast. This has become my caffeine drink of choice, due to the stronger espresso taste.

Caffe Latte from Al Porto

¡Barcelona!

This past weekend, Jeannie, a friend from school, and I decided to take advantage of our long weekend and head to Barcelona! The trip started off with us sprinting through the airport to barely make our plane due to our delayed bus to the airport! We arrived in Barcelona and and continued our streak of bad luck in terms of transportation. We got on the bus going in the wrong direction. Unlike the US, in Barcelona the buses are extremely confusing and the even if the number is the same (i.e. bus #59) the direction is more important because they do not have the same stops. After about an hour of on the bus we realized something was wrong. The bus driver was extremely helpful and realized what we did so he escorted us to the correct bus in order for us to reach our hotel.

With the afternoon ahead of us we headed to Parc Guell. Parc Guell was designed by Antoni Gaudi and built in the early 1900s. Sadly, one of the two main buildings was under construction and therefore covered in scaffolding so we couldn't really see it. However, the parc entrance was still beautiful and we were able to see the mosaic covered benches, the mosaic salamander "el drac" and the building's twisting architecture! After we went to see the Sagrada Familia, also designed by Gaudi. The church is still under construction and is expected to be finished in 2026. The inside of the church was unlike anything I've ever seen!

Overlooking Parc Guell

Inside the Sagrada Familia

Thanksgiving dinner consisted of sangria and tapas at a popular restaurant. The meal was not our favorite, but we were glad we experienced some typical Spanish food. Thursday was shopping night out so all the stores were open late so the streets were packed! We ended up at a Hotel rooftop bar that was holding an event for the night, we may or may not have crashed it...

Tapas and Sangria!

Enjoying the view!

Friday we set out to explore the city. We stumbled upon Cornelia and Co. a restaurant on Carrer de Valencia and had an amazing breakfast! (the restaurant was so good we returned Saturday for breakfast and lunch!) We continued to Passeig de Gracia and Las Ramblas until we hit the pier. The day was perfect. We wandered in and out of shops having our own little Black Friday while taking in the sites! We saw Casa Batllo, another Gaudi design and La Boqueria, a public market with stalls filled with meat, fresh fish, fresh squeezed juice, chocolates and more! We ended the night with dinner at Sesamo, an amazing vegetarian restaurant, that gave us a a seven course tasting menu and pumpkin pie for desert (a little belated Thanksgiving)! After, we had drinks at the rooftop bar of The W overlooking the water and the city.

Inside La Boqueria

Saturday was more relaxed, after breakfast we headed to Camp Nou. We ended up not going inside due to the fact that they were charging an obscene amount to tour the stadium. FC Barcelona was away playing in Russia, so we sadly couldn't take in a game. We went back to Cornelia's for a late lunch and some apple pie (some more American fall dessert!) Tired, we stumbled upon a wine bar to complete our day!

Outside of Camp Nou

The trip was a lot of fun and Barcelona was a great city. The weather was beautiful and sunny all weekend which was a nice reprieve from the rain here in Lugano. If it was just  a few degrees warmer, we would have been on the beach! Jeannie and I returned to Lugano Sunday morning and now face the growing amount of work that needs to be done in the next three weeks!

Let's Talk Turkey!

Happy early Thanksgiving!! Thanksgiving is my ABSOLUTE favorite holiday. I love everything about it: being with family, helping my mom cook eating all of her delicious food, family football games, cousin pictures, etc. etc! (Side note: I spent many hours perched on the kitchen island after school chatting away with my mom watching her cook dinner. I have her to credit for my love of good food and the ability to cook.) We always have Thanksgiving at my house with my mom's entire family and guests. It usually ends up being around 30 people and this year does not disappoint!

Thanksgiving dinner table a few years ago

I won't be in Lugano on Thanksgiving and therefore will miss my friend's Thanksgiving dinner. I decided I still needed a little bit of Thanksgiving anyway so I decided to make pie. My mom sent me some Libby's pumpkin (one can for the pie and another for options like pumpkin oatmeal, which I am really excited to try next week), necessary spices and Nana's famous Pumpkin Pie recipe.

Surprisingly, Switzerland does not sell many baking ingredients like brown sugar, baking powder baking soda etc. Luckily, the only ingredient I was lacking for this recipe was brown sugar. I ended up attempting to make my own with white sugar and molasses, but due to the fact I don't have a mixer or blender it didn't really take on the brown sugar look...however, the proportions were correct so I threw caution to the wind and used it anyway. After a little over an hour of baking the pies were done.
My room now smells a little like Thanksgiving and I am really enjoying it. Tomorrow I'll bring the pie up to class so we can all have a little bit of home!

Finished Pumpkin Pie!

I hope everyone has a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving! And in the spirit of Thanksgiving a little list with a few things I am thankful for :)

• A loving family
• Amazing friends
• My health
• My freedoms 
• My life
• The ability to travel and explore
• The Fall season & all things "fall"
• Good food & fine wine
• The Adirondacks (especially the escape & beauty it provides)
• Skype/iMessage (to easily keep in touch!)
• Coffee
• Colgate
• Photos & scrapbooks
• Laughter
• Fireplaces

Zurich

Happy Veterans Day! Thank you to all who serve and keep our country safe!

Yesterday, Shannon, a friend from school, and I decided to go on a day trip to Zurich. With the craziness of our classes last week and the beginning of the end approaching (of the semester that is!) we took a much needed school/work break and hopped on an early morning train! 

Zurich, located in the German section, is the largest city in Switzerland. It is a leading global city and Switzerland's main commercial hub. It is one of the world's largest financial centers and home to many Research & Development centers for many international companies.

When we arrived we headed down Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich's main street and one of the most expensive shopping streets in Europe. As we walked down the street toward the lake we stumbled upon a mini market, with three men playing the alphorn, a traditional Swiss instrument. Originally, they were used in the mountains as a means of communication between fellow herdsmen and the town and were also used as a way to call the cattle.

Alphorn

After, we went to see the Grossmünster, better known as Zwingli's Church. This is the site of the origins of the Swiss Reformation and where Zwingli would preach about his idea's on reforming the church. When we entered there was an orchestra concert going on so we sat and listened for a while. 

Orchestra Concert in Grossmünster

We then saw the "largest Church Clock Face in Europe..." The clock, located on the Steeple of St. Peter has a diameter of 8.7 meters. The current church was built in 1706 as the first church built under Protestant rule. The inside of the church was not what we were expecting at all, it was completely white with curtains, chandeliers and no stained glass windows!

St. Peter's Steeple

We had a traditional German lunch, which was really delicious and a nice change from the all Italian options we have here. The portions were huge and I was completely filled until much later that night. We then continued to meander around the city for a while, stopped for coffee and then decided to call it a day. Zurich was a good escape from Lugano, it was nice to see more of Switzerland and be able to hang out without the looming amounts of work over our heads!

All Dressed Up And Ready To Go!

CONGRATULATIONS JAMES & TERESA!!

James, Me, Teresa

This past weekend my brother tied the knot and I could not be happier for the both of them! 

Thursday I made my way home from Milan to Newark on the first flight out after Sandy! I was so nervous that I wouldn't be able to make it home I couldn't sleep two days before my departure date. I was ecstatic when my plane took off, and even happier when I landed! My first stop was Starbucks to get a large coffee in a to-go cup- something I have been missing since I've been gone!

Friday my parents and I headed up to Cooperstown for last minute wedding preparations. It was so good to see both families and have everyone together, especially since I haven't seen everyone since this past summer.

Saturday night was the Rehearsal dinner at the baseball hall of fame and it was a grand slam! At the beginning of the evening I met Ichiro Suzuki who was there for a tour. He gave my little cousins some autographs and they were beaming ear to ear the entire night. Playing off the location we had baseball themed appetizers (pretzels, pigs in a blanket, french fries) and desserts (Boston cream cupcakes and, root beer floats and milkshakes). Since I won't be home for Thanksgiving it was so nice to see my entire family as well!

Aunt Nancy & I at the Rehearsal Dinner

Sunday was a whirlwind of activity! Teresa gave all the bridesmaids these awesome fuzzy animal slippers which we wore all day and decided to bring with us to the reception as well. Mine are pigs and I have them at home and cannot wait to wear them again...

During the morning we had our hair and makeup done and before we knew it, it was time to get ready for the ceremony! Teresa obviously looked absolutely stunning and James was beaming when she walked down the aisle! The ceremony was beautiful and ended with the Marine Corp Sword Ceremony. (It snowed as they were leaving the church allowing for an amazing photo op and then stopped shortly after!) The reception was held at the Otesaga and I don't think anyone sat for long. The dance floor was packed the entire evening!

I cannot be happier that Teresa is now my sister and am looking forward to the many years ahead. Congratulations you two! I love you both so much and can't imagine life without both of you!

Fall Break!

This past week was our fall break, so with a week off from classes it was the perfect time to travel. One of my Colgate friends, Audrey, is currently living in Dijon and teaching English at a high school, so I planned a trip to go visit her and see her in her new home!

Friday morning I started my journey to France with a quick stop over in Lausanne, Switzerland. Lausanne is the second largest city on lake Geneva and the capital of the canton Vaud. With only an afternoon there I tried to see the most important sites. The Cathedral of Notre Dame is located in the old town and is the largest in Switzerland. It's Gothic Architecture and beautiful stained glass windows were beautiful. Lausanne's urban plan is different than other cities, the old part of the city is located up the hill, instead of on the lake. A short tram ride connected the two, allowing me to easily and quickly get from the old town to the Lake to enjoy the view.

Lake Geneva

Stained Glass Window: Cathedral of Notre Dame

Saturday morning I jumped on my train to go see Audrey in Dijon! I arrived a little before 11am and saw Audrey waiting for me at the exit of the train station. It was so great to see a familiar face and was a bit surreal to be meeting a Colgate friend in Europe. Audrey studied abroad in Dijon our junior year, so like me, she has returned for the year. Audrey decided, and I happily obliged, that we would not only see Dijon but eat everything. That included crepes, cheese, bread, croissants, pastries, quiche and wine. Everything was delicious and I quickly realized that I would most definitely become a regular in the patisseries and boulangeries if I lived in France!

Audrey and I!

Wine, cheese, and Dijon mustard!

Saturday we wandered through the twisting streets of Dijon looking at the architecture, colorful tiled roofs and the old buildings interspersed with the newer buildings. As we strolled through the city we caught up on what our new lives were like. It was nice to hear all about her experiences so far. Sunday we went to the Museum of Beaux Arts in Dijon where they were having an exhibition on Francois Rude (a sculptor) and Sophie Rude (a painter), two artists from Dijon during the 1800s. Audrey majored in Art History so as we walked through the museum she was a great help in explaining what we were looking at! After, we climbed the Philippe Le Bon tower in the Ducal Palace to see the city from above. The weekend was amazing and Monday morning came way too soon! However, we will hopefully see each other again, maybe next time in Lugano!

At the top of the Philippe Le Bon tower

When I planned my trip to see Audrey I knew I should stop and see another city if possible on my way home. After some thought and research I realized that Lyon was only a two hour train ride away. I had heard and read about Lyon through one of my high school friend's blog. Nicole studied abroad there two years ago and absolutely loved it! I asked her advice on Lyon and she sent me a whole plan of what to see, where to go and good places to eat! Cutting through Lyon are the Rhone and Saone rivers with many bridges connecting the city making it extremely walkable. On the west bank of the Saone River is Vieux Lyon, the old part of the city. I started there with a trip to the Cathedrale St Jean and then made my way across the Saone to Place Bellecour, a huge open square in the city center. Following that I went to  the opera house and the city hall and ended on Rue de la Republique, the main shopping street in Lyon.

Lyon at Night

Cathedrale St Jean

The Following day I took the Funiculare up to Fourviere, also known as "The Hill that Prays" to the Notre Dame de Fourviere Basilica. The Basilica is located over Vieux Lyon and is absolutely stunning. The mosaics inside were amazing and although under construction the Basilica was breathtaking. It also offered a beautiful view of Lyon and the rivers. Located a few minutes walk from the Basilica are the Roman Amphitheaters. Lyon was the capital of Gaul during the Roman Empire due to it's strategic location and now is home to the oldest Roman Theater in France- The Roman theater of Fourviere. Augustus ordered that it be built from 17 to 15 BC. Next to it is the Odeon, a much smaller theater used for plays and poetry. The floor contains stones from Turkey, Greece, Tunisia and Egypt! I then headed back down to Vieux Lyon for a late lunch at a boulangerie Nicole recommended, Boulangerie L'epiasion for the "best baguette in France!" I had a delicious ham and cheese baguette, It was so good I returned on Wednesday morning before my train to pick up lunch!

At the Odeon

Notre Dame de Fourviere Basilica

Wednesday morning started out with a great breakfast at Patisserie Le Castel, down the street from the Boulangerie from the day before. I then went to the Lyon train station, where my hectic return home began. My first train was delayed, starting a string of delayed trains causing me to miss a connection! I was however able to make it back to Lugano, a few hours later than planned and without a seat on one my trains! I realized this morning when I woke up how lucky it is that I even made it home at all! The French rail system went on strike starting at 8pm last night and is scheduled to last until Friday. 

First Snow!

This morning on my walk down town I saw the first snow capped mountains of the season!

Snow capped mountains in the distance

So pretty!

Although it was cold and rainy the past few days, today the sun is out and it's around 50 degrees Fahrenheit. I was anxiously awaiting the first snow covered mountains, but can honestly say that I hope the snow stays on the mountain tops and not in Lugano for a few more months. After four years of long Colgate winters I think I could use an extended (or as some would view it, a normal) fall season!

After snapping the lake pictures I was feeling a little touristy and decided to take a few more of Lugano, focusing on eateries. 

Grand Cafe al Porto was established in 1803 and is the perfect place to enjoy coffee and a pastry. The windows are filled with beautiful looking cakes and once you enter you are greeted by a large display case filled with all of their delicious looking pastries. It is definitely a must go when you visit Lugano!

Grand Cafe al Porto

Cafe Macchiato and Berliner di Lamponi

Continuing down the same street you'll pass the Gabbani shops. They have a restaurant, panini stand, salumeria, hotel and more. Last Friday I went for lunch at the Gabbani restaurant with a friend from school and the food was delicious. The panini stand, below, has wonderful looking paninis, pizza and pranzo veloce. There is always a line during lunch as people try to get a panino.

Gabbani Panini and salumeria

La Dotta, La Grassa, La Rossa: Bologna

The weekend started when I arrived in Milan Friday afternoon to meet up with my parents for their last night here. It was so great to see them before they left but feel as if they should still be here! Walking around the center it was great to catch up. We took a quick stop in a vespa showroom where I saw my dream Vespa! However, my mom quickly vetoed any grand ideas my dad and I were having...

Last night in Milan

My parents flew home Saturday morning so after we said goodbye I took a day trip to Bologna.

Bologna is known known as "La Dotta, La Grassa, La Rossa:"

• The educated: The University of Bologna is the oldest university in the Western World
• The fat: due to the amazing food
• The red: which refers to the red roofs covering the city (It also refers to the communist ties the city once had)

Thanks to my friend Ben, who studied abroad in Bologna, I had my entire day planned out. He provided me with a personalized walking tour, complete with the sites I had to see, the things I had to do, and the specialty food and drink I had to try.

Upon arrival, I headed straight to Piazza Maggiore, where I was able to visit the Basilica di San Petronio and climb my way to the top. I was a little disappointed at the status of the Basilica as it is undergoing severe restoration. Therefore, the entire church was covered in scaffolding and I couldn't see the intricate detail work on the outside. However, leave it to the Italians to allow us to climb the scaffolding to reach the top to enjoy the view.

From there I headed to the University's original building, the Archiginnasio di Bologna. It housed an anatomical theater, where human dissections were performed for anatomy class. The theater was beautifully decorated, with intricate woodwork. Walking into the theater everyone was quietly sitting on the student benches and looking around at the operating table and the lecturer's chair, as if they were awaiting lecture. I quickly and quietly took my own seat to take it all in.

The lecturer's chair

Built in the Medieval times, the Towers of Bologna are slightly slanted and have become the city's landmark. Upon Ben's suggestion I began my climb up the highest tower, il torre di Asinelli. Little did I know that this climb would consist of around 500 steep, tiny, old, wooden steps. At a few points I was really questioning why I was sent on this excursion. When I reached the top, the view made my somewhat treacherous ascent and descent more than worth it. The views were spectacular, making it the highlight of my trip!

At the top

The amazing view

Heading back down

Lunch, consisted of tagliatelle Bolognese and Llambrusco, a local carbonated red wine. I then went in search of La Cremeria Funivia, the gelateria Ben told me about, and had some of the best gelato I have ever had. Sun shining and gelato in hand I began to meander my way to the University of Bologna and Il Teatro Communale. After a long day, it was then time to return to Milan for the night.

Sunday morning, I woke up early to head to mass at il Duomo. I had never been to mass in Italy before and decided that it was the perfect place to start. Mass was held behind the main altar, away from the early bird tourists, making it more private. Although it was difficult to understand everything I was able to follow along (sans pamphlet with the day's readings) recognizing the gospel and understanding the gist of the homily. This made me realize I may know a little more Italian than I thought! After mass, which ended a little before 9, I needed my caffeine fix so I headed over to the galleria to get a cappuccino and sit and enjoy an almost empty piazza del duomo and galleria! It was the perfect ending to a great Italian weekend!