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!

A Brief Overview of September

Last week marked my one month anniversary of being in Lugano, and I can definitely say I have fully settled in. September has been a blur and I would like to quickly update you on some of the things I have done! 

Hike Monte Boglia! Monte Boglia is located on the Swiss-Italian border and is 4,974 feet. We left Sunday morning and came back around 5pm. It was a beautiful day and the hike provided stunning views of Lugano and Italy. 

Visit Bellinzona! This city is a 30 minute train ride from Lugano and is the administrative capital of Ticino (The Canton that Lugano is located in). It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for the three Medieval Castles that are located on the surrounding mountains. I've visited Bellinzona twice this month, once to explore the castles and a second time to go to the Bellinzona Wine Festival. The Wine Festival is a traditional wine growers festival. For 10 francs you are able to taste the many different wines available.  

Bellinzona Castle

Swim Lake Lugano! I went to the lake with a friend from school and her friends from Lugano. From almost every location in Lugano you can see the lake but I had yet to dip my toes in until now! The water was freezing but refreshing. 

Lago Lugano

Shop Milan! Milan is only an hour train ride from Lugano which provides a wonderful escape from Lugano. In high school and when I was abroad here last I have been able to make quite a few trips to Milan and it has become a favored city. I feel extremely comfortable there and can find my way. The Duomo is beautiful (I highly recommend seeing it and climbing to the top for spectacular views if you ever go). It is also right next to some of the greatest shopping. Milan is known for fashion and for good reason. This past weekend I met my parents in Milan for the night and my mom and I dragged my dad around to some of our favorite stores. I will be returning to Milan this coming weekend to see them before they leave!

Il Duomo!

Run a 10k! I have officially completed my first 10k race and I am so excited! I really enjoyed running it and would like to find a few more races to run while I am here. It was a great way to see Lugano and feel like part of the city. I finished my race in 50 minutes and 10 seconds and was 33 out of 177 in my age division and 75 out of the 506 women who ran. I also have the most loyal fan base ever- my parents: who traveled from NY to see me run, cheer me on and take my picture!

Running through the streets of Lugano

Post Race!

That's all for now! I'll be updating more frequently now that I have this up and running! I hope you enjoyed!

Ciao e benvenuti!

Welcome to "Leave No Trace Behind" where my two years of studying, working and traveling will be shared.

I am currently studying for my masters in Lugano, Switzerland. I studied abroad here two years ago and it was one of the best and most rewarding experiences I have had. I am extremely blessed to be able to return and fulfill a dream of mine to live abroad for a year!

Lugano Cathedral and the city from above

My spacious studio apartment is finally decorated and feels like home. It was nice that I had a base knowledge of Lugano and once I got to the center I knew where everything was. With a totally new and unknown life ahead I was glad the city was pretty much exactly how I remembered it, which left me with a strong feeling of comfort and belonging. My first stop was the grocery store and I can now say that I have become a pro at navigating them! I now remember to weigh all of my produce before I go up to the cashier in order to not hold up the entire line. Which I have done before and it is quite embarrassing because the cashier must take your produce back to the store and weigh it herself. This is quite helpful to know due to the amount of time I spend at the grocery store: two to three food trips a week! This is due to the lack of space, the mile walk to the grocery store, and no mode of transportation other than my two feet meaning large shopping trips are just not possible. My kitchen consists of a mini fridge, two burners and some cabinets so I am learning how to cook with as few pots and ingredients as possible.  Sadly, I don't have an oven, which is probably my largest complaint thus far. Ovenless, my love of baking is now on hold until I return home in December for a few weeks! So please be prepared to be inundated with recipes when when my best friend and I go on a baking frenzy.

Follow me on my traveling adventures as I experience the different cultures, foods and historical treasures that the world has to offer!!