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!