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!!