La Ultima Settimana in Svizzera

With one week left in Switzerland, I made one last ditch attempt to do everything I love that Lugano has to offer. Although I couldn't fit it all in, this past week was amazing.

• Rent a Boat on Lago Lugano: Monday was Kristen's birthday(!) so on Sunday we rented a boat on the lake for a leisurely afternoon. We spent the day swimming and cruising around Lake Lugano. It was a great afternoon spent with amazing friends.

Shannon & I on the boat

• Hike San Salvatore: San Sal is one of Lugano's most famous mountains and can be seen from almost everywhere in the city. Having been the first mountain I climbed in Switzerland two years ago it felt fitting for it to be my last. Therefore, after lunch and cafe mousse Jeannie and I took advantage of the beautiful Tuesday afternoon and climbed.

View of Lago Lugano from the top of San Salvatore

• Spend the day in Milan: Wednesday Jeannie and I headed to Milan for the day. As it is only an hour by train, I have been able to visit Milan quite a few times over the year and it has a special place in my heart. We spent the day wandering the streets and shopping around. We stopped for a delicious lunch at Paper Moon and I had the penne a ragu, which was delicious. Before we headed home, we stopped at the Milano Duomo, which has always been my favorite Cathedral. It was nice to visit one last time and see the stunning architecture, beautiful tiled floors and stained glass windows. Every time I see it, I am always stunned at its beauty and amazed at the architectural feat.

Milano Duomo

• Eat at a Grotto: Thursday night, Shannon and I went to Grotto Ticinese for a delicious dinner of Risotto a Funghi. We were able to sit outside under the tree canopy and enjoy a traditional Swiss Italian meal one last time.

Amazing night at Grotto Ticinese

• Aperitivo: A fun way to spend the evening, I was able to enjoy two aperitivi this past week. Wednesday night, Jeannie, Shannon, Patrick and I went to Gabbani for a fun outdoor aperitivo in the city center. On my last night, Friday, Jeannie and Patrick hosted an amazing apero at their house. It was such a nice last evening and it was so good to spend it with the people I care about so much.

This past year has been absolutely amazing and living in Lugano has taught me so much about myself and what I am capable of. The city (and country) will always hold a very special place in my heart and I know for a fact that I will definitely be back. To say that this past year wouldn't have been the same without the friends I made would be a huge understatement. I honestly don't know what I would have done without them this past year and don't know what I will do without them this coming year. However, I know we are all starting new and exciting chapters in our lives and I cannot wait to see what all of our futures have in store.

See you soon Switzerland!