Lugano was ironically a pretty last minute decision. I mean, it was only an hour away from Milan so it felt like there was no excuse to not head over to Switzerland and do some exploring. We had kept it in mind since planning this trip, but it wasn't until closer to the leg of our Milan journey that we were set on going. Luckily, we were able to get bus tickets online for 8 Euros one way (Mailand bus), but with a cheap ticket cost, there's always a catch.


First of all, the main bus station was almost a 45 minute taxi ride from central Milan, where we were staying, so make sure you factor this in and head out early. We weren't expecting it to take so long to the train station, so worrying that we would miss our only bus ride (and thinking that buses in Europe were as punctual as the trains are and learning from our lesson (flashback to us missing our Milan train in Venice)) we literally got off our taxi a few blocks early to run to the station when our taxi was stuck in traffic. Thankfully, and to our favour, the buses aren't as punctual and we made it just in the nick of time! phew*

Another thing is, when you arrive and depart from Lugano, you are seriously dropped off in the worst location ever. A tad sketch if I must say when you are waiting on the side of the road across a football field in the evening, but even during the day you have no clue where you just got off and there are no noticeable tourist attractions or main areas that you can sight as landmarks.  Again, we were truly bless to be safe and by the grace of God, met good Samaritans who went out of their way to assist us so we could get to where we wanted. Plus, the buses are not only not on schedule, they are severely late, so please don't be surprise if you think you may have missed the bus when in all actuality, the bus could be 30-60 minutes delayed! So all in all, I definitely would recommend training to Lugano or paying more to get better service for the convenience and safety of your ride.
Lake Lugano


So finally arriving where we needed to be, Lake Lugano, reminded me a lot of Lake Louise and the Rocky Mountains in Alberta. It reminded me of how fortunate I am to have such beautiful creations right back home, or at least a few hours from home, but ironic that we came to Switzerland to be appreciative of these sights. Honestly, Lugano is a small town and very calm. There isn't much to do and a lot of the more popular attractions are at a further distance away. Besides us newly graduates, everyone else were almost all retirees or seniors travelling the area or there for a short getaway. We ended up getting a ferry and cable car package to Mount Brusino for 41.4 Francs-a whopping price for a 45 minute ferry ride and a barely 2 minute cable car ride up to the highest point (or alternatively a suggested hour and 15 minute trek). However, despite my budget complaints, the view was awesome and it was nice to take the day slower and reflect amongst the clouds, Majority of the time spent was really waiting for the ferry to return and cable car as there's only one going up and down from the port (but it's not busy at all). As there wasn't much to do overall, an hour spent zoning out from the world was sufficient.

View from the top of Mount Brusino
Praising the Heavens
Obligatory yoga pose for fun
Though our time in Lugano was short, it was enough for a taste of Switzerland. I say this because I felt Switzerland is a very intelligent and thus exclusive country. Other than Euros (and rates were low of course), it's really hard to find a place that is willing to exchange other foreign currencies, like my friend with her HK dollars. Also, even public washroom uses require a pin code and hence a purchase if you are in a franchise and I was in shock that a meal at Burger King costed the equivalent of $20+ Cad! This just comes to show how much things cost and suggesting the high cost of living as the majority of Swiss do have good jobs, make a ton of money, and have gracious benefits from their government.
That night we had Chinese food for dinner as we had miss our Asian cravings and we couldn't believe that bottled water and 3 dishes costed us 25 Francs each if not more. So yes, you now understand when I say that one day was totally enough. It's funny because we stocked up on Swiss chocolate from the supermarket as souvenirs despite being there just for one day. But when in Swiss-chocolate, knives, and high living is what they are known for.