Greek rhapsody

What can I say... I am in love with Greece...

the food

the sea

the history

the chilling

the beaches

the hospitality

the nature

the smells 

the time out

the sunsets

the little harbours

the cobblestones

the attitude 

the architecture

the views

 the alphabet

A romantic walk through Gandria

You can’t really say you’ve visited Lugano unless you’ve visited the romantic hamlet of Gandria. In this magic and incredibly charming location, you’ll be able to take a dive into the past and discover how the fishermen and the inhabitants of the lake used to live. In the company of a guide you will navigate Lake Ceresio on board of a boat, which will wait for your return, while you leisurely stroll up and down the village streets. All set to go?

Meeting point is every Monday in front of the Information office Palazzo Civico at 13:40.

You can register and receive your voucher for CHF 10.- ( Kids: CHF 6.-) at Info Points Ente Turistico del Luganese, the Palazzo Civico, the Agno Airport or Lugano's train station. The tour finishes at 17:40.

For more info call Tel. +41 (0)91 605 12 26 or e-mail to info@luganoturismo.ch
Looking for other guided tours? Click here: http://www.agendalugano.ch

Ode to Life

Tonight I received one of the most touching farewell messages I have ever received from a fellow Expat. It was not a personal note but nevertheless went straight to my heart. What a beautiful way describe one's emotions that are so difficult to explain when asked why do you keep on moving homes if it makes you cry every time?

Here is the answer:

Slowly dies he who becomes a slave to habit, 
repeating the same journey every day, 
he who doesn't change his march,
he who doesn't risk to change the colour of his clothes,
he who doesn't speak to he whom he doesn't know. 

Slowly dies he who shuns passion, 
he who prefers black on white and dots on i's rather than a bundle of emotions,
the kind that make your eyes glimmer,
that turn a yawn into a smile, 
that make the heart pound in the face of mistakes and feelings.

Slowly dies he who doesn't overturn the table, 
he who is unhappy in his work, 
he who doesn't risk certainty for uncertainty, 
to thus follow a dream, 
those who do not forego sound advice at least once in their lives.

Slowly dies he who doesn't travel, he who doesn't read, 
he who doesn't listen to music, 
he who doesn't find grace in himself,   
He who slowly destroys his own self-esteem, 
who does not allow himself to be helped, 
who spends days on end complaining about his own bad luck, about the rain that never stops.

Slowly dies he who abandons a project before even starting it,
who fails to ask questions on subjects he doesn't know, 
he who doesn't answer when he is asked something that he knows. 

Let's avoid death by small doses, 
remembering always that being alive requires an effort far greater than the simple fact of breathing.

Only a burning patience will lead to the attainment of a splendid happiness...

By Pablo Neruda

Discover Switzerland's Snack-Box

You might have heard of the Grand Tour of Switzerland where you get to discover Switzerland’s most attractive regions. The route, which covers approximately 1,600 kilometres, will take you over 5 Alpine passes, along 22 lakes and to 11 UNESCO World Heritage properties, showing you just how varied, diverse and spectacular our country is – in terms of landscape, culture and cuisine.

But have you ever heard of the Grand Tour Snack-Box? The Grand Tour of Switzerland won’t just show you Switzerland’s most beautiful side; it’s also a culinary journey of discovery. Thanks to the variety of specialty dishes waiting for you in every part of the country and thanks to the Grand Tour Snack Box with tempting regional treats.

So when you feel a little peckish all you need is to buy the Snack-Box for CHF 25.– from any of the 25 official sales outlets on the Grand Tour. You can top up your Snack-Box repeatedly with snacks from the region at other sales outlets for CHF 20.- (refills for two people).

So go ahead and experience the culinary diversity of Switzerland.
Here are the facts about the Grand Tour: www.myswitzerland.com and here you'll find the details on the Snack Box: Sales Outlets

Bon voyage – and bon appetit!

Ladies' night at the Splash&Spa

Today one of my friends suggested a I join her for a ladies night out. What I didn't realise is that it does not only include good company but also sublime pampering.

Forget your work schedules, commitments and everyday demands. Treat yourself to an evening of complete relaxation and wellbeing with your girlfriends.

Every 1st and 3rd Monday of the month, from 17.30 until 22.00, Splash & Spa will pamper you with different themed activities.

- Facial mask
- Ritual infusions with face and body peeling
- Turkish bath with Rhassoul therapeutic mud
- Healthy culinary delights

To top it all, a wellness expert will be at your service during the evening to answer all your questions. The entrance to the Splash area is included in the offer of Chf 65.- per person.

All the sauna areas are reserved exclusively for women. The Hamam area and all the other SPA attractions are accessible to everybody.

So what are you waiting for, go ahead and make your reservation now.

Venue: Ladies Night
Where: Splash & Spa, via Campagnole 1, 6802 Rivera-Monteceneri
Date: Every 1st and 3rd Monday of the month
Time: 17:30 to 22:00
Book here: http://splashespa.ch/en/ or call 091/936'22'22