Walking is the best way to observe the sites, the architecture, hear the sounds, and get your bearings in this city of about 63,000 people.  My balcony perch overlooks one of the major arteries of the city…a bit noisy, but the well insulated windows drown out a 95% of it.  Watching the cars, cyclists, and the people from my room or the roof terrace is rather neat!.

I mentioned that Monte San Salvatore is one of the landmarks of the city.  Yesterday (Tuesday) I took the tram to the top of the site.  It was a little unnerving looking DOWN the track.  I must admit I had white knuckles on both rides.

The view is spectacular as you look south towards Italy.  The very distant land mass is Milan, Italy.  The road across this branch of Lake Lugano connect the two areas of Switzerland.  Of course, the view required a selfie to prove I am here.

That being said, the town alongside the lower left side of this photo is actually an Italian town, Campione d’Italia,  completely within the Swiss border.  The enclave, as it is technically called, is having difficult times politically, economically, and as a result of the initial pandemic last year.  Even in the environs of the Swiss neighborhood of “Parasido,” things are not quite as heavenly for the Italians citizens as would seem from the peak of San Salvatore.

Another walk is in store after lunch today…stay tuned!