Locarno and Lugano (5/17)


Do these two names, taken together, confuse you? They are so similar to the “foreign” ear, and I have been confusing the two names – and towns – since I began contemplating coming to this (Italian) part of Switzerland. Anyway, today, I was in both places! Today began in Locarno. I had breakfast at my hotel, left my suitcase there for safekeeping, and went off to find the funicular that would take me up to the Santuario della Madonna del Sasso. I wandered around town looking for the entrance to the funicular, and had trouble finding it. On the way, I saw a beautiful church and a lot of great scenery. Finally, I found the entrance, got in the (cable?) car, and went up the mountain. At the top was a beautiful view of Lucarno, and a fantastic church and monastery. The trip was well worth the trouble of finding the funicular, if only for the view of the lake, but the church was pretty spectacular, too. I realized when I got to the top the mountain, that the walk up would have been past all of the stations of the cross. I had seen the name, “Via Crucis,” for the walk up, but it didn’t register until I got to the top of the mountain, that “Crucis” meant “crosses.”  Regardless, I’m glad I let machinery get me to the top, rather than my own feet!
I went down, got my stuff and headed for the train station. I took a regional train to Lugano, which meant backtracking a bit to go south.  In the town of Bellinzona, there is a castle standing over the town. I managed to get a picture of it from the train. That was the last time I remember having my camera. When I got off the train in Lugano and walked a few steps away from the train station, I realized I didn’t have it. I was sick! From there, I went on to my room, and that was another story. I found the house without too much trouble and walked right inside because the house had been left unlocked, and a welcome sign was at the front. The directions were to get the key out of the mailbox and open the house. That didn’t make much sense to me since I had walked right into the house without a key, but when I finally went to the mailbox, there was an envelope with my name on it with a key to a room designated for me. Weird! I put my stuff away, and went back to the train station where I asked whether my camera had been found. They told me how to file a “lost item report” and I also got information on another train I want to take. Losing the camera sure put a damper on the day!
Anyway, I did some walking around Lugano. I went to the cathedral, which is really beautiful, especially from outside. It really is a landmark in town. Then I walked down through the old part of town and over to the lakefront. It is beautiful - quite similar to Locarno in that it’s built on another lake. It’s hard remember that it’s Switzerland in this part of the country. There’s nothing here that reflects my own stereotype of Switzerland, even though I know it’s a country with four languages, each spoken in a different region. It began to sprinkle, so I went back to my room. Still no sign of the host! Later, I went out for dinner, and ended up having pizza. It was delicious, though quite different from how we make it – a thinner crust and much more delicate flavors.
This morning I was reflecting on how I have a system to gather stuff together when I leave a place, so I don’t forget anything. I was also thinking about how so much of traveling feels like going out and collecting pictures like trophies. I rarely look at my pictures once I get home, but I sure enjoy taking them. Maybe the process of photographing helps me look at details of what’s around me. This trip, in particular, I’ve been so aware of all the flowers. I’ve also taken a lot of pictures of carved wood - like carved doors and carved statues, etc..  I realize most people seem to take photos on their iPhones these days, but I really don’t enjoy it. I find my iPhone awkward to hold when taking a picture. And I’ve always liked having a camera small enough to put in my pocket so I don’t look like the proverbial ugly American with the Nikon around the neck. Life will go on without my camera, I’m sure, but I’m really frustrated.



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