A Little Fun with Little Brother (well, almost little brother)

I had the pleasure to host Garrett, my almost little brother, for a few days in March. I was very much looking forward to him coming and I knew I wanted to show him a good time in between my work schedule. One of the most fun things to do is head to a grotto with a big group of people and enjoy the meat, polenta, and of course, wine and gassosa. Here are a few pictures from our night at Grotto Fingini.

Garrett, looking very concerned with the menu

The Gang-Blair, Dan, Sam, and half of Jen

Looks like Garrett enjoys the wine and gassosa :)

We can't forget that Lizzie was there, acting like an animal as usual. I think she's a bunny here (again, our meal for the evening...very tasty)

Ally and Blair, obviously enjoying the wine and gassosa too!

The next day we decided to head to Splugen, a ski resort about an hour and a half away. From the start, it was an unusually warm March day, but we figured it would just make the day of skiing better. We headed up early in the morning with Jen driving and Sam playing DJ. We arrived in Splugen, changed into ski clothes, hiked up to the rental shop, and began waiting in what was a looong line. Jen did some reconnaissance and discovered that the mountain was so busy because only ONE run was open. Between the lack of runs, the amount of people, and the cost of a lift ticket and rentals, we decided that a day of crappy skiing wasn't worth it. We were pretty tired and kind of annoyed, so we were a little punchy on the ride home.

Here is a picture of Allie being really safe in the car.

And a cute one of Blair (not of me, but Blair, you look pretty)

We were famished by the time we got back in the Lugano area, so we stopped for lunch at what looked like a pizza place. Turns out it was a pretty nice restaurant with amazing food and American-sized portions. No one was in the restaurant when we got there, but it slowly began filling up. It wouldn't have been so bad if we weren't in our ski gear looking like bums. Actually, most of us weren't so bad looking. Sam really put it over the top making us more embarrassed than necessary. He donned a ridiculous combination of shorts and long underwear that would have made anyone take a second look. If anyone has a picture, please send it to me.

The rest of the day was spent relaxing. Garrett and I made it up to the Percosa Vita and then took in a film in the evening. While the day didn't turn out quite as we planned, we still had an awesome time thanks to the company.

Garrett's Virgin Hike

After the good times we almost had in Splugen, I knew I needed to impress Garrett with something else very Swiss, so we decided to go for a hike on Sunday. Surprisingly enough, I found out that Garrett had never been on a real hike before, so it was not only a great Swiss experience, it was just a great experience in general. Garrett, I feel privileged that I got to help you our with this one.

Anyway, we planned to hike Monte Bolgia, supposedly a three hour hike. We must have all been in amazing shape, because we made it up in half the time (really, not in good shape...no idea how that happened). Anyway, it was the perfect Swiss day for hiking and we got some awesome pictures.

Here are a bunch of us getting ready. From the left, Blair, Allie, Sam, and Garrett. We also had David and Kara Fontes with us.

Making our way through the town of Bre, where the hike began.
(From the left, Garrett, Blair, Sam, half of Kara, Allie, and David)

Allie and Kara working away

One of our first awesome views

Blair and Sam resting up

We're almost to the top at this point. Shockingly Garrett allowed me to take a picture with him. Actually, I made him deal with it, but I know he'll be happy in the end :)

Me and Sam taking in the view

And we made it!!

Fortunately I was smart enough to pack a bunch of food-salami, cheese, peanut butter & rice cakes, etc. This turned out to be a great thing because everyone was starving when we reached the top. I can be a little domestic at times. Here we are enjoying the feast and the view.

We were able to sucker somebody to take our group picture.

The amazing view at the top...totally worth the work!

We took our time heading back down. Here are the girls!

Blair, in all her glory, made us pose for this picture. Thanks Blair!!!

Never realized this, but all the blood rushes to your fingers when you hike and makes them swollen. Here are me, Sam, and Blair letting the blood rush back into the rest of our bodies.

Blair, Sam, and me at the end of the hike

The rest of the day was spent relaxing in the sun. Garrett was going to head into Milano the next day to explore and I had to go back to work. We had an awesome time!

That's Amore!

This past February I was lucky enough to have a visit with my fiance, Ellis, and not be deathly ill. We traveled around a bit-Milano and Luzern-and also spent some time at "home" in Montagnola. Here are some pics from his trip.

Ellis in front of the Duomo in Milano

Me and Ellis at the Duomo getting ready to go to the top

We took the elevator to the top of the duomo so we could see the city

The intricacy of the architecture is amazing

Ah, what a cute picture :)

The piazza below--Ellis stood up on a ledge to take this picture, which was super safe

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

After our day in Milano, we decided to go out to a nice dinner. Here we are looking all pretty.

The next day we decided to hang around Montagnola/Lugano. Ellis decided to teach me to drive stick shift, so we took the elementary school car (we share it among the staff) out. As you can see by the picture I am excited, but mostly horrified.

The keys to freedom!
On Monday I took the day off and we headed up to the quintessential Swiss town of Luzern. Here is the famous Kappelbrucke-an insanely old bridge.

Ellis getting ready to walk through the town

Kappelbrucke again--it doesn't look like much, but it dates back to 1200

The bridge was badly burned by a fire not too long ago. You can see the damage here.

After walking across the bridge we decided we needed energy to walk around the city. We stopped at this Swiss-German restaurant for some bier and traditional food.

The River Reuss

Believe it or not, there is another famous old bridge in Luzern, the Spreuerbrucke

The Spreuerbrucke has images of Death painted on the inside (see the skeleton)

Luzern is also famous for its painted buildings. This isn't a fantastic picture, but you get the idea.

Luzern is very hilly in certain parts. Here is Ellis getting ready to walk to the city walls at the top of this long and steep road.

A very modern statue next to a very old city wall

The view from the wall--the day was a little hazy, but you get the idea. You can see the lake below and if it were clear you would be able to see the Alps.

The clock tower in the city wall

This the Lion of Luzern, a monument given to the Swiss from the French to honor the dead who defended a French king for something. I personally like my interpretation of the lion.

Ellis had to try and show up my interpretation, which isn't really fair because he's bigger than me. Ah well, mine is still better :)

After our long walk around the city, we decided to take a little nap next to the lake before heading home.

The next day, Tuesday, Ellis came to school to visit, then we spent the rest of the day enjoying the little time we had left together. He left on Wednesday morning (tear). Overall, it was a wonderful vacation.