Monday, June 30, 2014
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Summer hang out
Summer, blue skies, sun, luxurious plants in bloom. The green with its fragrances enchants us all and demands a stop. From Caslano to Castagnola and Melide to Bissone, you need only pause a moment to calmly select which beach to visit. It is a tradition in Switzerland to swim in the lakes. A fact my Italian hubby who grew up along the seaside cannot get his mind around.
What about the 80'000 m2 of lakefront on Lake Maggiore, shaded by centuries-old trees and 600 meters of sandy beach? The Ceresio shores welcome you with their fine sand beach leading directly to the lake. And don't forget the sandy banks of many rivers that in places offer astounding pools of water with micro-beaches.
Ticino is generous but above all organized and well-equipped, and it offers so much for adults and children, who can play and cool off in pools dedicated to them. And what's more, between a dive and a swim, there is room for a beach volley match and for healthy laughter watching the children on the playground and the young boys showing off on the springboard.
And when the sun fades, lights and good music come on: shores and beaches don evening wear to enjoy a good aperitif and meet friendly new people. In brief: in Ticino shores and beaches are worth a visit, while your "thoughts"... stay offshore!
One last little tip: Laghetto di Astano
What about the 80'000 m2 of lakefront on Lake Maggiore, shaded by centuries-old trees and 600 meters of sandy beach? The Ceresio shores welcome you with their fine sand beach leading directly to the lake. And don't forget the sandy banks of many rivers that in places offer astounding pools of water with micro-beaches.
Ticino is generous but above all organized and well-equipped, and it offers so much for adults and children, who can play and cool off in pools dedicated to them. And what's more, between a dive and a swim, there is room for a beach volley match and for healthy laughter watching the children on the playground and the young boys showing off on the springboard.
And when the sun fades, lights and good music come on: shores and beaches don evening wear to enjoy a good aperitif and meet friendly new people. In brief: in Ticino shores and beaches are worth a visit, while your "thoughts"... stay offshore!
One last little tip: Laghetto di Astano
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Tips for avoiding homesickness
Following the post about moving by my 10-year old aficionado friend, I thought I'd continue with some tips about homesickness. It is normal to feel blue and homesick when you move but don't let yourself be overwhelmed by the feeling.
Here are some helpful suggstions to get on track:
1.) Make it a priority to get set up with phone lines, and internet as soon as possible
Here are some helpful suggstions to get on track:
1.) Make it a priority to get set up with phone lines, and internet as soon as possible
Feeling connected with your friends and family back home will make the physical distance between you seem less.
2.) Give yourself time to settle in and make friends
If you haven't got a jammed social life within the first two weeks do not panic.
3.) Give yourself time to unpack
If some boxes stay unpacked for a couple of months, it is not the end of the world.
4.) Be brave
Try and talk to your neighbours/people in your local shops etc and see how friendly they are! They'll also know about activities and classes you can do and join.
5.) Be positive
List all the reasons you moved country in the first place, and review and add the positives from the country you are in whenever you get have the time. This will keep you focused!
6.) Recognize honestly that you feel homesick. Try to understand why, and what could make you happier!
6.) Recognize honestly that you feel homesick. Try to understand why, and what could make you happier!
Monday, June 23, 2014
Moving Tips from a 10 Year Old Aficionado
For the first time ever I have invited a guest blogger to publish a post on Expat with Kids.
Her name is Arabella and she is a true Third Culture Kid. Last week she held a presentation about moving and had some very useful tips. I enjoyed her project so much, I asked her if she'd like to contribute towards my blog. Here is her perspective. Enjoy reading!
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I am ten years old and, in my short life, I have moved six times across three continents. So, I consider myself a bit of a ‘moving expert’ Moving is exciting, but not always easy, so here are some tips I’ve picked up along the way:
Before your move:
-Make little good-bye presents for all of your friends, such as bracelets or a poem.
-Organise a leaving party.
-Go through your room and decide what you don't want or need anymore, then sell or give the things that you don't need to charity.
- Have a look around your future house if possible so that you know how much space you have and you can start planning your room.
-Get a guidebook about the new area you’re moving to, and look at different places to explore.
Moving Day:
-Pack snacks for the journey
-Make sure that you have things to do, because chances are, the trip will be quite long.
-Entertain your brothers and sisters while they are packing up.
-Wash anything that needs washing.
-Generally keep a sense of humour.
-Pitch in however you can.
-Stay out of your parents' ways.
-Say your last goodbyes to your friends and family.
Settling In:
-Explore the new neighbourhood.
-Get acquainted with your new room by organising it, and arranging your things.
-Look for evidence of whether there are other children living around you, such as bicycles, and go and introduce yourself.
-Sign up for a library card.
-Don't just think about yourself - consider your pets, as well! Take them for a walk around the area so the can find other pets and make friends - just the same as you and me.
Starting School:
-If you have moved in the summer holidays, see if you can organise a meeting and tour of the school beforehand.
-Ask your parents about any important school information, such as dress code, bus stops (if applicable), hot lunch, etc.
Her name is Arabella and she is a true Third Culture Kid. Last week she held a presentation about moving and had some very useful tips. I enjoyed her project so much, I asked her if she'd like to contribute towards my blog. Here is her perspective. Enjoy reading!
----------------------------------------------
I am ten years old and, in my short life, I have moved six times across three continents. So, I consider myself a bit of a ‘moving expert’ Moving is exciting, but not always easy, so here are some tips I’ve picked up along the way:
Before your move:
-Make little good-bye presents for all of your friends, such as bracelets or a poem.
-Organise a leaving party.
-Go through your room and decide what you don't want or need anymore, then sell or give the things that you don't need to charity.
- Have a look around your future house if possible so that you know how much space you have and you can start planning your room.
-Get a guidebook about the new area you’re moving to, and look at different places to explore.
Moving Day:
-Pack snacks for the journey
-Make sure that you have things to do, because chances are, the trip will be quite long.
-Entertain your brothers and sisters while they are packing up.
-Wash anything that needs washing.
-Generally keep a sense of humour.
-Pitch in however you can.
-Stay out of your parents' ways.
-Say your last goodbyes to your friends and family.
Settling In:
-Explore the new neighbourhood.
-Get acquainted with your new room by organising it, and arranging your things.
-Look for evidence of whether there are other children living around you, such as bicycles, and go and introduce yourself.
-Sign up for a library card.
-Don't just think about yourself - consider your pets, as well! Take them for a walk around the area so the can find other pets and make friends - just the same as you and me.
Starting School:
-If you have moved in the summer holidays, see if you can organise a meeting and tour of the school beforehand.
-Ask your parents about any important school information, such as dress code, bus stops (if applicable), hot lunch, etc.
And Above All, Keep a Cool Head
And never assume that movers do the same thing in every country.
Here our sofa is being hauled up 13 floors, over the balcony in Brazil!!
Here our sofa is being hauled up 13 floors, over the balcony in Brazil!!
Friday, June 20, 2014
Switzerland: the most Multicultural football team
Who are we rooting for? Switzerland, of course. Yes, I am talking about the World Cup! Yes, Switzerland is still in the game. Hurray!
It seems, Switzerland is the most multicultural of all the 32 teams taking part in the 2014 football World Cup in Brazil. 15 out of 23 players in the Swiss squad are of foreign origin. At this point, I not sure if we should we be proud or concerned?
A new infographic of World Cup players and their nationalities and family connections currently doing the rounds on the internet and social media shows that the Swiss team is the most cosmopolitan at the tournament. The graphic created by Australian designer James Offer shows that 15 Swiss players have 21 different family connections to other countries, ahead of Australia (18), Algeria, Bosnia-Herzegovina and France (each with 16 connections).
Many of the Swiss squad are second-generation immigrants, who have at least one foreign parent. It’s not unusual for Swiss players to hold more than one passport such as Philippe Senderos who has Spanish and Serbian parents.
Click on the graphic below for a full interactive version:
It seems, Switzerland is the most multicultural of all the 32 teams taking part in the 2014 football World Cup in Brazil. 15 out of 23 players in the Swiss squad are of foreign origin. At this point, I not sure if we should we be proud or concerned?
A new infographic of World Cup players and their nationalities and family connections currently doing the rounds on the internet and social media shows that the Swiss team is the most cosmopolitan at the tournament. The graphic created by Australian designer James Offer shows that 15 Swiss players have 21 different family connections to other countries, ahead of Australia (18), Algeria, Bosnia-Herzegovina and France (each with 16 connections).
Many of the Swiss squad are second-generation immigrants, who have at least one foreign parent. It’s not unusual for Swiss players to hold more than one passport such as Philippe Senderos who has Spanish and Serbian parents.
Click on the graphic below for a full interactive version:
For more info, check out http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss_news
Hopp Schwiiz!
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Lugano Souvenir gift
It is the time of year again when expat famililes start moving. Do you have a friend leaving? Are you looking for the perfect little gift that will make him/her smile?
My tip: head down to the Manor and check out their Swiss corner. Take a look at the Lugano mugs! They will definately brighten up someone's day AND the person will think of you every morning.
For just CHF 9.90 you'll be holding Lugano in your hands with a smile on your face.
It couldn't be better!
My tip: head down to the Manor and check out their Swiss corner. Take a look at the Lugano mugs! They will definately brighten up someone's day AND the person will think of you every morning.
For just CHF 9.90 you'll be holding Lugano in your hands with a smile on your face.
It couldn't be better!
P.S. No, the Manor is NOT sponsoring me for this post,
I just happen to fall in love with the Lugano mugs!
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Are you ready for the World Cup 2014?
Should you have a football crazed son like I do, you'll know more about football than you care to admit. With the World Cup 2014 kicking off tomorrow, I thought I'd share a fun video (no, I am not a fan of McDonald!) to get you into the spirit. Viva Brazil, let the games begin and may the best team win.
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Crumble of tomatoes and fresh goat cheese recipe
From time to time I find recipes that inspire me. This one tickled my fancy because it makes a great impression on dinner guests, is easy to prepare and the ingredients are always in season.
Ingredients (for 4 persons):
For the crushed tomatoes and fresh goat cheese:
- 4 tomatoes
- 150 gr of fresh goat cheese
- 2 table spoons of olive oil
- 2 shallots
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 twig of basil
- pinch of La Baleine Fine Salt
- 1 pinch of sugar
- Pepper
For the crumble dough:
- 70 gr of flour
- 70 gr of parmesan
- 70 gr of butter
- 2 table spoons of fine breadcrumbs
- 1 branch of fresh rosemary
Preparation:
Preheat oven to 180°C (thermostat 6) and take the butter out of the icebox.
For the crushed tomatoes:
1.) Bring water to boil in a cooking pan.
2.) Remove the tomato stem and cut them slightly with the tip of a knife before dipping them about 20 seconds in boiling water.
3.) Remove with a skimmer and dip them in a salad bowl of cold water in order to stop the cooking and refresh them.
4.) Remove the skin from the tomatoes then cut into small cubes.
5.) Thinly chop the garlic and shallots.
6.) Pan fry the garlic and shallots with a thin dash of olive oil and add the diced tomatoes.
7.) Add the chopped basil and a small pinch of sugar to avoid the acidity of the tomatoes.
8.) Allow to cook on a low flame with a top for 10 minutes stirring from time to time.
9.) At the end of the cooking, add some La Baleine Fine Salt and pepper.
For the crumble dough:
1.) In a salad bowl, mix the flour, the parmesan, the softened butter and the rosemary twigs.
2.) Knead until you get a sandy texture.
Presentation:
In a baking dish previously oiled, alternated the crushed tomatoes and goat cheese.
Finish with the crumble dough.
Cook 10 minutes at 180°C.
Serve slightly warm or cold, slightly sprinkled with La Baleine Fleur de Sel to convey the touch of exception and crispness.
Delicious with an arugula salad!
Ingredients (for 4 persons):
For the crushed tomatoes and fresh goat cheese:
- 4 tomatoes
- 150 gr of fresh goat cheese
- 2 table spoons of olive oil
- 2 shallots
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 twig of basil
- pinch of La Baleine Fine Salt
- 1 pinch of sugar
- Pepper
For the crumble dough:
- 70 gr of flour
- 70 gr of parmesan
- 70 gr of butter
- 2 table spoons of fine breadcrumbs
- 1 branch of fresh rosemary
Preparation:
Preheat oven to 180°C (thermostat 6) and take the butter out of the icebox.
For the crushed tomatoes:
1.) Bring water to boil in a cooking pan.
2.) Remove the tomato stem and cut them slightly with the tip of a knife before dipping them about 20 seconds in boiling water.
3.) Remove with a skimmer and dip them in a salad bowl of cold water in order to stop the cooking and refresh them.
4.) Remove the skin from the tomatoes then cut into small cubes.
5.) Thinly chop the garlic and shallots.
6.) Pan fry the garlic and shallots with a thin dash of olive oil and add the diced tomatoes.
7.) Add the chopped basil and a small pinch of sugar to avoid the acidity of the tomatoes.
8.) Allow to cook on a low flame with a top for 10 minutes stirring from time to time.
9.) At the end of the cooking, add some La Baleine Fine Salt and pepper.
For the crumble dough:
1.) In a salad bowl, mix the flour, the parmesan, the softened butter and the rosemary twigs.
2.) Knead until you get a sandy texture.
Presentation:
In a baking dish previously oiled, alternated the crushed tomatoes and goat cheese.
Finish with the crumble dough.
Cook 10 minutes at 180°C.
Serve slightly warm or cold, slightly sprinkled with La Baleine Fleur de Sel to convey the touch of exception and crispness.
Delicious with an arugula salad!
Monday, June 9, 2014
Breganzona Estate 2014
Don't miss the beautiful atmosphere of Breganzona Estate. That's how the locals would invite us. Summer in Breganzona life is made of simple things: a mild, summer evening, music, barbecue, a small bar and good company.
The 17th edition of Breganzona Summer has the honour of hosting local artists performing their own songs, created by their talent and their passion. If you haven't heard of them yet, listen up: SuMisura, Charlie Roe and Sinplus will all be giving it their best on Friday night.
Costine, luganighetta, bratwurst, brega-burger, tomino, all served with side dishes such as fries and salamino. This should have your mouth watering already. Come experience the magical atmosphere under the stars of Brega.
Where: Piazza Chiattone, Breganzona
Date: Friday, June 13th and Saturday, June 14th, 2014
Time: 18:00 - 2:00
More info, click here: Programme
The 17th edition of Breganzona Summer has the honour of hosting local artists performing their own songs, created by their talent and their passion. If you haven't heard of them yet, listen up: SuMisura, Charlie Roe and Sinplus will all be giving it their best on Friday night.
Costine, luganighetta, bratwurst, brega-burger, tomino, all served with side dishes such as fries and salamino. This should have your mouth watering already. Come experience the magical atmosphere under the stars of Brega.
Where: Piazza Chiattone, Breganzona
Date: Friday, June 13th and Saturday, June 14th, 2014
Time: 18:00 - 2:00
More info, click here: Programme
Thursday, June 5, 2014
International School of Ticino Inauguration
You've probably heard the news? There's a new kid in town. The International School of Como is opening a new section in Lugano called International School of Ticino.
Come see it for yourself this coming Saturday. They are celebrating their Inauguration! Visit the school and meet the principal as well as the teachers.
The programme is welcoming students aged 3 to 6 to start. ISC will open an Early Years school in Lugano, more precisely in Lamone. For several months they have been working on its organization and start-up, as well as the construction work that has progressed rapidly. The new building is ready and Open Day is around the corner.
Venue: Int'l. School of Ticino Inauguration
Where: Int'l School of Ticino, Via Girella 4, 6814 Lamone
Date: Saturday, June 7th, 2014
Time: 9:00 - 13:00
For more info about the school,give them a call at: +41-91/971'03'44.
Come see it for yourself this coming Saturday. They are celebrating their Inauguration! Visit the school and meet the principal as well as the teachers.
The programme is welcoming students aged 3 to 6 to start. ISC will open an Early Years school in Lugano, more precisely in Lamone. For several months they have been working on its organization and start-up, as well as the construction work that has progressed rapidly. The new building is ready and Open Day is around the corner.
Venue: Int'l. School of Ticino Inauguration
Where: Int'l School of Ticino, Via Girella 4, 6814 Lamone
Date: Saturday, June 7th, 2014
Time: 9:00 - 13:00
For more info about the school,give them a call at: +41-91/971'03'44.
Sunday, June 1, 2014
We used to be locals...
We used to be locals, now we are just plain tourists. Sunday afternoon at San Gottardo...
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