Kids' activities in and around Lugano

Once in a while I come across a like-minded women who loves to explore and take the time to share. This is the case with Jasmine. Following is a list she wrote for the International and American Women's Mums & Tots group. It is an extensive list and comes in very handy when you need some inspiration on a Wednesday afternoon or a weekend. It does not include the most obvious attractions that are well publicized and you can find under my "Out and About" section on the sidebar of this blog.

So, are you ready? Here goes:

In Ticino:

http://www.carona-tourism.ch/en/carona/ - Parco San Grato, has a playground, restaurant and beautiful surroundings to explore

http://www.lugano-tourism.ch/en/95/the-tassino-park - Parco Tassino, large playground and deer! Great park with lots of space, picnic and play areas

http://www.montetamaro.ch - bobsleigh track, flying fox (zip wire) restaurant and great playground

www.tarzaning.ch an adventure park with zip wires, rope bridges and climbing frames between trees in the forest

http://www.ticino.ch/The-Verzasca-Valley-trail/ - A walk rated as easy, so possible with kids, in beautiful scenery

http://www.cardada.ch/estate - take a cable car up to Cardada for some lovely family friendly walks.

http://www.ticino.ch/en/commons/details/Parco-giochi-Parsifal-Monte-Verità-Ascona - one playground in Ascona, however I have been told that there is a really great playground on the lakefront of Ascona. If you go down to the mini roundabout where the start of the pedestrianised promenade is on your right (where all the restaurants are), instead turn left, walk past a large public car park, and you will see this playground - it has electric minicars - need 1CHF coins for them.

http://www.ataf.ch/ - steam miniature railway - strange opening hours though.

http://www.ticino.ch/en/commons/details/Isole-di-Brissago-Parco-Botanico - a boat trip to the island of Brissago, perhaps combine with a trip to Ascona and the playground on the lakefront!

www.minigolfcaslano.ch - Has electric mini-cars and great trampolines as well as the mini golf. Is next door to a great little lido too, with a very nice beach. (and they sell Ben and Jerry's ice cream)

Near Zurich:

http://www.zoo.ch - Switzerland's largest zoo and definately worth a trek up north

http://www.alpamare.ch - amazing looking waterpark - it is two hours away from Lugano by car but it looks like an excellent day trip nonetheless

http://www.tierpark.ch/english - Goldau wildlfe park, with restaurant and playground, came highly recommended by one of our members

Just across the border in Italy:

www.safaripark.it - brilliant safari park, not far from Malpensa airport, complete with amusement park with rides suitable for toddlers, reptile house, animal shows... a fantastic full day out

http://www.parcodellapreistoria.it/ - a large park with models of dinosaurs, playground, and restaurant

www.minitalia.com - a fantastic day out, an amusement park with lots of rides suitable for the youngest members of the family, reptile house, aquarium, mini farm, and to-scale models of the famous monuments of Italy

http://www.minigolf-adventure.it - has a playground, inflatable slides and trampolines as well as the minigolf

http://www.idropark.mi.it - man made lake in Milan with playground, lido and restaurant

http://www.jungleraiderpark.com - same as www.tarzaning.ch (adventure park with zip wires, rope bridges and climbing frames) but in Italy

http://www.latorbiera.it - large natural park to explore, with a large lake, restaurant and what seems to be a zoo too

http://www.lecornelle.it - a zoo with a wide variety of animals, white tigers, elephants

http://www.castellodivezio.it Castle of Vezio on the shores of Lake Como, complete with a display of falconry if you are lucky

Ever wondered where that stunning backdrop to Daniel Craig's rest & recuperation in the film 'Casino Royale' was? Well, the name's Como, Lake Como!
So, go see for yourself and explore the villas on Lake Como (http://www.lakecomovillas.net/villas.php) - the kids may enjoy running around the gardens while you excape into James Bond's or George Clooney's arms (in your dreams). Perhaps best combined with eating ice cream somewhere, and feeding the ducks on the lakefront, or a boat trip on the lake

Villa Carlotta - the most well known, parking is easy, you can have access to the villa as well as the grounds. There is a fountain that is full of fish and toads which can kept little explorers amused for at ages while they watch 'toad arguments'. Also a nice cafe there, picnic areas and beautiful scenery

Villa Del Balbianello (Lenno) - only the gardens are open to the public

Villa Melzi (Bellagio) - only the gardens are open to the public

Villa Monestero (Varenna)

Punta Balbianello - Villa Balbianello is the romantic spot featured in the second episode of the Star Wars saga

Now isn't this is a smashing list? 

Thank you so much for sharing. 

This should keep your little explorers busy for a while. 

The question is can we keep up with them???

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www.expatwithkidsinparis.blogspot.com

Lugano's Autumn Festival

“Autumn is a second spring where every leaf is a flower”
Albert Camus

On the first weekend in October, Lugano celebrates the beginning of Autumn with a festival dedicated to local products.

The Autumn festival concludes the open-air events with a large fair in the pedestrian zone of Lugano.

In the classic city scenario, in a grand choreography of colors and tastes, you will be able to find the typical grottini, a lot of folkloric music, Ticinese gastronomic delights and above all the celebrations of the grape and wine. The center of the city will welcome the visitors in numerous grottini operated by local companies which will offer typical Ticinese specialties, such as polenta with stew or beans and mortadella or roast pork, risotto, minestrone, gnocchi and many other exquisite local delights. Yummy!!!

Swiss and foreign guests and the local population will be able to taste and relish, in cheerful company, the best Ticino's region can offer: apart from the delights for the palate, also musical groups, artists and entertainers invited specially for the occasion, who will stage a series of very different shows. The grape harvest is a big festival for all, from the children to the elderly: why not take advantage of the opportunity for a pleasant celebration of the end of summer?

Venue: Autumn Festival
Where: Piazza Independenza and city center
When: September 30th to October 2nd, 2011
Time: Friday 16.00-1.00, Saturday: 10.00-2.00, Sunday: 10.00-18.00

Your chance to mingle with Miss Schweiz

This is your chance to mingle with Miss Schweiz. This Saturday the new Miss Switzerland will be elected at the Centro Esposizioni in Lugano and you can be part of it.

Don't miss this opportunity and cruise over to the Miss Schweiz site to book your ticket for the show (CHF 70.-). Should you feel like splashing out you can go for the whole Spiel: Aperitivo at Lugano's Lido followed by the Show and a Gala Dinner culminating with the Aftershow Party (CHF 400.-).

Click here to see the whole programme and muster your most spectacular evening robe to show off at this unique event. Who knows your friends might even spot you on TV.  All three Swiss channels will be airing the Miss Schweiz event live as of 20:05!

Venue: Miss Schweiz Elections 2011
Where: Centro Esposizioni, Lugano
When: Saturday, September 24th, 2011
Time: 20:05

Stralugano 2011

"Most people run a race to see who is fastest.  I run a race to see who has the most guts. "
Steve Prefontaine

Get ready this weekend. There is a fantastic sporting opportunity for you and your kids coming up. It is a social happening that you cannot miss. Head down town this weekend and enjoy the last summer vibes during the annual event of Stralugano.

Stralugano's philosophy extends from elite athletes to the occasional runner but - above all - it has a big heart. A heart logo displays the sensitivity not only in sports but towards neighbours and especially towards those who are not lucky enough to live full and free movement of their body.

Therefore, since it's creation 6 years ago, Stralugano has paid particular attention in supporting worthy organizations and enhance their sensitivity.

This year Stralugano renews its support of the Telethon movement by providing visibility throughout the event as well as financial contribution.

The Stralugano is a run and fun event: a folklore festival is held at the "Stralugano Village" that includes amusements, music, fitness, shopping and support for various charity associations. The festival kicks off on Saturday afternoon and continues all Sunday.

The five races planned are:

30km Panoramic
10km City
Kidsrun
Miglio
Handbike

Please head over to their site for more detailed information: www.stralugano.ch

Becoming a Parisienne

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Head over to my other blog:

www.expatwithkidsinparis.blogspot.com

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Lugano's IWCL Evening group and MEETUP celebrate Happy Hour

“Food is our common ground, a universal experience.”
James Beard

Welcome back from the Summer Holiday! 

Come share the souvenirs of your vacation time.

Please join us for a surprise aperitivo on 

Thursday, 22 September from 19.30 onwards at the trendy SOHO café. The International Womens' Club of Lugano (IWCL) is joining forces once again with The Lugano English speaking group for some fun and relaxation. This is a good opportunity to make new friends as this is a joint event with the Meetup Group. (www.meetup.com/newintown-922). The last few joint events have been great successes.

Please, make your reservations with:
 iwcleveninggroup@gmail.com or s_nelisse@yahoo.fr

Venue: Soho Café, Corso Enrico Pestalozzi 3, 6900 Lugano (www.soholugano.ch)

Date: Thursday, September 22nd, 2011

Time: 19:30 onwards

Looking forward to seeing you there.

Lugano's Book Nook welcomes Diccon Bewes

“You know you've read a good book when you turn the last page and feel a little as if you have lost a friend.”
Paul Sweeney

Mark your calendars for Sunday, September 25th and spread the word – The Book Nook is organizing an evening to benefit Ticino’s English library & used bookseller. Entertainment will include Special Literary Guest, Diccon Bewes, author of "Swiss Watching: Inside Europe’s Landlocked Island".

The London travel writer, Diccon Bewes, has lived in Bern for five years. What could be more obvious, therefore, than writing a book about Switzerland, this island within Europe. "How come that the Alpine republic has managed to make its products famous the the world over, but hasn't produced many well-known citizens?" Bewes wondered. So, he bought himself a rail pass and set off to find out "how this enigmatic country ticks".

Just check out his crash course to all things Swiss, from A to Z, which is one of the most popular posts from his blog at: www.swisswatching.wordpress.com

Please join in for an exciting evening to celebrate The Book Nook. Your support will ensure The Book Nook's future. Appetizer Buffet, Silent Auction, Book Sale, Cash Bar & much more.

Venue: Sala behind the church on Via Terzerina 1, Pregassona

Date: Sunday, September 25th, 2011 

Time:  17:00-21:00

SFr. 25.- donation at the door

RSVP not required, but please let The Book Nook if you know you are coming. 

Tel: 091/ 858 30 82 or robin@booknook.ch 

Visit The Book Nook online for directions to this event, and up-to-date information about the library: www.booknook.ch

My new home

Facts about snoring!

“Laugh and the world laughs with you, snore and you sleep alone.”
Anthony Burgess

Why am I up at 5:30 in the morning? Yes, admitteldly it is partly due to our new exciting environment. Some of you might be thinking: "Hey, you're in Paris! Why would you want to sleep anyway?"

I cherish my sleep. I love cuddling beneath my duvet and snuggling up for a good night sleep. Only I have not been getting much of that lately, thanks to my snoring hubby!!! What to do?

Since I'm up I thought I'd share some interesting facts about snoring with my readers published by www.britishsnoring.co.uk:

1.) The 3 main reasons for snoring are: being overweight, smoking and drinking alcohol.

2.) Snoring sound is air turbulance vibrating the structures in the ‘upper airway’.

3.) Snoring sounds range from 50dB to 100dB - the equivalent to a pneumatic drill. (My husband is in the upper range!)

4.) Snoring can be hereditary - nearly 70% of snorers have a familial link.

5.) Bed partners of snorers report they have just 3-5 hours sleep per night. (Yes, that would be me at the moment!)

6.) Bed partners of snorers visit their GP more frequently than bed partners of non-snorers.

7.) Snorers and their bed partners are more likely to be hard of hearing than non-snorers and their partners. (Oh, gosh no, don't say that!)

8.) Over one third of couples report disharmony within the relationship due to snoring. (Mmmmmhhhh, I wonder why?!?!)

9.) Sleep quality rather than quantity is more of an issue. Poor sleep quality exacerbates poor health. (And VERY bad moods in my case)

10.) Sleep loss affects newly learned skills more than well known skills. (Keep in mind!)

11.) Despite evidence to the contrary, bed partners report better sleep quality when sleeping with their snoring partner than when they sleep alone. (Yeah, right?)

12.) The louder you snore, the more likely you are to be overweight. ( Luckily NOT the case)

13.) In 1910 we were sleeping for approximately 9 hours per night. In 2009 we sleep for around 6-7 hours. (That's why we call them "The good ol'days")

Have a lovely day!