My place in Luzern

When I first moved to Luzern I lived in a fab 2 story apartment built when Henry VIII was king of England. After buying the Melrose house I clearly needed to go a bit cheaper so moved into a "1.5 room" (studio with kitchen) in the Old Town of Luzern. Here's the thing - I like it better

than the pricey place. I think I've sprinkled in photos here and there but I haven't done a blog on this place itself and it deserves one.

Everyone says the best part of the place is the amazing roofdeck and it's true. Not only is the deck huge and perfect for parties but the views are truly breathtaking. The shot at the beginning of the blog is one example of the view facing Mt. Pilatus. Turn 180 degrees and you're staring at the old medieval defense wall and towers and the sunsets here are spectacular. You should recognize the photo introducing my blog as my favorite all time photo of Luzern and it was taken from the deck of course.

Here is the inside - it's mostly one big greatroom on the top floor of the building. Tons of light comes in these huge windows

This is my fireplace and one of my favorite elements of the place. Almost makes you long for winter.

So, what's the downside you ask? Well, let's just say that some young couple in `76 must have been quite happy in this kitchen.

Bunker kitchen notwithstanding it's a cozy little nest for my weeks in Luzern.

Piemonte Italy

There are many well-known areas of Italy - Rome, Tuscany, Cinque Terre, Venice, Sicily, etc. Piemonte is not a place I'd heard much about. But when my friend Jess and her hubby Chris invited me to tag along to visit the Piemonte area during truffle season, I was more than game.

We rented a little car and 4 hours later - voila! We were in the Piemonte area. Southwest of Milan and near Torino (otherwise known as Turin of shroud fame), this area is well known for its red wines (barbaresco, dolcetto, etc.) and it's rare white truffles.

I'm sure it's famous for its beautiful views too but it was sadly very foggy the whole weekend. But it's still a beautiful area.

But the best part was the food. Ah, the food. These little pillows of heaven are called ravioli plin. On the left we have some plin stuffed with cheese and rosemary just in butter - heaven! One the right is a version with fontina cheese and black truffles. I ate these things 1-2 times per day.

And then I just took some fun photos

Pros and cons of living in Switzerland

While it's a great life here it isn't perfect. So, here are the pros and cons of living here in the Alps:

Pros

Everything’s clean and everything works

You live in postcard-like beauty

You can walk everywhere but the airport, and for that there is a direct train

The food is fresh, locally grown and delicious

It doesn’t get as cold as a Boston winter or as hot as a Boston summer (usually anyway)

You can get to most any European city within 1.5 hrs by plane

Hop on the train and go 2 hours west and you’re hearing French, south and your hearing Italian

Within a 10 minute walk you can be on a beautiful nature hike

It’s a much more relaxed lifestyle than in the US. Low on errands and high on family/friend time

Low taxes and everyone has health care

Cons

An American size M is an XL in Switzerland (no joke)

If you cross the street before the walk sign is lighted you’re likely to get yelled at by old ladies

A take out order or pad thai will set you back $16

You can’t get Light beer

The sky is gray from November thru March

Swiss old people blow past you walking on the uphill hiking trails

There are no Dunkin Donuts

Men with mullets abound

Everyone smokes