Arriving in Europe with Ease - the Untours Way

Trip Log 1: Ticino, Switzerland, Fall 2006

September 20, Wednesday ARRIVAL

Our morning arrival at Zurich went very smoothly, and with the assistance of Untours staff, we were soon on the direct train to Locarno. On arrival, we were met by our local Untours staff and delivered to our apartment by taxi. A very stress-free beginning, well appreciated after an overnight flight.

That afternoon we found our way to the Coop grocery store in the Piazza Grande. Even though our refrigerator was stocked nicely with the basics, we added a bottle of Merlot and some fruit. By 5 p.m. everyone else was asleep, so I walked for a couple of hours, camera in hand, orienting myself to the neighborhood, finding the walking route to the train station, and experiencing this new and beautiful locale. The light was perfect for picture taking as I walked up the hill behind our apartment on a pedestrian path that seemed to go up forever. I later returned to the apartment and my husband Rolf and I strolled around the corner to a neighborhood café, sitting outside with a glass of Ticino merlot and a slice of pizza.


September 21, Thursday ORIENTATION AND TENERO

Our group met at the train station at 8:30, and we had our Untours orientation at a restaurant near the Locarno boat dock. Afterwards we picked up our suitcases, returning to the apartment to unpack. We then returned to the dock area for our first gelato, and strolled along the lakeside promenade to Tenero (about 4-5 kilometers). We passed many beautiful gardens, interesting gates/doors and what seemed like ancient walls. In Tenero we found the Matasci Winery (go left when the path splits), which is right next to the train station. The grapes were being delivered in small open trucks, the atmosphere was festive, and the grape growers and their families left with smiles on their faces. The tasting room has several varieties to try and purchase.

We took the train back to Locarno and stopped at one of the many outdoor restaurants in the Piazza Grande for salad, pizza and beer. Our apartment mates, Irv and Nancy Martin, saw us and joined in. To find your friends here, just sit in the Piazza and eventually they'll come by.