Palm Trees and couchsurfing

Switzerland!  Lucerne was beautiful, and made even more so by my first couchsurfing experience.  The woman I stayed with was fantastic, and in addition to not having to pay a night`s accomadation, I gained a friend and great insight into the city.  I loved traversing the narrow lanes, and a climb up to the guardtower gave me a great view.  I also went to a music festival with Laura, my host, and got to meet some of her friends and listen to some great music.

Then yesterday I arrived in Lugano, which has so far been ône of the most relaxing of my stops.  The hostel has a pool (!) and the lake here is beautiful.  There`s not much to do, especially when it`s so hot, but now that pool is certainly looking inviting again (and I`m still paying hostel prices!).  On the border of Switzerland and Italy, Lugano is `subtropical`, meaning warm, sunny, and filled with palm trees.  Still, it`s wildly expensive, and obviously caters to a wealthier crowd.  Still, it`s good for a wander.  I also met a kind older gentleman at the hostel, who obviously travels alot and was eager to share his knowledge of Venice (churches to visit and so on), so now I have a better idea of what to hit up in my two days there.   

Tomorrow I head on to Italy, and I get to see Leslie in a couple days!  I`m excited for her to show me the real Firenze, and to hike the Cinque Terre together.