Pfaeffikon and Lugano, from north to south!

Travelling is such a joy, but to come back 'home' to close friends is also wonderful, as it was in  Russikon and Pfaeffikon. 

It was incredible to actually experience better Italian food in Pfaeffikon than in Ialy! The new restaurant Marco and I ate at was simply perfect - great service, beautiful decor inside and delicious food.

I always feel at home in Pfaeffikon and a walk around my favourite Swiss lake is a must. On the marshy side of the lake were carpets of these beautiful autumn crocus, Herbstzeitlose in German, meaning 'timeless autumn'! 

Of course, no walk around the lake in autumn is complete without  Jucker's fabulous pumpkin display. Sadly, it is no longer as grand as it used to be, but is still pretty impressive. This year with the theme music. 

It didn't matter where I went, I just kept bumping into my friends. It was such a lovely day.

After once again only a short stay in Russikon, I headed south to the Tessin, realising that it has been years since my last visit there. There is mo doubt that it has become much more built up, which is a great shame. The forest- clad hills along the lake shore are gradually being replaced by rather ugly high- rise appartment blocks. Luckily, though, the scenery is still so stunning that it is still possible to ignore these eyesores!

The little alleys haven't changed at all, with their luscious- looking fruit and vegetables. What an amazing array of tomatoes. I have never seen such monsters as at this stall. They also had monstrous prices - 16 francs a kilo!

Travelling with my friend Guni s always very relaxed and these two days were no different. 

We were both a little perplexed as to this sign in the first place we lunched at. You had to take the lift downstairs, but what the guy peering over the toilet cubicle indicated, I have no idea. I am hoping for some interesting suggestions as to its meaning!

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We had a fabulous day in Gandria, the neighbouring village. The start of the walk was particularly pretty in the colourful village of Castagnalo.  How I love the cokours of The South. The weather was stunning all day, with crystal clear skies - what a blue!

It was pretty hot, but luckily we had enough shade from the lakeshore homes and the overhanging trees, bringing a touch of autumn to our sunny summer day.

Gandria, such a picturesque wee village with about 200 inhabitants, and with the most spectacular view down the lake, made even more amazing by this tree with its gorgeous pink blossom.

It is so restful to meander through the little cobbled streets, up and down the steps built into the rock, always with stunning views over the forested hills and the clear turquoise, water of Lago di Lugano.

This left turn was most certainly a dead- end road!

After yet another fabulously tasty meal, we made a spontaneous decision to make the most  of this perfect weather and to see more of this gorgeous lake by boat. Brilliant decision, especially as  the boat was amazingly not very crowded. 

What a picture- postcard scene as we left Gandria.

Gandria is not the only beautiful,  colourful village on Lake Lugano. There are lots, although many have been spoilt by high- rise , modern buildings all around them. This one, just opposite the very touristy Melide, still has its wonderful charm and has managed to escape expansion and modernisation.

It had been a fantastic day and the evening was just as great. After a pre- dinner drink at a restaurant by the lakeside close to our flat, we went back there for dinner, luckily having reserved a table. The place was packed, understandably because the food and service was brilliant and the views breathtaking.

Our last day in Lugano, and a chance to meet up with my friends Hampi and Ruth from St Gallen, who were holidaying here. It was a marvelous end to our short stay in Tessin. We visited Morcote, which we had seen from the boat yesterday. It is special to experience this beautiful, sleepy village from the lake and on foot. 

I guess at weekends and in summer the streets are crowded and noisy, but today it was wonderfully peaceful strolling up through the cobbled streets

to the magnificent church which stands guard over the town below. It has a truly impressive graveyard with the most ornate graves and many elaborate family burial chambers. These must have been the rich and important members of Morcote's community!

What  a fantastic day out with friends!