SwissMissMeg

In like a lion, out like a lamb. The saying relates to weather but it also seems to describe this busy month, both personally and professionally. Thankful that the days are growing longer and the more hurried pace is behind me. I’ve had a moment to explore more in the Lugano area and enjoy the warmer weather, even when it rains.

In early March, I wandered downtown on a grey Saturday morning. Under the threat of rainy skies, I discovered a thrift shop, an art gallery, and even an organic market. What’s on offer in Lugano really seems never ending. So nice to see window boxes filled as I walk around town.

I finally took the chance to stop into MASI (Museo d’arte della Svizzera italiana), a gallery situated in the historic Palazzo Reali, dating back to the Renaissance. I took in the contemporary and Post-Impressionist collections, as well as sculpture from the 15th century. Very much looking forward to returning soon for the exhibition of Eugenio Schimdhauser, a photographer who helped shape tourism in the Ticino region at the turn of the century.

As I walked along the lakefront, I noticed that the ferry was up and running for the season. On a whim, I hopped onboard (Swiss half fare card came in handy) and set off on a two hour tour around Lake Lugano.

After stopping at Paradiso, the clouds gave way to full sunshine by the time we reached Morcote. The boat hopscotched from one side of the lake to the other, pulling into port for a minute or two, just long enough for passengers to board or disembark.

I sat out on the bow, soaking in the sun and my latest playlist. Making a plan to visit the churches of Morcote in May, I look forward to hopping aboard again soon.

Professionally, I flew to Vienna in mid-March for an IB Visual Arts workshop. It was a busy three day session spent among other art teachers from all over the globe (I think the farthest anyone travelled was from Santiago, Chile). I ran into former colleagues from Istanbul, members of my sketchbook swap now living in Doha, and even met my friend Bea’s next door neighbor in Zambia. With so many international educators represented, the level of discussion is elevated and always inspiring. I returned excited with plenty of new ideas for our new syllabus starting in the fall.

While in Vienna, I had the chance to visit with two friends from Moscow – Eric and Rupa. We ate delicious food, caught up on life, and reminisced about our years in Russia and what a special community we had AAS.

Eric joined me for Friday evening at the Albertina Museum. Works by Jim Dine, Durer, and a young standout named Matthew Wong all impressed. Really nice that the museum stays open until 9pm a few nights per week.

Back in Lugano this weekend, I was again faced with a rainy Saturday. After checking the museums in Milan, I decided to stay local and again ventured downtown to Lugano. As an ex-pat sometimes you just crave a taste of home. I followed my craving right over to California Bakery, a spot which has been recommended a number of times.

Seated at a table by the window, I ordered a Millennial Special (TM) – avocado toast and latte. I struck up a conversation with a couple seated next to me and we talked through the whole meal. Turns out they are both Americans who have lived in Lugano for a number of years, working remotely. We swapped numbers and I hope they will come visit me on Montagnola sometime soon. You just never know who you are going to meet. I love that part of living abroad.

My arts and culture stop of the day was at Lugano’s Fondazione Braglia. Alerted to this gem of a collection by my most recent petsitter, I soaked in works by Miro, Chagall, and Max Ernst.

I must bring my students there in the future. Lugano has such a wealth of galleries and museums. I feel so lucky to have all of this at my fingertips.

The weather seems to be easing, at least in temperature. We have had a few gorgeous days of sunshine. Mol has been pushing to explore more of Montagnola on the blue bird days. With Tracey and Zach coming to town next weekend, more adventures await. A trip to Valle Verzasca to check out the “Marble Trail” is on the docket – can’t wait to explore.