Lugano

Lugano is a small city in the Italian speaking part of Switzerland in the Canton of Ticino. Piazza Manzoni is the main square in the old town area.

 
 
The weather is always warmer than Zürich, but it was pretty windy so we were still wrapped up pretty well.

 
I had lunch at Piazza Manzoni.

 
Then walked around the area. Stopped at a cafe for cappuccino.

 
 
Then walked back to Piazza Manzoni to find a band playing there.

 
 
 

Overall a very pleasant afternoon. Lugano is supposed to be a summer place - but it was wonderful even in February. Besides everything seemed to be on sale and was a lot cheaper than in Zürich.

I did see these in many places, but I have no idea what they are - anyone know?

 
There was also an antiques market (or garage sale?) going on in the neighborhood the next day.

 
 

Luzern - Hairy Buffalo

Here is the city wall of Luzern:

 
Here are a couple hairy buffalo (or some other kind of cattle?) grazing about in a fenced area in front of it:

 
 

Ok, after some research I've concluded that these aren't buffalos but Highland Cows. I'd think they don't mind the snow much.

Btw, here's another kind of Hairy Buffalo.

Luzern - Old town

Luzern is less than 1hr away from Zürich by train. I went on a particularly uninteresting day. These photos are from the old town area.

 
 
It was Sunday and it was snowing, so not much was going there. (All shops are closed on Sundays in Switzerland - except ones at a train station). The buildings were prettier than in Zürich - with ornate paintings on the external walls.




 
There is famous wooden covered bridge in Luzerne and also a lion monument. Somehow I missed taking a photo for either one, but I'll probably go back there (on a sunnier day hopefully).