Hello. I'm so happy to find this board. Reading through the posts has been very informative....and really fun, too!

I have an opportunity to spend the winter months (December through April) on Lugano (Italian side).

What's life like in Lugano that time of year?

How far to the nearest decent cross-country skiing? Will a "front wheel drive, 2.0l engine" car with snow chains be adequate to get to the ski locales?

Aside from "winter issues"...what's life on the lake like?

Any tips on things to do? How about specific places to shop....eat...or just hang out? And how about a "full service"...fully equipped gym for high quality workouts and lap swimming?

Bottom line....do you LOVE LUGANO? Why yes? Why no?

CHEERS!!

David

Yes, we love Lugano, although I've only stayed on the Swiss side. I've been there in January and it's quiet but not dead. Many shops, restaurants, cafes, etc. in the city of Lugano will be open (although they may take a vacation during the winter).
My husband's aunt and uncle used to live near Lugano (in Caslano), just over the Ponte Tresa bridge on the Swiss side. They found the winters fine, sometimes rainy and foggy but not too bad. Don't be surprised to get a cold snap, though. When I was there in January the temperature was below freezing. It will be just beautiful in April.
Do you plan to ski on the Swiss or Italian side or both?

I must confess...I've never skied before. Lol! I do a lot of cycling and running...and I'm hoping that cross-country skiing is both accessible....enjoyable...and that it gets the blood flow pumping.

Ever done it?


CHEERS!!

David

All I can add is "Wow, you are so lucky!" If you purchase one of those half-fare rail passes, you'll be able to make a huge number of wonderful daytrips from Lugano. What an adventure. Promise to visit this forum from time to time while you're there to tell us of your experiences! J.

I'm now looking for a one month rental in Cape Town from October 20, 2004 to November 20, 2004.

I need a washer/dryer in the unit....and more than anything, I need high speed internet access in the unit.

I'm assuming, given those two requirements, that I will be looking at apartments instead of hotels, no?

Or...as an alternative...is there a reason to stay one week in one "suburb" and then bounce around a bit...four times / four suburbs?

Anyone with any specific recommendations regarding properties to look at?

As for "general tips"...what do you think of the "V&A Waterfront area"....compared to Camps or Hout Bays?

Will I need a rental car for the entire month....or is there an area where an apartment would be located close enough to shopping, entertainment, culture, beaches, gym and other services....so that walking and the ocassional taxi ride would be adequate?

I'd so tremendously appreciate any help that you all can provide.


CHEERS!

David

Lugano is a wonderful town. The scenery is beautiful and the people so nice. The town is very clean. I went to college in Lugano for a semester and enjoyed it. January it can snow but not always. You will see many scooters and small cars which seem to do well getting around. There are lots of places to go cross country sking within short driving distance. My French professor loved to go cross country skiing every weekend. You can also catch the train and go to Milan and even Monaco not too far for a day trip.When it snows a lot you may find it difficult to maneuver up the steep hills of Lugano until the roads are cleared. I know you will thoroughly enjoy yourself while in Lugano. It is an Italian speaking canto but French of course is spoken also and even some German. Have a wonderful time and let us know what you think. Best Regards, Richard