Monthly Archives: May 2016

Lake Como, Italy

April 2016

Lake Como was a stop upon returning from a short visit to Lugano, a border town in Switzerland earlier in the day. We had taken the EuroCity train from Lugano and dropped off at Como S Giovanni train station. From the train station, we walked to the War Memorial monument by the side of Lake Como. A slow walk and a quick stop at Carrefour for mineral water took 20 minutes. We then turned right passing Tempio Voltiano museum and onwards to Como town/square. From the bank of Lake Como, we can see the funicular line going up to the hill town of Brunet.

Lake Como is a peaceful lake and coupled with the chilly weather makes it feels romantic. Due to lack of time, we were unable to take a cruise which would have lasted more than 2 hours and see more of Lake Como charms.

As you walk further till you reach a small round-about, you’ll be able to see another train station to your right. This is Como Nord Lago station basically serving the regional trains. We returned to Milan from this station as it has more train frequencies into Milan. The ticket cost €5.50 but it goes into Milan Cardona station instead of Milano Centrale. From Cardona, the metro cost €1.50 to get back to Centrale.

Como S.Giovanni train station, Lake Como. Credit : panoramio.com

Take these steps directly in-front of the station and walk down to Lake Como. Credit : cadyluckleedy.com

War Memorial, Lake Como.

The Tempio Voltiano museum by the lake side.

Notice to abide with.

Commercial & residential area across Lake Como. Como-Burnate funicular in the background.

View across Lake Como.

Gheese and ducks in Lake Como.

Boats in Lake Como.

Cruise boat coming into Lake Como.

If you have the money, you can fly into Lake Como by private sea plane.

Como S Giovanni to Como Nord Lago.

Como Nord Lago regional train station. Como Nord Lago to Milan Cardona.

No doubt we’re in the correct train station.

Seats in the regional train … as good as the Inter City trains and cost cheaper.

Validate you train ticket before boarding.

Useful Milan Metro map.

Lugano, Switzerland

April 2016

Lugano is a Swiss border town conveniently accessible by train from Milan. We have bought tickets in advanced from Trenitalia and were lucky to get at €18 return. The journey would take just slightly over an hour and the EuroCity train terminates at Zurich. Like most European trains, its clean, comfortable and departs on time. From Milan, choose your seat on the left on enjoy the view of the lake approaching Lugano town. There was an announcement that passport may be required to be inspected on-board, but that was just left as an announcement.

Lugano train station is situated on a steep hill and descending by foot to the town below is easy. But getting back up is totally a different story. You could run out of breath and may require a couple of stops for short rest. The funicular is under upgrading works and expected to complete by November 2016 but there is a shuttle bus called ‘Funibus’ that will bring you to about mid way of Lugano town at a cost of 1.10 CHF. You can catch this shuttle bus outside the train station and it runs about every 10 minutes.

Lugano is a small town with a couple of banks if you care to open a Swiss account. Many branded shops around and as many shops selling watches which Switzerland is famous for. Not cheap though as the high-end pieces can cost as much as a compact car.

The town fringes Lake Lugano and looking beyond the lake, it gives the feeling of tranquility. The town is very clean and slow-paced and you feel relaxed walking around.

The EuroCity train we took at Milano Centrale. It’s a 1 hour 7 minutes ride.

Map showing train route from Milan, Italy to Lugano, Switzerland.

Lake side town before arriving into Lugano train station.

Lugano train station. The train we took terminates at Zurich.

From the train station, its downhill all the way into town.

It’s a 800 meters walk down to the town centre. Wait till the time you need to get back to the train station. Haha.

Typical Swiss window design.

Square before reaching the main street.

Vegetable store along the streets down into the town.

What swiss are known for …. watches. Not cheap.

The town centre overlooking Lake Lugano.

There were still tulip in April.

Statute of Lugano’s former Mayor, Carlo Battaglini.

Antonio Bossi fountain at Rezzonico Square.

Lugano town seen from the lake.

A ferry docks at the jetty just by the main street.

Walkway along the lake besides the main street.

Halal Food, Milan

April 2016

One of the reasons we’ve chosen to stay at Hotel Bernina is due to the close proximity to Milano Centrale as well as close to halal eateries.There are not less than 5 eateries and if you care to Google and do a ‘walkabout’ using Street View, you will find many more. Any way, these 5 are those I spotted and took pictures of and had the opportunity to had lunch at Istanbul Doner.

As the name implies, they serve doner kebab but I had rice with chicken while my wife had a pizza. Nothing exceptional but you’ll get a decent meal. Generally a lunch in Italy will set you back €7-€10. All these eateries are within 5-10 minutes walking from Hotel Bernina.