Wrapping Up

I’m home now and reflecting upon the many lovely places we visited.

As you I know, I crossed Torino off of my fantasy-live-in-Europe list, but I continued doing reconnaissance as we traveled the beautiful lake communities. When we reached Locarno, Switzerland I immediately settled into a state of mellow contentedness. Maybe Locarno is the place!  

It’s at the north end of Lake Maggiore at the base of many majestic alps. Beautiful viewing in every direction. You could live down close to the lake or further up the hillside accessible by funicular, cable car, and chair lift. The lakeside pedestrian area was clean – free of graffiti and cigarette butts. It didn’t seem all that crowded, although we were off hiking during prime daylight hours. 

Locarno’s population numbers around 15,000 which makes it larger than Orta or Bellagio and, I think, not 100% tourist dominated. It seemed like in Locarno, you would have more access to ‘normal’ services and retailers. Not Target or Costco level stuff, but options beyond the intense tourist-centric offerings in smaller towns. 

Switzerland is not a member of the EU, yet it enjoys agreements that bring it a number of EU-like benefits. It retains its own currency (Swiss francs and not Euros) which was a minor obstacle for us when we stopped for gelato. The Italian/Swiss border at Lake Maggiore is easily crossed with many people coming and going as a matter of routine. Best of all, they speak Italian in Locarno so my six weeks of Duolingo lessons would not go to waste.

Sounds perfect  . . . except that Giovanna told us Locarno is “the rainiest area of Swizerland.”  Googling, I find that Locarno’s wet season lasts 6.2 months.  Oh no!  I’m not crossing Locarno off the list, but the search continues.  Stay tuned for future adventures.