Lugano

Language - Die Sprache

Language is an important part of identity. I think that Switzerland is a perfect example.  With just over 8.5 million inhabitants and a little over 41,000 square meters, Switzerland has four official languages:  French, German, Italian and Romansh. I think that says something - for such a small country it has chosen to maintain the 4 languages of its people.

We live in Zürich. This is the German speaking part of Switzerland. This past weekend we drove 3 hours to the Ticino region which borders Italy and there they speak Italian. It was our first time in the region.   It was beautiful.

To get there with a car  - there are two options - the tunnel or the pass. The Gotthard Road Tunnel is one of the longest tunnels in the world (at one point it was the longest). Basically, you drive under the Alps for almost 17 kilometers (that's about 10.5 miles).  Saturday morning was beautiful so we decided to take the pass. The pass is a road that takes you over the Alps! Stephan had a vague memory of being a kid in the back of a 80's car traveling with his parents while going on a family trip. Let's just say today's cars make it easier and less stressful.

It was a short visit. It did feel like we were in Italy for a day.

We will go back. Ciao Lugano!