Tag: Lugano

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Singing for our panettone

I’m taking the easy way out tonight and using what Ramesha already wrote for Facebook…

“We’re in Lugano, Switzerland visiting family for Christmas. The day after we arrived we were invited to sing a few songs during a small Christmas party* for a group of people who are a part of a special governmental probation program; they all did some time for small crimes, and they’re now being helped to transition back into society. We sang some Ananda songs, and they experienced the power this music has to uplift consciousness and open hearts. We were really grateful to be able to meet them and be part of this very important program!”

I have to add, however, that we were pretty exhausted and still quite jetlagged. To make things even more interesting, on the way to the party we missed a turn due to the rain and ended up on the autostrada, completely stopped in traffic due to an accident.

So, we arrived really late…but of course it was the perfect timing. And it was a total joy to share with these lovely and receptive souls.

* In Lugano this type of informal Christmas party with friends and colleagues is called a “panettonate,” because you eat — that’s right! — panettone.

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Lugano bound!

I can’t quite believe the moment is already here. Well, the truth is I can believe it, but I’m not ready for it! I’m close to finished with my packing, but I’ve got to get back to it.

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Saying farewell to a special soul we never met

Lugano street musician, Jörg Wolters

It’s amazing how you can feel connected to someone you never actually met or talked to. This gentleman — Jörg Wolters — is a beautiful example. I couldn’t begin to guess how many times we saw him playing his organ on the streets of Lugano; I found it to be absolutely delightful every single time.

Originally from Germany, with his top hat and long red beard, he was a well-known face throughout Ticino (Switzerland), performing for over 30 years as a street artist.

The City of Lugano paid homage to Jörg on its social media profiles:
“With deep sadness, we say goodbye to Jörg Wolters, better known as ”Barbarossa” (“Red Beard”), the organ player who with his music brought joy to our streets for over thirty years. A face known and loved by all, Jörg embodied the spirit of freedom and joy of life that he shared every day with his smiles and his music. His presence will remain indelible in the memory of Lugano and in the hearts of those who had the pleasure of meeting him.”

When we were in Lugano last May, I was inspired to capture a few moments on video. I will miss his smile and cheerful music the next time we visit.

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Lingering Lugano influence

Today was our first “town day” together since getting back from Europe.

We usually find time to get coffee amidst our various errands. But this morning was different. We weren’t okay with getting our coffee in a paper cup with a plastic lid. It just didn’t feel right.

So, we went to Flour Garden, where we could request our drinks in ceramic cups. Infinitely more civilized!

I don’t know if this is a permanent change, but we’ll flow with it for as long as it lasts.

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A forced time-out

When we drove up to the Village from Palo Alto on Wednesday, I was actually congratulating myself on how well I felt. Neither of us were feeling super tired, so I figured a couple nights with melatonin to establish the sleep schedule and I’d be home free.

Instead, my chest started feeling tight on Wednesday night. By Thursday I was dealing with a serious cough and Friday saw the addition of congestion.

I had to sleep sitting up because the wheezing and coughing got worse when I laid down in bed. I did steam treatments, essential oils, tea with honey, and sun baths. If I sat still I would fall asleep.

But bit by bit I’m turning the corner. I even left the house today for the first time since we got back from Europe.

But between being sick and events being cancelled due to COVID, I haven’t connected with a single friend since getting home.

It’s very, very strange.

So, what occurred to me during my time in the sun this afternoon is that Divine Mother has put me into a forced time out. I mean, we were constantly on the go in Lugano — fun, but also exhausting. And we were constantly on the go before we flew to Lugano — also fun and productive, but exhausting.

But now? Three days (tomorrow will be the fourth) of no events, no meetings, no nothin’.

And what’s the lesson? I guess it has to do with not going, going, going until the only way you’ll get a break is by getting sick.

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Travel time again

We leave for Lugano in ten days. I can hardly wrap my mind around the fact that our departure date is almost here.

But I really must get my mind in gear so I can start addressing the practical realities of international travel.

Actually, I deserve some credit — this afternoon I finally got myself to order some key items that might not have arrived in time otherwise.

It’s a start!

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We’ll be there soon

Hard to believe that — almost exactly two months from today — we’ll be in Lugano once again.

On the one hand, I can’t wait. On the other hand, I can’t believe how the last six months or so have flown by!

And for sure, time is only going to speed up between now and our departure date.

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Il Grand Café al Porto

Cenacolo Fiorentino

My friend, Graziella, posted this photo on Facebook today and seeing it brought back beautiful memories of being at a luncheon there in honor of Swami Kriyananda.

The room is the Cenacolo Fiorentino (which translates as the “Florentine Supper Room”) on the upper floor of the Ristorante Grand Café Al Porto, located in the historic center of Lugano.

If I remember correctly, it was May (I’m not sure what year) and Swami Kriyananda was relaxing for a few days in Lugano. In honor of his upcoming birthday, the leader of the Lugano meditation group organized a boat tour of Lake Lugano followed by lunch at Al Porto — one of Swamiji’s favorite restaurants in Lugano.

It was a beautiful day, now a treasured memory.

A photo of the Cenacolo Fiorentino from the restaurant website
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About life and coffee

We saw this sign in front of a café in Lugano this morning and it made us chuckle. So I decided to share it with you.

Translated it says: “Life is that thing that begins after coffee.”

Lord knows I’ve had plenty of days where this felt all too true! ☕