Anyone been to Lugano, Switzerland?

[Rajah]

DH has a conference there in June, and this time I get to go with him! The tickets were ordered yesterday.

DH will be working in the conference most of the time, but I'll be free with the other spouses to relax and do some touring.

So, I'm wondering:

1) What's not to miss? In looking at their website and trying to translate it from German (I couldn't read any of the Italian, but they have a German translation and I remember a little of my German from HS and college), I think I saw some gardens listed? Are they worth seeing?

2) What's the dress like? My mom insists we shouldn't wear jeans at all while we're over there. DH says he's planning to wear jeans the entire time. I want to know what is acceptable over there? I refuse to wear a skirt all the time, but if the standard dress code is nicer slacks, I'll find something a little nicer than jeans and a t-shirt.

3) The social event or staff dinner (I'm not sure which) is a dinner in a castle. Either way, I get to go to that. Again, any idea what that castle is, and what's the dress code? My mom again says must be a dress for that, DH says jeans and t-shirt.

Thanks everyone!!

 

[shortbun]

Europeans dress much more formally than Americans. Not saying
one is right or wrong, just a fact. I never take jeans to Europe,
I wear black slacks or dresses. I also never wear white walking
shoes; you never see anyone but Americans in them and I don't
want to stick out like a sore thumb. The castle dinner will be a
dressy event. My friend was married in a castle near Lugano but
I do know that there are a few such castles nearby. I'd take along
a long/mid calf skirt and blouse or nice coctail dress for that event.
Get a tour book from a bookstore or stop by a bookstore with
a coffee bar and sit down for a good read. Switzerland can be
seen by train really easily and most rides are short.
Look at Grayline for day tours over there. Most folks speak some
English or will try. Switzerland is breathtaking!
www.switzerlandtourism.com
the above website should take you on a great tour.
Click on the map and then on the district with Lugano.
Lugano is in the Lakes District on the Italian Border. It has
a distinct Mediternean flair. Lake Lugano is gorgeous and there
are loads of little villages all around the lake.

 

[missypie]

Post your question on the Europe Talk portion of fodors.com and should get a lot of info.

 

[Rajah]

That's what my mom and I thought, shortbun. DH's not going to like it, but I'm going to have to look into getting some other clothes, because most of what I wear is jeans and t-shirts.

missy -- good idea, thanks!!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Maybe something like this, Tammi.

Sounds like a great trip, enjoy.

<IMG width=300 src=http://www.stacysbridal.com/gallery/images/chanelsuit.jpg>

 

[caitycaity]

jeans are ok (if they are dark and fitted, and when paired with a nice top) since you are younger.

several of my sorority sisters did study abroad in lugano and they loved it. my sister was recently there are she said it was beautiful. regardless of what you wear, i'm sure you'll have a great time!