SATURDAY CHOICE: Ascona, Switzerland

Greetings from Ascona in the Canton of Ticino, Switzerland.  Today, we say “bye-bye” to the summer season with a couple of interesting events such as classic cars rally in nearby Locarno. Here is the detail of an old Citroën*.

Thanks, John for the hint. This must be a misplaced Pontiac ornament attached to a 1930s Citroën. Looks even cooler now!

This week is a bit of a “static” affair: no backpacking in India or crossing the States by Amtrak. Still, I have a great spot for morning fitness with the view of Lago Maggiore:

The Canton of Ticino is the southernmost part of Switzerland. Ascona is a small town with about 5,000 inhabitants next to the border with Italy. Backpackers are less than welcome here and I have to keep up appearances and use cutlery to eat pizza or French fries. The local library is a nice place to spend an afternoon (or two or three) here: lovely scent of old books, comfortable armchairs and stunning lake view.

Squeaky clean and perfectly organised Locarno is not as “demanding” as Ascona. You can walk or take a train up a steep hill to Madonna del Sasso church and monastery. Built in 1480, it has a younger sister, Madonna del Sasso shrine in Salinas, California. Very interesting votive offerings adorn the walls of the church and local museum: little paintings, tokens of gratitude to Virgin Mary for being taken care of in difficult situations:

Switzerland is modern but traditional, reserved and a bit distanced from the rest of Europe. The Swiss may not be the most outgoing people in the universe but they are very kind-hearted. Add stunning nature, all imaginable sport activities, first class food, accommodation, transportation and you are in for treat.