Brits invade Lugano

A couple of weekends ago, or actually a month. Hayley's boyfriend, Eason, came into town and he brought a few friends with him. On Friday night Hayley and I made the trek to Malpensa to pick them up before heading back to her newly renovated and decorated apartment for a few drinks, blowing up the air mattress and getting to know each other.

Adam, Eason, and Eric

Eric modeling for the cover of the air mattress box

On Saturday morning the plan had been to go for a hike, but weather for the month of October was absolutely horrendous with torrential downpours daily. So we opted for a trip to Bellinzona and playing in the castles.
Outside the best of the three castles. They pulled up the chains that we use to hang on to pull the draw bridge down so this was the next best thing.

Of course we had to have a jumping picture

But it took two tries to get it right. No timing!

And Lizzie had to Star Fish

I convinced everyone it would be a good idea to scale the castle wall. Unfortunately I chose a really difficult and high place. We made it but the descent was even harder.

Hayley, Lizzie and I

Glamour shot!

Then we loaded back into the van to head to a little town in the north where there is an absolutely beautiful church sitting on the peak of a hill.

Eric and Eason marking our destination

The cemetery. It was beautifully decorated because of All Saints Day

Trying to be artsy

After all of our driving and sight seeing adventures we made our way back to Lugano to grab a bite to eat, change our clothes and get ready for the housewarming / Halloween party. I opted not to get dressed up so my evening was mainly spent at Hayley's party, while the costume baring people spent their time upstairs at Angie's shindig.

Dan and I enjoying some football

The evening consisted of a lot of wine, football, and good conversation. It ended with a solid round of karaoke, with the words being projected on the wall, finger microphones and Tim sliding across the floor demonstrating his dance moves.

Allyson and Eason belting out the songs

On Sunday we met up once again, a little later in the afternoon for lunch at Bellavista. Hayley and I had been talking up the pizza all weekend long, and for the first time since I have arrived, they were not serving pizza because the special of the day required cooking in the pizza oven. So it was chicken and potatoes all around. So sad!

Hayley, Allyson and I at the red bench