Settling in at TASIS (August 18-23, 2013)

Settling in at TASIS

Upon arrival, our actual apartment was not ready. So instead, the school placed us in a loaner apartment and gave us loan of a school car to get to and from school (a 3-5min drive down one road). This was a bummer because we had to live out of suitcases for two weeks and only get to move into our actual apartment on campus a day and a half before school started. That being said, our apartment was not too shabby at all.

Here is the view from outside our loaner apartment

Here is Lily playing in the yard out front of the apartment

... and then dad had to get ready to go to work (orientation stuff), and so we packed up Lily for a day at school ... she was so happy and excited!

 ... and then off to a Grotto. This apparently comes from the word "cave" and has a long history. The stories I have heard are all similar but slightly different. Apparently the story goes that a long time ago, a butcher/restaurant person would set up shop in a cave and keep a fire going every day. People coming through would hunt and kill their own meat (or bring things to trade). The people would then gather at this cave and eat whatever meat was being cooked that night. These grottos are pretty expensive eating, but are delicious! They brought out "baked brie" which was literally a wheel of brie cheese cooked on the grill and all melty. We had different meats, a risotto, the brie, red wine, white wine, and other delicious treats ...

Here is Lily on her way to the Grotto

... and she didn't last long at dinner. She was quickly asleep in Poppy's arms.

 ... here is Poppy out with Brendan, getting a tour of downtown Lugano from the school. This is the closest "city" to our school. It has about 60,000 people, is situated on a lake, and is about 5-15min from school.

... and then here we are taking a day off and hanging out at the lake. Lauren is looking great at about 34 weeks pregnant.

oOo, Lily loves the water (what's new?)

... and as always, Lauren doesn't shy away from activity while pregnant. Off she went with Poppy for a day of Stand Up Paddle Boarding on the beautiful Lake Lugano