Hi all...I hope I qualify in your all's eyes. My husband and I with our two daughters, now aged 2 and 10 will be moving to Campione d'Italia in July of 2009 from Boston.

We actually consider that we are moving to Switzerland more than Italy as we are surrounded by the beautiful Lake Lugano and Swiss Alps. Our oldest daughter will attend the American school and we are undecided on what to do with the youngest until we get there.

I am nervously excited and very happy to find so many expats living in Lugano!!

Ciao,
Erika

Is 2009 a typo? Otherwise you may well qualify for the record of the longest preparation for a move .

The Ticino is a wonderful region, with its combination of lakes and mountains. Rather different from much of the rest of the country. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have on my (long, long ago) visits.

Hi Erika,
I live in Lugano and would certainly consider you in the right forum. After all Campione is surrounded by Switzerland. You will have quite the daily commute to the American school. I am assuming you mean TASIS since I can't think of any other American school around here! I hope your move goes smoothly.
Joslyn

Hi Josyln and NH,

Yes, that is 2009 and I am a type A personality. I just am hoping to make the transition for the family as easy as possible.

Yes, I am referring to Tasis and that's good to know about the commute. I think I will assign that morning task to my husband. Hee.

Thanks for the responses.

Erika

If I knew I when I was moving, I would probably start finding out all I could about the place we would be moving to! I have two kids and would be completely concerned about them! Plus, I think it's best to find out all you can about the new area you will be living in especially if it's a foreign country. It will help with adapting to your new environment.

Your compute to school shouldn't be that bad. I'm just spoiled because my kids elementary school is across the street from our house! According to Google Maps, it's about 12 KM which they also say is 17 minutes driving. The first part is mostly freeway. You will be living in a beautiful city so this might make it all worth it!!!

Hey Joslyn, that is exactly where my mind is at!! My girls are 2 and 10; they will be 3 1/2 and 11 when we move, and I will be doing all of the grunt work so to speak; hence my pre-prepping on early research. My husband needs to concentrate on language learning and his work.

I have to ask, are you with the American Women in Ticino? I think I may have been emailing with you to get what I refer to as the "Great Big Book of Everything?"

I am getting so excited to move out there!! Talk to you soon.

Erika

Welcome,
I think you might fit better in the Swiss German side of Switzerland (pre planning is looked upon very positively here)

Yes, I belong the American Women's group here. Now that you mention it, I remember sending you an email. Funny that we would find each other here too! It's amazing how much information you can find on this forum! Were you able to get your "great big book of everything?" It sure comes in handy in Ticino.

Not yet on the book, there is an franc / dollar issue, but I will either have my father in law get one for me (he is already permenently in Campione) or we will be coming out before we move and I will make sure to get a copy.

I am feeling much better knowing that there seem to be several families in Lugano that are expats. I am looking forward to meeting them as well as locals to make a smooth transition for the family.

Dakman - thank you for your input. My German mother in law says that about me; now that she has me trained!!!

Ciao

Hi Erika,
We are a Canadian family moving to Lugano this summer. Our son is 10 and he'll be starting TASIS in the fall. I can give you some updates and hopefully some more info about the place by the time you come. Your daughter and my son will likely be in the same class next year.