a drink at the Principe Leopoldo overlooking Lake Lugano

I write this Web site because I've been working part-time 32 weeks a year on a teacher's salary and living like a Queen. Ok, not really like a Queen, but I go places and see things and meet people as if I am very, very rich. So often I think to myself, "Life is good." or "Wow! It is so beautiful here!" or "This is so good!" I just have to share. London, Mykonos, Paris, Lugano, Zurich, Boulder, the beaches of Florida, all over Italy... anyone could do this, definitely including you.

Here's a perfect example. Tonight I called my friend, Alesia, to see if she wanted to grab dinner. She said first she wanted to have a drink at the Principe Leopoldo (I think she did this because she knows I want to sing in the piano bar there. I noticed she only had water.). By the way, the top photo above is the promotional photo from the hotel; this is the shot I snapped while seated in my chair!

Now, the Principe Leopoldo is just down the street from our houses, but it is such a fine hotel that only very rich people know about it. It is beautiful. There are no words for this, really, but "luxury" and "understated elegance" come to mind.

We sat at the table just in front of that fountain (above); it's designed so it looks like it's spilling into Lake Lugano far below.

Now, you wouldn't want to pay for dinner there, perhaps, but anyone can afford the glass of prosecco and bottle of water we had. It even comes with free bar snacks! The view and ambience alone were worth what we paid -- 25 Swiss francs, about $20 US, including the far too large tip I left because it was the only coin I had. Plus, I was feeling flush.

We headed down the hill to the BP gas station, one of Lugano's best kept secrets, for dinner.

Next week's tips and tricks: 5 ways to get free travel

Residenze l'Ulivo

I think maybe I shouldn't tell you what I'm about to because you might all rush the place and it will no longer be free when I am ready to visit again. Our family friend, Mrs. Galloni, told my mother who told me about the apartments behind the Villa Serbelloni, one of the loveliest fine hotels I've visited. I am fortunate to have grown up with parents who love fine hotels. They've taken me to The Breakers, The Broadmoor, The Sherry Netherland. In my opinion, none compare to the Villa Serbelloni. The secret fine thing you can probably afford, though, is what makes the Villa even better: they have these apartments over the fitness center... complete with kitchenettes and all the amenities of the hotel... for a fraction of the cost!

They're called the Residenze l'Ulivo and come in three sizes 40, 45 or 65 metres square. The Web site says they rent only for week-long stays, but if you ask very, very nicely you can usually get a shorter booking. The lowest rate I've seen for a small unit is 130 Euros per night, making this a fantastic travel value. All of the appartments I've seen have bedrooms and then sofa beds in the living rooms, too. They're air conditioned, a rare commodity in these parts. Some have lovely views of Lake Como. They are not at all fancy, but you in your spa robe lounging by the pool or in the ornate breakfast room of the Villa hotel will be!

Cascina Grassi

It's not so secret that Stefan and I talk about, as a long term goal, refurbishing and living in a place, maybe in Italy, that's a retreat center for workshops, artists, etc. Well, his sister-in-law Bettina recently stayed in this one opened by a German couple with the same idea. It's in the Piedmont, an area renowned for its wine and food. You can rent small apartments or the whole place (up to 20 people). I'm not sure, but I bet if you rent the whole place it's pretty darned affordable -- plus it has a big kitchen so she said her group cooked big communal meals every night. With kids, they were well over 20 people and all fit. A good time was reportedly had by all!