So, where do we adventure next? Wait, mom, you want me to get on a plane and move to a foreign country where they just let cats roam freely but dogs are to be leashed? Oh, but they do provide cool access for dogs everywhere? And there are these mountains we can hike close by? I can go into restaurants? Oh, but still not the grocery store. Ok, I’m up for it.
So many adventures we had! Tela’s journey abroad began when she was picked up in Steamboat->Driven to Denver International->DEN->Frankfurt, held for about 12 hours, then took a flight from Frankfurt->Zurich where she stayed for 2 hours, then was transported to our home abroad in Luterbach. I can say I don’t know what happened on Tela’s journey to CH, but it definitely impacted how she felt about crates, which she previously loved and felt secure in. So I ditched the crate, and Tela adapted to life in Switzerland. On one of our first weekends, there together, we went on our first boat ride after visiting the beautiful St Beatus Caves. Tela had her first Swiss boat and train transport experience. It was funny as I’ll never forget she wasn’t so sure about this big boat (pictured below). A native Swiss German started chatting with me and her, and told her it was “all good”, then looked at me and said, “All dogs understand Swiss German, lol.”. She was relaxed for the remainder of the trip. I also just realized typing this blog and looking at these photos why Tela was so darn stubborn to drink water on the ADK trails she hiked. She was waiting for the running Swiss dog water drinking stations that are abundant.
Oh wow, this is surreal looking backl. Living abroad brought about many adventures, but not as many as we hoped as we dealt with the lockdowns of the pandemic during our three years there. But we so enjoyed every country, moment space in time, hiking all over Switzerland and beyond… it was magical. The fantasy land of hiking and beauty everywhere! We explored so much in a short time, ran all around Luterbach and Solothurn, hung out with amazing people. So happy my girl was able to live abroad and have that extra special adventure with us!
Special shout out to all my Swiss/US friends reading this that met Tela. It was a special time in our lives.
The last time I wrote in my blog, life was so different, the world was a completely different place. We were celebrating the life of Chris’s grandmother, spending time with family and friends back in Colorado. Although I had heard of the initial outbreaks of Coronavirus 2 (SARS–CoV–2) in January, like much of the world, I had no idea how this tiny virus would alter and dominate the world’s economic, social, physical, and mental well being. In the first weeks when the virus was really impacting our bordering country, Italy; my husband thought I was overly obsessive about this virus. I have always been a bit of an epidemiology dork and watching the data and trying to understand the science behind this virus was quite consuming. In the beginning days , I was fascinated and wanted to absorb all the analytical data and information I could get into my brain. Fascination soon turned to concern, worry, uncertainty and all the fun an unknown pandemic brings to the lives of us all.
I went back to my email, and noted that on 01 March I sent a mass email to many of my close friends expressing my concern about what I felt could be evolving. Here I am in August of 2020, and it’s still difficult to find the right words. Let’s face it, our entire lives have changed. Being someone who has a pre-existing condition, and considering there are so many unknowns still today about exact transmission risks, asymptomatic carriers, and very strange side effects post infection, we are still living a life of hyper-care. For me, until we have an effective safe vaccine, or efficacious therapeutic, this is life.
“I wish it need not have happened in my time,’ said Frodo. ‘So do I,’ said Gandalf, ‘and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”
J.R.R. Tolkein
Tela and I hiking the Panorama Trail above the Davosersee
I am grateful to have a job that I along with all my colleagues have adjusted to a time of new normal. This year was intended to be full of travel to many places for work. Now, I am adjusting my time zone and they are adjusting theirs to meet virtually via video conferencing, and utilizing technology, intense planning and communication to keep things moving along. Working from home, or home office is not new to me, but always being at home and not traveling at all has been an adjustment. Just like everything in life, a new normal presents itself, and we as human’s find the best way to viably thrive and keep on keeping on. I long to keep in touch with friends and family more, but also find myself mentally exhausted from staring at a computer screen all day on video conferences for work.
What’s happening across the world, and especially in my home country of the USA is very difficult to watch, especially from afar. From the political environment, to the racial injustices, the stories of these days leave my heart heavy. Sadly, it seems there is a lot of misinformation about the pandemic, and the truth is for me there is still much to learn about this virus.
As always in times of challenges with life, I am very grateful to be able to still get outside and hike and take in the beauty of the mountains that surround me. Mountains, music, and food have always been my happy zones, and though some of these have changed, they continue to be my go to’s for strength.
The beautiful world of Switzerland- Glaciers and Mountains give me peace
“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.”
Socrates
Yesterday was Swiss National Day, and we celebrated Switzerland by reaching the summit of the Niesen otherwise known as “The Swiss Pyramid” from the valley floor. At an elevation gain of 5882 feet in six miles, it kept my heart rate going. These moments in life- the ones we really feel we are doing our best, pushing ourselves the hardest, are the one’s I live for.
I hope if you are still reading- you are all safe, healthy, and living the best life you can in this crazy world. Until next time, I keep with my current theme song…
Lyrics: (Anastasio/Marshall) Time to get out, I paid my dues I need to shout there’s no time to lose No more to give, the well is dry The pavement’s warm, my brain is fried It’s time to get out, I paid my dues My shoes have holes, my socks are bare The mirror’s secret is I’m losing my hair I’m in prison without a crime The sentence stretches on undefined It’s time to get out, I paid my dues I paid my dues
But, everything’s right, so just hold tight Everything’s right, so just hold tight
Just hold tight
I’m going downhill with increasing speed Compassion gives way, if you listen to greed Focus on the past and that’s what will last Nothing that is real and nothing you can feel Focus on tomorrow you’ll have to borrow Images and mind and friends you left behind Focus on today, you’ll find a way Happiness is how rooting in the now
Because everything’s right, so just hold tight Everything’s right, so just hold tight Everything’s right, so just hold tight Just hold tight
Look into the eyes of everyone you meet Try not to step on your best friend’s feet The line is in the sand, the flag is planted The rest of your life don’t take it for granted
Cuz everything’s right, so just hold tight Everything’s right, so just hold tight Everything’s right, so just hold tight Just hold tight
Time flies, and life has been moving at its usual lightning fast pace. Since we have relocated to Switzerland, we have not been to the movies. I was a frequent movie goer in my younger years, and have always enjoyed a trip to the movies. We started last Saturday evening on a double date with an American colleague and his wife, driving just south of Bern to a huge theater complex.
The set-up was impressive, yet of course carrying the CHF price you must accept for living here. First off, there was the movie theater…so maybe in big cities in the USA this type of movie theater setup could be commonplace, and living in the small town of Steamboat Springs has left me a bit in the dark. With that being said, I was overwhelmed by the concessions, it was all there for the taking, from the usual wares of candy, real food offerings, beer and wine, complete with real wine glasses, and of course as Swiss culture would require it a place to recycle or return your wine glasses.
The theater had several floors including a bar/bowling alley, a birch tree filled restaurant which had a great valued meal, burgers, vegan burgers, or specialty burgers with your choice of bread, salad, or several different pomme frites. The birch tree eatery, also reminded me of just how small this world is, after all. When we entered this eatery, for a pre-movie snack, our waitress advised she was going to be studying next semester at my graduate school alma mater, Appalachian State University in Boone, NC! I gave a few exchanges about how special the place is, my love for the Blue Ridge Mountains, Boone and the Parkway, and left with a big smile and reservations later for a full dinner.
Because I am always a kid at heart one of my favorite bonuses of this theater was the tunnel slide to descend from the upper floor to the lower floor. Another huge plus to movies in Switzerland- there is a 10 minute intermission. So if you usually are holding your bladder, like me and don’t want to get up to miss a minute of what you have paid for, not a problem. Indeed this set-up made me very happy.
We had heard lots of chatter about the movie “Joker”, but also had been careful to avoid any spoilers. I must say I am thrilled we were able to experience seeing this film in IMAX. You may ask why I was hesitant to see a movie abroad? I worried I would be distracted due to the French and German subtitles. Not only did I find this completely non-distracting, I found myself reading the German and picking out phrases that we have been studying in our lessons. Double win!
So I won’t give any spoilers, about “Joker” but I will give my opinion. If Joaquin Phoenix doesn’t receive an Oscar for that performance, I’m certain that I will lose faith in that organization too. This film although very dark, and disturbing, exhibited some of the best cinematography, character development, and evoked a deep connection and perspective for the origin of the Joker. Anytime a movie is on my mind longer than a day post watching, that says something. I’m not sure I would ever need or want to watch it again, but it was truly a work of art.
Window view from the office
Otherwise, life is as good as you choose to make it, so much has happened, and so many exciting things are in front of me before the close of 2019: work trips to the Netherlands, Norway, and then a long Christmas and New Years holiday in Spain.
We have enjoyed a wonderful fall season and Halloween celebrating with friends and neighbors. I am super grateful that for the past few months I have been running quite religiously early in the mornings with Tela and averaging around 20 miles per week. Keep smiling and shining for the world!
My journey with MS is quite cyclic with the seasons. Summer is always my most difficult battle. We are now in a turning point with the season, and my favorite season is heading our way, autumn. Autumn bright colors, falling leaves, fires, brisk nights and mornings. It has always been my favorite season. This past week, the temperatures dropped here enabling me to consistently run again. I was able to run 22.2 miles last week, and my first 10k in ages. This week I have continued to wake early and take in some 5k or more sunrise runs. Running… something I never thought I would ever do helps me focus, control stress and increase my health benefits.
I was also able to take my dog, Tela for a beautiful hike last Saturday to the SeeAlpSee https://swissfamilyfun.com/ebenalp-seealpsee-hike/. Prior to reaching the hike, I was stuck in a traffic jam of a mini-Appenzell cow parade that lasted almost 3 miles. Tela was not too happy as the cows were coming close enough to the car to sound the sensor alarms. But we managed to navigate without any issue but a delay.
Along the hike, there was full exposure to all kinds of Swiss wildlife. Cows, sheep, ibex, there’s nothing like hiking in the alpine areas and listening to the sound of the cow or sheep bell. It’s simple for me, the more activity and exposure to the outdoors, the greater my personal happiness. Sometimes circumstances drive us to put things on hold, but it’s important to take the time, and make the time to contribute to your own self happiness.
“Go outside. amidst the simple beauty of nature and know that as long as places like this exist, there will be comfort for every sorrow, whatever the circumstances may be.”
Again it has been a long time since my last blog post… life and time flies by as usual. We have been enjoying life as much as possible, on the positive enjoying some cooler summer weather and enjoying the fruits of Chris’s labor in our garden. We’ve been able to make homemade pesto, salsas, and soups. As I grew up with a garden full of fresh fruits and vegetables as a child, I can still attest there is nothing like fresh homegrown tomatoes!
We had been looking forward to finally visiting Zermatt since moving to Switzerland. I was able to take a couple of days off from a public holiday and bridging day; so we spent four fantastic nights in this beautiful city. Zermatt, in southern Switzerland’s Valais canton, is described as a mountain resort renowned for skiing, climbing and hiking. This sounded like a bit like a perfect match for our mini- vacation.
I need to take a moment and talk a little about the town of Zermatt. First off, the town is considered car free, which means arrival is by train. There are electric taxis, horse driven carriages and bikes allowed for transport within the city. The hotel picked us up from the train station in their electric taxi, and we were welcomed with a glasses of Prosecco and light snacks. After a three hour train journey, this allowed you to take in the beauty and catch your breath. I can’t say enough about the hospitality and care we received from our wonderful boutique hotel, Hotel Coeur des Alpes ❤ (https://coeurdesalpes.ch/). This family run hotel makes you feel completely at home and goes out of their way to ensure you have the best experience possible during your stay. Once we were shown our loft, we were so excited to be able to end and begin each day from our balcony area with a view of the Matterhorn.
Since Chris’s birthday was coming up the Friday after our trip, we decided to take our first ever helicopter flight around the Matterhorn with #AirZermatt.
Flying in a helicopter was something I had wanted to experience for many years. I have flown in planes more times than I can count, but flying in a helicopter was a brand new journey, and I hope to take many more helicopter rides in my life! The weather was not perfectly clear, but the clouds, wind shifts, and slight moments of turbulence as we flew over the glaciers, surrounding mountains and directly close to the summit of the giant Matterhorn, only added to the overall excitement of this breathtaking flight. There are no real words for the scenery or the experience. Seeing the glaciers from above, the movement of some of the glaciers, and of course being so close to the Matterhorn we were able to see the variation of the climbing routes was stupendous. Our pilot pointed out all the various peaks, ridges, huts, glaciers, and gave us information on the Swiss route vs. the Italian climbing routes for the Matterhorn. Getting the view of the entire area from an areal standpoint was such a brilliant experience. They don’t call it a bird’s eye view for nothing.
“Feet on the ground, head in the sky, it’s okay, I know nothing’s wrong…”
Chris Frantz / Christopher Frantz / David Byrne / Jerry Harrison / Tina Weymouth This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)
After coming back to the ground, we leisurely strolled around town, checking out the amenities, and all the wares. We enjoyed settling in and planning for the next day’s outdoor activities.
The next day, Chris set out on his mountain bike, and I set out for an alpine hiking adventure. Although I planned on a 3-4 hour hike, it stretched to almost 7 hours. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking throughout the hike. It began with wildflowers, steep elevation gain, stone and rock faces with waterfalls. One of the many things I love about hiking in Switzerland are these fantastic family run restaurants at the top of certain hikes. As I approached the second one on my hike, I decided it was time to purchase something and enjoy the view I had climbed to. Not only was I treated to a special homemade ice tea, but also the owner started playing the Alpenhorn for the hikers who had stopped to enjoy the view and take a small break. Kindness prevails in the mountains as I overheard a couple who did not have cash, but only a credit card ask for food and beverage options. The owner did not have the capability to take credit cards, but as mountain towns are small worlds, the owner told the couple not to worry, they could pay in the town of Zermatt by card and order what they would like. The couple was so grateful, and it reinforced something I love about the Swiss culture which is trust.
Once I reached the summit of Trift, I decided to continue on for a bit. The bit due to a long descent became about four hours, but that’s what we call adventure and eventual soreness. Along my extended hike, I was filled with amazement about how truly stunning the alpine landscape I was navigating through was. There were wildflowers all along the trail, and so many honeybees searching for their nectar. A few flowers were covered with various types of bees, so their nectar must have been delectable.
Along the alpine hike, I think I only encountered a total of six people. I did find friends, beautiful black nosed sheep in three different herds. As time started ticking by and my Garmin clocked more miles, I tried to pinpoint my path. Unfortunately, I did not foresee myself able to complete the journey to the Schwarzsee and make it back to Zermatt. So once I encountered more exposure from the ridge hike and waterfalls creating a small obstacle, I decided to retreat and head back. It was a wise decision, as coming down the mountain,my pace was slow. The beauty of the experience outweighed any pain I may encounter. Along this ridge line, there were many plaques memorializing the locations where someone took their last steps or breaths along the way of my hike and it reminded me of just how special and delicate the alpine land and environment I was exploring truly was.
After a long decent, I finally reached tree line again and turned my phone back on. Oops where had the hours gone? I assured Chris I was safe and finally made it back to the hotel for a shower and getting ready for food. By this time, we were both starving, and it was exciting to get some much needed replenishment.
“The mountains are calling and I must go.”
John Muir
The next days of our journey included more mountain biking for Chris, one solo hike for me in Gonergrat, and then we both had one of the top five massages of our lives. The massage therapist as not Esther (my beloved friend and massage therapist in NC); but she definitely knew the best massage techniques for the money. We both left feeling like our muscles had regained full blood flow.
Our last full day in Zermatt, I awoke and then proceeded to awaken Chris to a magnificent site, the moon dipping just below the Matterhorn.
Walking across this suspension bridge was pretty cool, but it was not my favorite experience of the trip. We ended the day leisurely enjoying a nice chef’s sushi choice dinner and relaxing at the hotel. Yes, in these modern times, it’s possible to get fresh fish even in Switzerland…
After four nights of a wonderful holiday, we awoke on Monday morning to some rain, this somehow made it easier to leave this magical place of Zermatt. We packed our gear after one last breakfast and the hotel owner dropped us off at the train station.
We had been waiting to visit Zermatt since we moved to Switzerland, and I’m very happy we waited for a time where we had a few days to dedicate rather than rush everything. It was a magical time, and I hope I’m lucky enough to return for more adventures sooner than later!
It’s been almost a month since I last wrote! Terrible me! Life since returning to Switzerland has been ultra busy. When I returned sadly we were in the midst of the end of June European heatwave. Heat is kryptonite to almost eveyone with multiple sclerosis. Sensitivity to and intolerance of heat exacerbates the symptoms of MS. MS causes nerves to lose their myelin sheath, making them more vulnerable to heat and temperature changes. Heat exposure can cause or heighten fatigue, numbness, blurry vision, tremor, confusion, imbalance, and weakness. This is referred to as a pseudo-exacerbation as symptoms typically dissipate once the body is cooled, although this could take several hours, days or weeks to return to normal.
Heat is a major enemy of MS!
Therefore, I always feel like I’m a child being grounded now during summer heat. I can’t go outside with out risk, exercise the way I desire, or socialize how I want. Experiencing a heat wave here in Switzerland, is an extra layer of grounding vs. the USA, because in most places in the USA, even though it’s hot and humid, you can count on central Air Conditioning to cool you down. In Switzerland, I am extremely lucky that my workplace has an HVAC system, and that our semi-detached residence has two portable AC units, so it’s relatively cool in the main house, and in the bedroom allowing sleep. Thankfully, today at least is a much needed rainy cool Sunday with highs in the 60’s. Although we have had two heat waves this summer, I’m hoping we’ve seen the worst of it.
When I returned from the US, there was also a lot of understanding of how to help my husband post his cycling accident. It was really a blessing he was alive or not injured worse because of the accident. The Friday before I came home from the US, I exchanged texts with him and he told me he was in the hospital. My husband never goes to the doctor without being forced, so the hospital, what!?
Finally, I got the full picture that a truck with a trailer had turned left in front of him as he was finishing a ride. There was no opportunity to stop or avoid the inevitable crash in which his shoulder absorbed the 30mph sudden impact. The journey has been over a month of sorting out the exact damages to his body and most importantly the best treatment and recovery path. Luckily, the MRI finally was conducted and no tendons are torn. Although the scapula has a severe fracture, they do not think surgery is required, and physical therapy is helping regain the range of motion. So all signs point to hopeful positive recovery and getting back to baseline physical capabilities. Just as healthcare cases are difficult in the US when dealing with an accident, Switzerland has it’s own system with their insurance structure. So we continue to learn more about living and dealing with unique challenges while abroad.
I’ve been fortunate to take some small local hikes and enjoy this beautiful landscape locally, in the Jura mountain region. I’ve slowly been learning chess on our new board, but still am learning the strategies of the game. Chris will beat me until I study more strategic moves :), as long as he can keep his patience with me, I’ll be a novice for a while.
Chris’s garden has started slowly producing and we now have a small harvest. We’ve been blessed with fresh raspberries all summer- now time for my favorites squash and tomatoes, and a ton of Basil ;).
Pan fried squash and onions, and a caprese with our tomatoes and basil 🙂
In a few days, there will be some upcoming holidays, which are really much needed for a mental regroup. 01 August is Swiss National Day, similar to the 04 July, with many fireworks and celebrations.
I’m excited this year, as we will celebrate with two friends, their families and dogs, bbq time at a lake, enjoying fireworks, catching up and enjoying life. Hopefully the weather will lend itself to some hiking up in the mountains as well. I’m very much looking forward to a week of vacation beginning of 15 August “Assumption Day”. We will travel (finally!) to Zermatt and spend five days with beautiful nature and exploration in hopes of good weather and clear views of the grandiose Matterhorn.
A splendid time in the wonderland of Switzerland has been all the sunflowers in bloom! In the meantime- keep your chin up, embrace all the challenges and changes, and keep fighting, learning, experiencing, and keep L-I-V-I-N!
When I moved to Switzerland last April, people would often ask, do you think your family will travel to visit you? I would often pause, think about the long plane flight, the fact that no one had ever traveled internationally to date, and the hesitancy when I would ask them if they would take the opportunity…so the answer to that question was often, “I don’t think it will be possible”.
For those who know me, I am stubborn, determined and strong-willed. When I get an idea in my mind, I will try everything in my power to make it happen. Sometimes I am successful. Sometimes, not… This trait is not something that I just happened upon, it is something that was instilled in me from my Mama and Granny.
This time, my Mama decided it was time she showed her strong will. Over text message on 28 March, she asked if she and my niece could fly over and visit so we could spend Mother’s Day together. The catch was the dates were set for when my niece had a break in school, 07 May-14 May. My mind begin racing on how this could be achieved. They didn’t have passports yet, my Mama had never flown internationally, and only one trip domestically. My niece was afraid of flying and had not flown yet domestically, could we work with the dates and the tight timeline? My mind was a flutter with obstacles and concerns. After expedited passports were received, and several phone calls were made confirming logistics, it was set. There are no direct flights to Switzerland from NC, which is a pity, so they would travel through Washington Dulles to arrive in Zurich! It was all going to happen, something I never thought was a possibility.
“I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear.”
Rosa Parks
As the time drew closer, I thought about how we would maximize the short duration of this visit. The weather forecast was not looking great for most areas of Switzerland. Rain where we live, snow in the mountains, and then I found the one place where the weather looked most promising in the country, the Ticino region, near Lugano.
My husband and I had never taken the opportunity to venture to this area, so why not? A few hours of searching on Airbnb, I found a bit of an oasis that matched our dates. I didn’t know how they would respond to international travel or Jetlag, but decided to plan nothing the day they arrived, and leave for Ticino the next day, spending most of the time there. This would afford me to also have them experience a tiny part of Italy in addition to Switzerland, which was fantastic.
The views from the Airbnb
We arrived via “Snow White” my Subaru, to the very top of our Airbnb with panoramic views that were more idyllic than a camera lens can capture. We spent lots of quality time together, enjoying morning espressos on the terraces overlooking the lake, days adventuring to castles, cathedrals, markets and mountain tops, and played games to our hearts content.
Alpen Glow For the Win!
There’s no better medicine than laughter
We had the most wonderful covered terrace with a stone fireplace, patio table, and enjoyed sharing the Swiss tradition of raclette from the canton of Valais we purchased at the farmers market and drank local wine.
To close out the visit, we took the train back home and a boat ride across Lake Luzern. We finished up their last night with a light dinner and a game of Cards Against Humanity, which is always a hilarious time.
I was able to ensure they were all set at the Zurich airport and gave them a farewell sendoff back to the US! It was indeed a magical time to share the beauty of Switzerland and a small meal in Italy with two of my favorite people in the world! I look forward to doing it again, next time, to show them the beauty of the Vatican and Rome ;).
Roadtrip through Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium and France
Greetings fellow bloggers, family and friends! It’s been a while since my last blog post, as we have been out on our first true European Holiday. Although I still use the term “vacation” instead of the European term, “holiday”; I tried to live this one as a holiday, by true European standards. I barely did any work as a US native, turning off work is quite hard, but I only responded to a few emails, which is a true accomplishment for me! We did have an agenda on this roadtrip holiday, experience new things, see unexplored beautiful scenery, cultures, countries, eat amazing food, and relax and exercise our bodies as much as possible.
We headed out on 11 April with an impromptu decision to visit the Neuschwanstein area. It had been over 15 years since my last visit to the region. Although the weather was misty and chilly, we still enjoyed hiking up and around the area to the Marienbrücke and Neuschwanstein Castle. Our one planned agenda reservation was to get to Holland to see the tulips by the 13 April, so we had to push on and only stayed one night. I foresee a longer trip to Bavaria and the Black Forest in our future as it is truly a spectacular place for hiking, biking and taking in the beauty of Germany.
‘I can’t think of anything that excites a greater sense of childlike wonder than to be in a country where you are ignorant of almost everything.’
Bill Bryson
The second short leg of the journey led us closer to the Netherlands, to the western German “Romantic town” Heidelberg. We had a long journey due to traffic on a Friday during the rush hour, but made it to our lovely quaint hotel, the Hirschgasse. This historic hotel has been in existence since 1472. Our room was charming, the location was perfect for hiking, cycling or exploring the castle area or old town. It was the first of many dining experiences for our holiday, starting out at Le Gourmet, a Michelin star restaurant specializing in French cuisine. The atmosphere was cozy, warm and inviting. After a tasting menu of delight, including a succulent duck and steak course, we retired for the evening. A fabulous breakfast experience started our next day, and we set out our seperate ways for some exercise. Chris went for a cycling experience, while I chose to experience the Philosophers’ Walk. On the northern side of the Neckar is located the Heiligenberg (Saints’ Mountain), along the side of which runs the Philosophers’ Walk (German: Philosophenweg), with scenic views of the old town and castle. Traditionally, Heidelberg’s philosophers and university professors would walk and talk along the pathway. Farther up the mountain lie the ruined 11th-century Monastery of St. Michael, the smaller Monastery of St. Stephen, a Nazi-era amphitheater, the so-called Pagan’s hole and the remains of an earthen Celtichill fort from the 4th century BC. As I begin the hike billowy snowflakes began to fall, creating the most wonderful morning journey. I love visiting “cities” where I can escape to nature without effort. This was truly a wonderful zen experience.
Our road trip then continued on to the only destination we really planned out, to the Netherlands to see the tulips! This has been on my bucket list since I was a young girl. After a long drive, we reached our base camp in South Holland at the Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin, along the North Sea. This hotel provided us with excellent access to plenty of biking through the tulip fields in Lisse, Keukenhof, and easy train access to visit Amsterdam. Typically, we seek out geographic altitude for holidays, the more diversity in landscape with mountains, the better. Although lacking in mountains there is something uniquely special about the Netherlands. The people, the bike culture, beautiful sand dunes (and of course the tulips!) provided me with a greater appreciation for this magnicent country. Although the roads were flat, all around me was beauty and color. I had the chance to speak to the tulip and flower farmers, and immediately felt the pride in their work as their end product painted the landscape with brilliant colors, and amazing fragrances while cycling through the farms.
Riding your bike, you are overcome with not just the visual beauty of the tulips, but also the olfactory bliss of daffodils, narcissi, irises, and hyacinths. I can say my soul and cup was filled with happiness. Biking around 50 miles to see this beautiful landscape, was a highlight for me, and I would totally revisit this gorgeous land and do it all over again.
Since we had never visited Amsterdam, we dedicated a day to see what the city had to offer. An easy train ride from our hotel and we were in Amsterdam Centraal station. We succumbed to the ease of eating some of the better takes on American cuisine Europe has offered in the city. Finding a decent cheeseburger in Switzerland has been really difficult, and Mexican cuisine even more challenging. Although we did not really get an authentic Mexican fix, we did endulge in one of the best cheeseburgers I have eaten since I left the US, at Lombardo’s, and a step above Qudoba’s Mexican bowl. Walking through the city, checking out the Jordaan neighborhood, canals and culture, made for a fun day. Retreating back to the calmness of our hotel overlooking the North Sea offered a calm, relaxing evening.
Our last day in the Netherlands including more bike riding, exploring the coast of the North Sea and sand dunes, and ending with another food tasting extravaganza at Latour. This resturaunt has been awarded an annual Michelin star since 2005, and our experience was great. We were really surprised, but the best part was the dessert! Overall, we felt very at home in the Netherlands, the people, the culture, the pride of the farmers was quite welcoming. Neither my husband or I are “beach” people, but overlooking the North Sea and sleeping to the sound of the ocean every night with biking and tulip fields by day far exceeded my already high expectations for this segment of our journey.
So, where to next!? We had planned to visit Belgium, and were toying with visiting Bruges (Brugge) or Ghent. We finally decided on Bruges, which would afford Chris to go ride his bike on the famous cobblestones of the classics, including the Koppenburg and Paterberg. We were supposed to also meet some of our friends in Belgium, but unfortunately fate did not work out in our schedules. They call Bruges, ” The Venice of the North”, and we stayed in a small boutique hotel, Hotel de Orangerie right along the picturesque canal of the medieval city in the very heart of the centre. We feasted on the delights of the Belgium cuisine, I visited too many Belgian chocolatiers and I even found a beer I enjoyed. From dark chocolate waffles, mussels, and fries, we feasted until our stomaches were full.
On our last night there, we wandered around the beautiful canals, listening to the sounds of the horse carriages and stumbled upon another food paradise. Being a southerner, bbq and ribs are a part of my heritage. When I think of foods I miss, I don’t necessarily think of ribs, but we found this amazing eatery, called Ribs n’ Beer. After reading some reviews, we decided to give it a try. This place was truly a culinary delight. Although we did not have reservations, the staff advised they were booked until 2000, but that left us an hour plus to eat. For 19.99 EU, we ordered all you can eat ribs, spicy bbq sauce for me and regular for my husband. The food was amazing and our last dinner in Bruges left us more than satisified.
For our last adventure, there was a lot of brainstorming and debate. Should we head to Bavaria, the Black Forest now that the weather had improved, head back to Switzerland to Geneva, or? After seeing most places were indeed booked up due to the Easter holiday, we chose to visit a place neither of us had seen before, but always wanted to venture to, Versailles, France. We were lucky enough to find accomodation in the Waldorf Astoria Trianon Palace, and get reservations to enjoy dinner at the Michelin-starred Gordon Ramsay au Trianon. The meal was again fantastic, but the best part of the last segment of this holiday was spending a beautiful day biking around the estate of Versailles, exploring the farmer’s market and picnicing under the shade of trees. We ended our holiday with massages, and headed back to our homeland of Switzerland.
If you made this far in the blog, I’m impressed! This is just an overview of this amazing holiday- more thoughts in the next blog on my thoughts of each country and the culture, what I learned about myself and next adventures in this beautiful thing we call life!
“Accept yourself, love yourself, and keep moving forward. If you want to fly, you have to give up what weighs you down.” -Roy T. Bennett
Although my home country, the USA went through Daylight Savings time a few weeks ago, today marks time change in Switzerland. Now that I have full clearance to physically to enjoy life in my own way, yesterday was indeed a true sunshine daydream. Physically and mentally challenging yourself to get back into what you love is uplifting bliss.
Two of my dear friends and colleagues are visiting Switzerland for the weekend, and we were quite blessed to amazing weather and the ability to truly enjoy the beauty of Switzerland’s great outdoors. Due to the funicular up to Harder Klum not yet being operational, we were forced to begin the hike from the bottom of the valley, adding quite a bit of elevation and hard work to our journey. Once we reached the top of Harder Klum, we realized why the funicular is not so operational, as the trail to Augstmatthorn still has snow fields, and dicey sections with washed out ridge trails. We used our “A team” skills with agility to navigate as far as we could, and ended the day with a respectable 10 mile hike with over 3,500 feet of elevation gain.
The first of many sketchy narrow crossings
Spring is often a time of re-birth, new beginnings and enhanced perspective. As I’m close to celebrating a new year of life and the anniversary of living one year abroad, yesterday was a reminder that although we have many challenges on our journey, it is indeed our responsbility in life to live the best life we can, spend more time with friends, and do the things you love. You cannot control what life throws your way with obstacles, but you must keep your mental and physical focus through the challenges. Stay positive, believe in yourself, and keep on moving!
A-team reunited overlooking the beautiful Brienzersee
So on this last day in March as we spring forward, I’m feeling quite happy. Keep living your best life! Inspiration song of the day- “Three Little Birds”… 🙂
I recall as a child, eagerly wanting to ‘grow up’. I would tell my Mama, “I can’t wait until I’m X years old”. As children we tend to think we understand how the world works, the concept of time, and somehow maybe that we know more than our elders.
As my husband and I were reflecting on the concept and relativity of time last night, it became clearer than ever before to me the old saying is so true, time does fly, and not only when you are having fun!
I have been living in Switzerland now for almost a year, but in many ways, it feels like years. I thought about just how quicky 2019 has moved thus far. Do we as humans measure time by what is happening in our life, or what we are ‘waiting for’? This past year living abroad, I have experienced so much personally and professionally, including some unique challenges, breathtaking moments of natural beauty and experiences, and facing obstacles it’s hard to wrap your mind around.
Yesterday, I took a day trip to quite possibly one of my favorite areas in Switzerland for deep reflection and meditation in nature, the Flims area of Switzerland.
Tela enjoying life in some slushy snow
The week ahead in my world will be quite intense, and I am blessed to have experienced a day like yesterday to meditate on all the beauty that I was surrounded by, reinforcing how grateful I am to be on this journey abroad, even if things don’t always work out the way we planned or anticipated.
Clouds covering the Grisons Mountain Range
As Tela and I hiked through the slushy snow, postholing in spots, I was surrounded by birds singing and mild temperatures, it was quite clear, Spring is coming, where did Winter one of my favorite seasons go already?!
The experience reminded me that I must seize every moment and chance I have to live my best life here in Switzerland. There is so much beauty and nature to take in throughout planet Earth, and I vow to soak in more moments, and create them as possible.
Life is indeed fleeting and short my friends, do not take it for granted. If we just stand by and do what we have always done, we will always end up with the same result. So, challenge yourself, whatever that looks like for you. Try something new, make the most of your day and if possible get out in nature. It’s healing for the mind, body and soul. Sometimes you just have to go belly up in the snow and surrender to the flow.
Adventures in this thing we call Life 