Another lovely day in Zurich; temperature low 70’s, sunny with a light breeze. Antje and I headed into Zurich, taking the bus to Wollishofen (where they and Aunt Marilyn used to live) from there we hopped a tram and took the old familiar route into the city – marveling at all the changes. Microsoft moved into Wollishofen, bringing with them highly paid people who want nicer apartments. As a result lots of older buildings are being torn down and replaced with modern apartments. Antje says most of the newcomers are German and there’s much resentment by the old-timers who are being forced to move. It’s not uncommon to see $4,000-5,000 monthly rentals.
We left the tram at Paradeplatz and stolled along the streets; admiring the designer shops and fabulous jewels both of us remembering Aunt Marilyn and her pleasure of dressing up to go downtown for lunch. So many memories. It was several years since Antje and I had the leisure to just stroll along window shopping and visiting. After a coffee we crossed the Limmit river to the Niederdorf (old town) and wandered up and down the cobblestone hills looking at little shops.
We returned home about 4:00 and had wine, cheese and bread on the patio. Kevin joined us, Ginny arrived home from school and Gwen just came in the door. Gwen’s on a loooong break from university study – July to the end of Sept. Ginny is in the 2nd week of the Gynasium – she will be on 3 months probation. At the end of the 3 months, if she passes the tests, she’ll continue for another 2 years before going to the university. Kevin has another year of Joiner training; then he has 6 months of army training. Afterwards, he plans to re-enter school for another 2 years.
Philip and I will spend the Christmas/New Year holiday in Zurich or Summago – or both. Antje and I agreed where everyone is will be is up to Mikki and her family.
Heather called Mikki and Chris this evening – she said NYC was barely bothered by the hurricane. Just some wind and rain. She was the last one accounted for – looks like all our family was lucky or luckier than others. Off to Italy tomorrow. Good night!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
An August Day in Zurich
As I write this note; I'm sitting on the patio outside Antje & Chris's home - the sun is shining; I can hear the children's voices from the elementary school across the street, Gwen and Kevin are discussing their voting ballots, Gero is at my feet - hoping I'll play the game "throw the ball, I'll get it, you chase me, throw the ball, I'll get it, you chase me and so on and so forth. Ginny, Chris and Antje are at school or work.
I'm adjusting remarkably well to the jet lag. Fortunately, I slept most of the way between Chicago and Frankfort. This is the 1st time in many years I’ve traveled overseas without Philip. Instead of coming directly to Zurich where I know the drill and the process is familiar; I had to clear passport and change planes in Germany. I was a little nervous. Besides I was over an hour late arriving and couldn’t imagine how I could clear passport, collect my luggage, clear customs, recheck my luggage and figure out the new gate. I was resigned to wandering around the airport; hoping someone would understand my dilemma.
No worries, arriving in Europe is so much, much, much easier than the states. All I had to was show my passport and go to the next gate. But I didn’t understand a simple process, no….instead I had to complicate matters. I was sure I had to collect my suitcase to have it inspected. So I wasted precious time asking people “where do I collect my suitcase?” Each time they would check my ticket and say “you collect it in Zurich.”
Hmmmm, just took a break – Gwen and Kevin wanted to discuss what they’re supposed to vote on – building a new prison and cutting the education budget. They’re not happy with their choices. Incidentally, they tell me in Switzerland, there’s some concern that President Obama won’t be re-elected. I enjoy visiting with them; we spent the morning discussing politics.
Ok, back to my Frankfort airport saga. I continue to waste precious time worrying about the darn suitcase and my failure (perceived) to clear customs. Finally I elected to rush to the gate and if I hadn’t followed the correct procedure; plead ignorance and pray. (Aunt Marilyn used to say I am amazingly adept at appearing so confused that complete strangers feel compelled to offer assistance.)
Only when I arrive in Zurich and see my suitcase come off the conveyor do I understand how simple the arrival process is – why in the states do we make life so complicated! From Frankfort to Zurich, I flew Lufthansa – wonderful! Nice seats, friendly people and they give you a bar of Toberlone with your coffee. I want to fly them again – certainly not United.
Wouldn’t you know, of all seats on the plane; I’m stuck in front of 2 men – one from Dallas and one from Houston. They adore Perry and coal…I could have sworn one of them was Mitch McConnell. They were loud and I was practically gnashing my teeth trying to avoid making some sarcastic comment. Mostly, I was embarrassed. Many years ago, Ernie told me when I’m traveling in another country, I’m a type of ambassador and it’s NOT OK to disparage my country in front of other people or to let other’s criticize the USA. His advise made an impression I’ve never forgotten. If I have issues, I air my dirty laundry only with my family here.
Arriving in Zurich, Gwen meets my plane. We hop on the train; hop off at the main station and transfer to a train taking us 5 mins from their house. Roughly, 30 mins after leaving the plane, we’re at the house. Gwen and I talked non-stop.
Ok Ginny’s coming home for lunch, it’s to be something Austrian – eggs and something, so I want to go find out what we’re eating and how to make it. More later. Ciao
It’s evening here; the house is quieting. This is a happy house; I suspect it always has been; the original owners took great care of it when they built it and Chris and Antje continue that care. This evening Gwen fixed a tasty meal of eggplants, rice/lemon and cheese. We then sat for hours talking and laughing, eating Amoretto cookies and drinking a little Amoretto over ice. I enjoy how the kids participate and are encouraged to participate. I never feel like “oh I’d rather be watching TV but I have to sit here because Becky’s visiting.”
Jacob, remember the written interview we did for Kevin’s final report 3 years ago? Ginny read the report; reviewed your department’s web site to find materials; as well as the DVD you did a few years ago and those were the basis of her final oral report. She placed 2nd in the class. Funny how a little drop of rain can ripple through a pond.
Ok, back to the 1st day, Chris surprised us by joining us for lunch – which turned out to be something a bit like crepes – scrambled – served with powdered sugar, applesauce & currant jelly. Chris kept insisting it was a dessert not lunch food. He was ignored.
Earlier in the morning Gwen and I took the dog and went walkingin the woods. It’s an extension of the park just above Wolleshafen so as we walked higher; I could see over to Zurich and begin to identify familiar landmarks. I’m so pleased I’m able to walk, as long as I have my walking stick; I’m good to go. It’s been at least 4 years since I could comfortably walk in the hills. Chris and I used to ramble for hours and I’ve missed those days.
After lunch, Chris and I walked to the train station; activating my Eurail pass & got reservations to Milan and Portuguaro (leaving Thursday) – much simpler than going to the downtown station and waiting in lines. We walked around the little town – not so little - it has 3 banks, a large Migros & large Coop and lots of interesting little shops. We stopped to have a coffee and then walked along the river for an hour before turning back. We returned home to fix a spritz and toast Franco and Philip…men who love their spritzs.
Despite being happy to be reunited; our thoughts often turn to Franco and always with Mikki and the kids. The fabric of our lives is torn and won’t be mended any time soon.
Good night
I'm adjusting remarkably well to the jet lag. Fortunately, I slept most of the way between Chicago and Frankfort. This is the 1st time in many years I’ve traveled overseas without Philip. Instead of coming directly to Zurich where I know the drill and the process is familiar; I had to clear passport and change planes in Germany. I was a little nervous. Besides I was over an hour late arriving and couldn’t imagine how I could clear passport, collect my luggage, clear customs, recheck my luggage and figure out the new gate. I was resigned to wandering around the airport; hoping someone would understand my dilemma.
No worries, arriving in Europe is so much, much, much easier than the states. All I had to was show my passport and go to the next gate. But I didn’t understand a simple process, no….instead I had to complicate matters. I was sure I had to collect my suitcase to have it inspected. So I wasted precious time asking people “where do I collect my suitcase?” Each time they would check my ticket and say “you collect it in Zurich.”
Hmmmm, just took a break – Gwen and Kevin wanted to discuss what they’re supposed to vote on – building a new prison and cutting the education budget. They’re not happy with their choices. Incidentally, they tell me in Switzerland, there’s some concern that President Obama won’t be re-elected. I enjoy visiting with them; we spent the morning discussing politics.
Ok, back to my Frankfort airport saga. I continue to waste precious time worrying about the darn suitcase and my failure (perceived) to clear customs. Finally I elected to rush to the gate and if I hadn’t followed the correct procedure; plead ignorance and pray. (Aunt Marilyn used to say I am amazingly adept at appearing so confused that complete strangers feel compelled to offer assistance.)
Only when I arrive in Zurich and see my suitcase come off the conveyor do I understand how simple the arrival process is – why in the states do we make life so complicated! From Frankfort to Zurich, I flew Lufthansa – wonderful! Nice seats, friendly people and they give you a bar of Toberlone with your coffee. I want to fly them again – certainly not United.
Wouldn’t you know, of all seats on the plane; I’m stuck in front of 2 men – one from Dallas and one from Houston. They adore Perry and coal…I could have sworn one of them was Mitch McConnell. They were loud and I was practically gnashing my teeth trying to avoid making some sarcastic comment. Mostly, I was embarrassed. Many years ago, Ernie told me when I’m traveling in another country, I’m a type of ambassador and it’s NOT OK to disparage my country in front of other people or to let other’s criticize the USA. His advise made an impression I’ve never forgotten. If I have issues, I air my dirty laundry only with my family here.
Arriving in Zurich, Gwen meets my plane. We hop on the train; hop off at the main station and transfer to a train taking us 5 mins from their house. Roughly, 30 mins after leaving the plane, we’re at the house. Gwen and I talked non-stop.
Ok Ginny’s coming home for lunch, it’s to be something Austrian – eggs and something, so I want to go find out what we’re eating and how to make it. More later. Ciao
It’s evening here; the house is quieting. This is a happy house; I suspect it always has been; the original owners took great care of it when they built it and Chris and Antje continue that care. This evening Gwen fixed a tasty meal of eggplants, rice/lemon and cheese. We then sat for hours talking and laughing, eating Amoretto cookies and drinking a little Amoretto over ice. I enjoy how the kids participate and are encouraged to participate. I never feel like “oh I’d rather be watching TV but I have to sit here because Becky’s visiting.”
Jacob, remember the written interview we did for Kevin’s final report 3 years ago? Ginny read the report; reviewed your department’s web site to find materials; as well as the DVD you did a few years ago and those were the basis of her final oral report. She placed 2nd in the class. Funny how a little drop of rain can ripple through a pond.
Ok, back to the 1st day, Chris surprised us by joining us for lunch – which turned out to be something a bit like crepes – scrambled – served with powdered sugar, applesauce & currant jelly. Chris kept insisting it was a dessert not lunch food. He was ignored.
Earlier in the morning Gwen and I took the dog and went walkingin the woods. It’s an extension of the park just above Wolleshafen so as we walked higher; I could see over to Zurich and begin to identify familiar landmarks. I’m so pleased I’m able to walk, as long as I have my walking stick; I’m good to go. It’s been at least 4 years since I could comfortably walk in the hills. Chris and I used to ramble for hours and I’ve missed those days.
After lunch, Chris and I walked to the train station; activating my Eurail pass & got reservations to Milan and Portuguaro (leaving Thursday) – much simpler than going to the downtown station and waiting in lines. We walked around the little town – not so little - it has 3 banks, a large Migros & large Coop and lots of interesting little shops. We stopped to have a coffee and then walked along the river for an hour before turning back. We returned home to fix a spritz and toast Franco and Philip…men who love their spritzs.
Despite being happy to be reunited; our thoughts often turn to Franco and always with Mikki and the kids. The fabric of our lives is torn and won’t be mended any time soon.
Good night
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