High On A Hill Lived A Lonely Goatherd (I Sense Another Theme...)

 

 

That was me, yodeling high up in the Swiss countryside while listening to the cowbells clang. What can I say about Switzerland... it didn't disappoint. While the Swiss Alps are amazing, my highlight was the day we took a trip way up (look waaaaay up Rusty) into the countryside to visit a family of prize winning Swiss cheesemakers. It was truly a 'Heidi' moment, fresh air, fresh cheese, cowbells clanging, and the Alps in the distance. Words can hardly describe the simplistic beauty of the day. (It didn't hurt either that it was the first day of school for everyone else...)

 

 



The Hills Are Alive

So we didn't exactly do the Sound of Music tour while we were in southern Germany and Austria but we did have a really lovely time.  One thing I have really come to admire and appreciate about the Europeans is their cafe society. With living spaces being small and cramped, one needs to get out during the day or evening and go for coffe or drinks. With no yard to look after and only a small area for outdoor potted plants, people seem to put their energy into going for walks during the evening and then stopping for a drink. I'm loving all the families that are out in the parks and places. Except for the touristy areas, most stores are closed on Sundays and so one needs to shop accordingly. That means on Sundays everyone is out and about in the parks or sitting at the cafes visiting. I'm loving the fact that there is a cafe on every corner (and about two or three inbetween). The concept of Mom and Pop establishments is alive and well in European small towns and cities and there seems to be enough business to go around. (Now if I could only introduce them to the concept of refills...)

Dancing In The Streets

 

 



I just couldn't help myself at the Wall. 
Finally, a slogan to cheer for: we found it at the East Side Gallery and I jumped for joy but it was hard to be really happy since we were very cold that evening.  
Of all the cities we have visited, Berlin has had the greatest emotional impact on me by far.  Let me explain.  Our flat for the four days that we were there was located in what used to be called "East Berlin".  From the outside it was dull concrete with graffiti tags.  Our entry walked us past mailboxes towards a courtyard which housed a second set of apartments (ours).  The stairway to our flat was lit by a timer which had burned out by the time we left and we scrambled in the dark to find the door lock.  I couldn't help wondering what this would have been like during the war and during the time Berlin was a divided city. 
Our flat had a small courtyard balcony and it seemed like a quiet place to stay.  Courtyards are wonderfully communal areas and ours that Friday night turned out to be no exception.  As we prepared for bed we smelled cigarette smoke from the courtyard while neighbours greeted neighbours and engaged in animated conversation.  From somewhere the sound of a loud radio was broadcasting a speaker's voice alternating with some music and comedy (there was some canned laughter).  Then out of the dark we heard the sound of helicopters patroling.  I couldn't help but wonder if this is what it might have been like during the war years; people congregating together in the dim of the courtyard to relive the day's events and to listen to their leader on the radio.  My mind kept going back to the story of The Book Thief and how the Jews and the  German people struggled to survive during such a terrible time.  I felt an overwhelming sense of sadness for this beautiful city and country but I was equally glad that stories like The Book Thief have been written to engage our hearts and minds about a time that should not be forgotten.   (That's for you Mel & Cyndi)

Pooped in Prague

What can I say about Prague that hasn't already been said by my crew.  It was hot and no...I was not having a personal power surge.  I'm getting used to my small cups of coffee (can you see the theme of this trip) and maybe it's just as well that the there are no coffee refills since you need to pay to use the loo in Europe.  McDonald's is usually a good place to do both of these things and usually one of them is free (but not always).  Prague was great, I really enjoyed the sightseeing and when I was tired of that I sat and did my next favourite thing...people watched. 

 



 

Wild Thing

Did some shopping in the market in Heidelberg... like my new outfit? And introduced Matthew to some art appreciation... or was that a family life lesson... you decide. It's been twenty some years since I was here last and a few things have changed. Europe has joined the 'coffee to go' culture of North America and that is not necessarily a good thing. Remember 'one size fits all' and there are no refills if you are in a restaurant. (I miss my Friday morning extra large black...) There are fewer women in Birkenstocks (tourists are the only ones in comfortable shoes now, present company included) and it looks like all the ladies have finally decided to forgo furry legs in favour of using a razor. EVERYONE still smokes (cough, cough) and I miss my scent free Tide. But it's all good, we are surviving, and thriving, and having fun. Thanks for thinking and praying for us.

Iceland Ideas

So... at long last there is a bit of time to get my blog underway. You were all just hoping that I didn't have anything to say! Iceland... amazing country, could've spent more time... much more time... next time. Loved the quaintness, disliked trying to read the street map (have you seen the number of vowels and syllables in their words?), marveled at the geysers (pronounced gaysers), and started thinking about what to do when we return. Can you say one great big outdoor hot tub? Hey, maybe next time I'll get to fit in more than just window shopping.