Top 10 Observations About Italy
10. Parking is simply a matter of creativity. It is perfectly acceptable to park your scooter on the sidewalk and your smart car horizontally squeezed between two parallel cars.
9. There are really only about 15 basic foods in the Italian diet, but 1000’s of ways to prepare them. There are 1000’s of wines, but only one way to drink them (best done by starting at noon and continuing throughout the rest of the day at each and every rest stop).
8. Eating natural, beautiful, local foods in season from local producers can not only sustain you, but is delicious, healthy and eco-friendly.
7. Italy (and Paris) has crazy drivers, and even crazier motorcycle drivers; but seemingly very few crashes. (North Americans could learn a thing or two).
6. Eating copious amounts of Italian bread, cheese and cured meats can easily be balanced by walking everywhere (we are living proof of this).
5. Eating ice cream at Slinky’s Dairy Hut will never be the same, after experiencing Italian Gelato.
4. Watching travel shows (food, wine and culture) on the plane coming home is the perfect way to end a vacation and inspires me to cook in new ways.
3. Life in Italy (as you can tell from my list) centres around food which really is the true meaning of “la dolce vita”
2. Like a good Chianti, life in Italy should be savoured.
1. Italy’s preservation of their history, and satisfaction with simple living is something we can all learn from.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
A day at the Colosseum
What a great day in Rome.
While Nancy and Bruce were at their morning Italian lessons (way to go on the test Nancy), Jim, Jan, Bill and I wandered over to the market where we purchased yet more wares. After doing all of the bargaining that we could, we made our way over to the Colosseum. What a spectacular view. We wandered around the area and then stopped at an Italian eatery for, you guessed it, pizza and vino. After a hard morning in classes, Nancy and Bruce met up with us.
Afterwards, we made our way to Via Condotti where the shops are very high end. We left the boys at a local bar and wandered down the streets dreaming of what we would buy if money were no object. We saw a group of what looked to be secret service men surrounding a short little man walking down the street. We are fairly certain this man was Italian President Burlusconi. Following the entourage, were two high security vehicles. It appeared he must have been doing a little shopping for himself (or for one of his Italian sweeties).
Next it was over to the Spanish steps where we did the obligatory climb and shot some photos. (I am now at 720 photos on this trip -I'm a bit ashamed, but it's like eating the bread here -I just can't help myself!). Don't worry, I will not torture any of you by making you look at all of them. But I will post the best on Facebook sometime soon.
Next stop was a quaint little outdoor restaurant for an afternoon happy hour of wine, beer and the standard "olive munchies" that they give free with drinks. I could so get used to this lifestyle.
So, soon, we will head over to Marco's neighbourhood coffee bar where we will have a little shot of Espresso and some Grappa. (After all, we have to do a little final damage to our livers before we board our flight tomorrow morning.) Following our pre-dinner drinks, we will head out for dinner at the respectable time of 8:00 pm or later. Then it's home for a quick snooze before our 5:30 a.m. wakeup for the airport.
As we fly home tomorrow, we will not only pack many souveniers, but also dozens and dozens of life lasting memories. I will take some time on the flight home to consider my top ten list for Italy and post it some time on the weekend.
My final thoughts for this final "official blog" is that if you have ever had the desire to travel through Europe, don't wait! You never know what will happen tomorrow. Many thought that we were a bit crazy to attempt 3 countries in 2 weeks. But, if we had it to do all over again, not one of us would change a thing. We are completely satisfied with our experience. Amazing sights, fabulous new family and great friends!
Ciao -see you back in Canadian cyberspace soon!
While Nancy and Bruce were at their morning Italian lessons (way to go on the test Nancy), Jim, Jan, Bill and I wandered over to the market where we purchased yet more wares. After doing all of the bargaining that we could, we made our way over to the Colosseum. What a spectacular view. We wandered around the area and then stopped at an Italian eatery for, you guessed it, pizza and vino. After a hard morning in classes, Nancy and Bruce met up with us.
Afterwards, we made our way to Via Condotti where the shops are very high end. We left the boys at a local bar and wandered down the streets dreaming of what we would buy if money were no object. We saw a group of what looked to be secret service men surrounding a short little man walking down the street. We are fairly certain this man was Italian President Burlusconi. Following the entourage, were two high security vehicles. It appeared he must have been doing a little shopping for himself (or for one of his Italian sweeties).
Next it was over to the Spanish steps where we did the obligatory climb and shot some photos. (I am now at 720 photos on this trip -I'm a bit ashamed, but it's like eating the bread here -I just can't help myself!). Don't worry, I will not torture any of you by making you look at all of them. But I will post the best on Facebook sometime soon.
Next stop was a quaint little outdoor restaurant for an afternoon happy hour of wine, beer and the standard "olive munchies" that they give free with drinks. I could so get used to this lifestyle.
So, soon, we will head over to Marco's neighbourhood coffee bar where we will have a little shot of Espresso and some Grappa. (After all, we have to do a little final damage to our livers before we board our flight tomorrow morning.) Following our pre-dinner drinks, we will head out for dinner at the respectable time of 8:00 pm or later. Then it's home for a quick snooze before our 5:30 a.m. wakeup for the airport.
As we fly home tomorrow, we will not only pack many souveniers, but also dozens and dozens of life lasting memories. I will take some time on the flight home to consider my top ten list for Italy and post it some time on the weekend.
My final thoughts for this final "official blog" is that if you have ever had the desire to travel through Europe, don't wait! You never know what will happen tomorrow. Many thought that we were a bit crazy to attempt 3 countries in 2 weeks. But, if we had it to do all over again, not one of us would change a thing. We are completely satisfied with our experience. Amazing sights, fabulous new family and great friends!
Ciao -see you back in Canadian cyberspace soon!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican, Sistine Chapel and the Panthenon
We started the day with a cappuccino at our local coffee bar owned by Marco (we are practically locals now).
Then it was time for the 30 minute walk. First stop was St. Peter's Basilica, then to the nearby Vatican around the corner and accompanying museum. Two Swiss guards stand at attention as tourists make their way through the area. So much to see including ancient Roman artifacts, tapestries, sculptures, paintings, etc, etc, etc, etc. It was a complete sensory overload and quite frankly a little disturbing to see how much money the Roman Catholic church has. The area surrounding the Vatican is known as Vatican City and is 107 acres and is considered to be a nation on its own with its own currency and post office. To get to the Sistine Chapel, you must make your way through rooms and rooms of art until finally you arrive to a crowded chapel where people just gaze up at the ceiling to admire the amazing work of Michaelangelo. Photos of this experience would not do it justice (but of course I took a lot anyway).
After a nice pasta (and wine of course) lunch in front of the local market, our sore and tired feet were suddenly cured enough to do some more shopping. Then we visited the Pantheon and viewed the tomb of Raphael, the famous artist and architect from the 1500s. Last stop was to the local grocer for some fresh ingredients for tonight's meal.
Now we sit at the flat doing the usual nightly ritual (I'm sure you can figure it out; (think red and white). Soon Bruce will prepare us a traditional Italian meal to be eaten at the traditional dinner hour.
Tomorrow is our last day in Rome and Europe. We plan to visit the Colosseum and the market and play the rest by ear. Our flight leaves Saturday at 9 am, so I'm sure it will be an early evening as we attempt to ease back into the real world.
Then it was time for the 30 minute walk. First stop was St. Peter's Basilica, then to the nearby Vatican around the corner and accompanying museum. Two Swiss guards stand at attention as tourists make their way through the area. So much to see including ancient Roman artifacts, tapestries, sculptures, paintings, etc, etc, etc, etc. It was a complete sensory overload and quite frankly a little disturbing to see how much money the Roman Catholic church has. The area surrounding the Vatican is known as Vatican City and is 107 acres and is considered to be a nation on its own with its own currency and post office. To get to the Sistine Chapel, you must make your way through rooms and rooms of art until finally you arrive to a crowded chapel where people just gaze up at the ceiling to admire the amazing work of Michaelangelo. Photos of this experience would not do it justice (but of course I took a lot anyway).
After a nice pasta (and wine of course) lunch in front of the local market, our sore and tired feet were suddenly cured enough to do some more shopping. Then we visited the Pantheon and viewed the tomb of Raphael, the famous artist and architect from the 1500s. Last stop was to the local grocer for some fresh ingredients for tonight's meal.
Now we sit at the flat doing the usual nightly ritual (I'm sure you can figure it out; (think red and white). Soon Bruce will prepare us a traditional Italian meal to be eaten at the traditional dinner hour.
Tomorrow is our last day in Rome and Europe. We plan to visit the Colosseum and the market and play the rest by ear. Our flight leaves Saturday at 9 am, so I'm sure it will be an early evening as we attempt to ease back into the real world.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Florence to Rome
Feb 23 and 24 Stepping Back to Roman TIme
Yesterday we toured Florence (Firenze) in more detail. We took a morning bus and walking combination tour and learned a little (because there is soo much to learn) more about the architecture, influential families and art of Florence. Unlike our country, where wealth is demonstrated by homes and expensive cars, here it is about how tall your tower was.
We also visited the Santa Maria de Fiore, a famous large domed cathedral, and Michelangilo drive. Later we visited the Accademie Gallery and spent time viewing the original David and learning about the artists from Renaissance and Medievil periods. Amazing to see art so old and with so much history behind it.
We have concluded that the longer we tour Florence, the longer we would like to stay. There is so much to discover from museums, beautiful architecture, food, markets and quaint shops. Oh and did I mention the wine? I think our entire time in Florence has been spent in a sort of Chiati coma. But, when in Rome! Oh, wait, that's the next trek.
A lttle more about Florence. We were told that the city population was in the neighbourhood of 400,000 and change. On any given day, there are 70,000 to 120,000 scooters and mopeds on the streets. They are everywhere and they ride in any conditions including rain, sleet, snow and cobblestone pavement. I feel a bit wimpish as a motorcycle rider and I think upon my return to Windsor, I will feel the need to fire up my Vespa and leave the more powerful gas guzzler Honda shadow behind ; ). I have such a craving to ride it, but how will I do this now that I must have my daily dose of red wine??
Today, we spent our remaining half day accomplishing quite a bit. After breakfast we headed for the famous Uffizi museum and viewed paintings, sketches and sculptures. Then we found a deligtful hat shop where, after much contemplation, Jan purchased an adorable winter hat (which would have been much more useful in Paris than it will be here). A quick lunch of wine and paninnis and then it was off to the train station for Rome. As we head south and the weather promises to be in the 60s (farenheit), we enjoy the scenery outside the train windows. We look forward to meeting up with our friends Bruce and Nancy as we tour the sites of Rome.
Thank goodness (or should I say God-we are heading for the Vatican afterall) for walking 5 to 7 kms each day or all the bread, cheese, gelato and pasta would surely catch up with us.
Ciao
So, here we are in Rome. We arrived at Nancy and Bruce's flat after getting Jan and Bil settled into their B & B and dropping off their luggage. Since they didn't answer their buzzer right away, the four of us decided to wait at the bar/coffee shop down the road. After a drink, an espresso, and a shot of grappa we were soon chatting it up with the locals. Before the hour was up, we had met Paul from Baltimore who has been working at the local University here in Rome for 10 years, and Vincent Drago, native of New Orleans, Louisiana, and recently publicized author of the book The Sights of Rome. Vincent is a bachelor and is retired and living here teaching Latin to high school students. After we were introduced to him by the owner of the coffee shop Marco, we all began chatting and taking photos. Vincent agreed to go across the street to his home to get one of his books. We thought that purchasing a signed copy would be the perfect gift for our hosts Nancy and Bruce.
After saying our goodbyes, we headed back to Nancy and Bruce's flat where we were greeted with wine and bread and great conversation. Then it was off to the local restaurant for more authentic Italian cuisine and an after dinner drink of traditional lemoncilla. While there we ran into yet more gentlemen from the university of Rome one from recruitment and one who actually works in Student Service like me. Small world.
What a great evening!
Tomorrow we head off to the Vatican.
I could definitely get used to this life!
Yesterday we toured Florence (Firenze) in more detail. We took a morning bus and walking combination tour and learned a little (because there is soo much to learn) more about the architecture, influential families and art of Florence. Unlike our country, where wealth is demonstrated by homes and expensive cars, here it is about how tall your tower was.
We also visited the Santa Maria de Fiore, a famous large domed cathedral, and Michelangilo drive. Later we visited the Accademie Gallery and spent time viewing the original David and learning about the artists from Renaissance and Medievil periods. Amazing to see art so old and with so much history behind it.
We have concluded that the longer we tour Florence, the longer we would like to stay. There is so much to discover from museums, beautiful architecture, food, markets and quaint shops. Oh and did I mention the wine? I think our entire time in Florence has been spent in a sort of Chiati coma. But, when in Rome! Oh, wait, that's the next trek.
A lttle more about Florence. We were told that the city population was in the neighbourhood of 400,000 and change. On any given day, there are 70,000 to 120,000 scooters and mopeds on the streets. They are everywhere and they ride in any conditions including rain, sleet, snow and cobblestone pavement. I feel a bit wimpish as a motorcycle rider and I think upon my return to Windsor, I will feel the need to fire up my Vespa and leave the more powerful gas guzzler Honda shadow behind ; ). I have such a craving to ride it, but how will I do this now that I must have my daily dose of red wine??
Today, we spent our remaining half day accomplishing quite a bit. After breakfast we headed for the famous Uffizi museum and viewed paintings, sketches and sculptures. Then we found a deligtful hat shop where, after much contemplation, Jan purchased an adorable winter hat (which would have been much more useful in Paris than it will be here). A quick lunch of wine and paninnis and then it was off to the train station for Rome. As we head south and the weather promises to be in the 60s (farenheit), we enjoy the scenery outside the train windows. We look forward to meeting up with our friends Bruce and Nancy as we tour the sites of Rome.
Thank goodness (or should I say God-we are heading for the Vatican afterall) for walking 5 to 7 kms each day or all the bread, cheese, gelato and pasta would surely catch up with us.
Ciao
So, here we are in Rome. We arrived at Nancy and Bruce's flat after getting Jan and Bil settled into their B & B and dropping off their luggage. Since they didn't answer their buzzer right away, the four of us decided to wait at the bar/coffee shop down the road. After a drink, an espresso, and a shot of grappa we were soon chatting it up with the locals. Before the hour was up, we had met Paul from Baltimore who has been working at the local University here in Rome for 10 years, and Vincent Drago, native of New Orleans, Louisiana, and recently publicized author of the book The Sights of Rome. Vincent is a bachelor and is retired and living here teaching Latin to high school students. After we were introduced to him by the owner of the coffee shop Marco, we all began chatting and taking photos. Vincent agreed to go across the street to his home to get one of his books. We thought that purchasing a signed copy would be the perfect gift for our hosts Nancy and Bruce.
After saying our goodbyes, we headed back to Nancy and Bruce's flat where we were greeted with wine and bread and great conversation. Then it was off to the local restaurant for more authentic Italian cuisine and an after dinner drink of traditional lemoncilla. While there we ran into yet more gentlemen from the university of Rome one from recruitment and one who actually works in Student Service like me. Small world.
What a great evening!
Tomorrow we head off to the Vatican.
I could definitely get used to this life!
Monday, February 22, 2010
Siena and San Gimignano
Mon, Feb 22 (happy 18th birthday Kelly!!)
After having a simple breakfast of capuccino, croissants and bread, it was off for our full day tour. The bus first took us to Siena a medieval villiage dating back to the 1300s. The tour guide was very animated and taught us so much about the history and art of that time. We stopped for lunch in an underground restaurant that once served as food and wine storage in the 1300s. It was like eating in a cave and we enjoyed a traditional meal of Chianti wine (the regional specialty), breads and prosciutto, Ribolito soup, pasta and cheese. The are was breathtaking as were the cathedrals and sculptures.
Next, it was on the bus for the hour ride to San Gimignano This Tuscan region was blanketed by fields of Chianti vinyards, olive trees and saffron fields. The village itself was so medieval with breathtaking streets and clothes hung out on lines. Here we ate Gelatto and purchases some Italian pottery and Chianti to go. At 4 euro a bottle, who could resist buying two.
We now sit in our room sharing the wine we purchased as we eat prosciutto and olive bread (afterall, we must find some way to amuse ourselves since the restaurants don't open until 7).
We hear that the snow is falling back home and we are grateful for the somewhat mild temperatures, comparatively speaking.
After having a simple breakfast of capuccino, croissants and bread, it was off for our full day tour. The bus first took us to Siena a medieval villiage dating back to the 1300s. The tour guide was very animated and taught us so much about the history and art of that time. We stopped for lunch in an underground restaurant that once served as food and wine storage in the 1300s. It was like eating in a cave and we enjoyed a traditional meal of Chianti wine (the regional specialty), breads and prosciutto, Ribolito soup, pasta and cheese. The are was breathtaking as were the cathedrals and sculptures.
Next, it was on the bus for the hour ride to San Gimignano This Tuscan region was blanketed by fields of Chianti vinyards, olive trees and saffron fields. The village itself was so medieval with breathtaking streets and clothes hung out on lines. Here we ate Gelatto and purchases some Italian pottery and Chianti to go. At 4 euro a bottle, who could resist buying two.
We now sit in our room sharing the wine we purchased as we eat prosciutto and olive bread (afterall, we must find some way to amuse ourselves since the restaurants don't open until 7).
We hear that the snow is falling back home and we are grateful for the somewhat mild temperatures, comparatively speaking.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Milano and Florence
Feb 20 and 21 Train to Milano and Florence
Happy birthday Janny (Feb 20)
We left Zurich early and boarded the train for the 3.5 hour trip to Milano. We all agreed that one day we will have to return to Zurich to do a proper job of touring it since we spent most of the time in the country.
The train ride through Switzerland was spectacular and the weather and terrain was so varied from green grass, to frosted trees, to snow covered mountains. The miles and miles of dark tunnels provided a stark contrast to the beautiful blue sunny skies.
We passed through the picturesque Lugano and Lake Como (no George Clooney sighting ladies : ) and arrived in Milano in the late afternoon. After checking in at our hotel, we wandered around the city and stopped to have some traditional pizza and wine of course
Next we happened upon the Carnival festival, evidently. A huge event for the people of this region. Thousands upon thousands of people wandered the streets, many dressed in costumes and others spraying silly string and shaving cream and throwing confetti and paper by the tonnes. Hard to believe this would be allowes in a city with such beautiful buildings - it literally littered he streets, buildings and windows The street cleaners were kept busy all evening long. We walked for miles and were amazed by the amount of people milling about. It made our own Canadian fireworks festival look like a country fair.
At the centre of town, we toured the Duomo Cathedral, an incredible architectural structure. Next we wandered through the "fashion district" of MIlan and saw stores such as Prada where it was not uncommon to see shoes priced at 800 Canadian dollars;
Armani, Louis Vitton, Bulgari, Paul and Shark, etc.
After miles of walking, we rewarded ourselves with some beer and snacks. It's not uncommon for people to eat outside despite the chilly temperatures of 13 degrees C, so we decided to do the same.
As we made our way back to the hotel. I spotted a Gelato shop and forced everyone to try one. Mmmmm!!
The hotel bar provided a great backdrop for a birthday drink for Jan and viewing the Olympics ski jumping.
Feb 21 Sunday
The day was spent seeing other Milano attractions and stopping for pizza (and wine of course -detox begins the day we get back).
We are now on the train on our way to Florence where we spend the next 3 days touring and shopping. While on the train, we shared a bottle of wine and a game of Euchre (Bill and I kicked Jan and Jim's butts).
So we have just visited the incredilbly beautiful streets of Florence where we ate a traditional Italian family style meal. It was cheap and excellent. More designer shops by the dozens. There must be so Manu wealthy people who can afford to shop like this.
We are staying in a bed and breakfast in a upper apartment building. It looks sketchy from the street, but is totally quaint and romantic inside.
We have an early morning all day city tour tomorrow and look forward to theamu sights of this beautiful city.
Buonasera
Happy birthday Janny (Feb 20)
We left Zurich early and boarded the train for the 3.5 hour trip to Milano. We all agreed that one day we will have to return to Zurich to do a proper job of touring it since we spent most of the time in the country.
The train ride through Switzerland was spectacular and the weather and terrain was so varied from green grass, to frosted trees, to snow covered mountains. The miles and miles of dark tunnels provided a stark contrast to the beautiful blue sunny skies.
We passed through the picturesque Lugano and Lake Como (no George Clooney sighting ladies : ) and arrived in Milano in the late afternoon. After checking in at our hotel, we wandered around the city and stopped to have some traditional pizza and wine of course
Next we happened upon the Carnival festival, evidently. A huge event for the people of this region. Thousands upon thousands of people wandered the streets, many dressed in costumes and others spraying silly string and shaving cream and throwing confetti and paper by the tonnes. Hard to believe this would be allowes in a city with such beautiful buildings - it literally littered he streets, buildings and windows The street cleaners were kept busy all evening long. We walked for miles and were amazed by the amount of people milling about. It made our own Canadian fireworks festival look like a country fair.
At the centre of town, we toured the Duomo Cathedral, an incredible architectural structure. Next we wandered through the "fashion district" of MIlan and saw stores such as Prada where it was not uncommon to see shoes priced at 800 Canadian dollars;
Armani, Louis Vitton, Bulgari, Paul and Shark, etc.
After miles of walking, we rewarded ourselves with some beer and snacks. It's not uncommon for people to eat outside despite the chilly temperatures of 13 degrees C, so we decided to do the same.
As we made our way back to the hotel. I spotted a Gelato shop and forced everyone to try one. Mmmmm!!
The hotel bar provided a great backdrop for a birthday drink for Jan and viewing the Olympics ski jumping.
Feb 21 Sunday
The day was spent seeing other Milano attractions and stopping for pizza (and wine of course -detox begins the day we get back).
We are now on the train on our way to Florence where we spend the next 3 days touring and shopping. While on the train, we shared a bottle of wine and a game of Euchre (Bill and I kicked Jan and Jim's butts).
So we have just visited the incredilbly beautiful streets of Florence where we ate a traditional Italian family style meal. It was cheap and excellent. More designer shops by the dozens. There must be so Manu wealthy people who can afford to shop like this.
We are staying in a bed and breakfast in a upper apartment building. It looks sketchy from the street, but is totally quaint and romantic inside.
We have an early morning all day city tour tomorrow and look forward to theamu sights of this beautiful city.
Buonasera
Friday, February 19, 2010
Touring Tuggan
Touring Tuggan
When this day began, I didn't think that anything could top the day we had yesterday with my grandmother's family. But, I was very wrong.
The Bamerts of Tuggen rock! We were met on the platform one village over by my 3rd cousin Tina. I found Tina by a Facebook search a couple of months ago after we made the decision to travel in Europe. When I introduced myself to her on FB, she had no idea about what she was getting herself and her family into by inviting us into her home. Now I think she does ; )
We were warmly greeted by her mother Lottie and her father (my second cousin) Bruno and Tina's younger brother Roman. We later met younger sister Anya. Tina is a new school teacher and the only one able to speak fluent English. Since we speak no Swiss German, we anticipated the day might be awkward and quiet. I was wrong again. Tina was a fantastic interpreter and soon we were all laughing and conversing about everything and anything.
At lunch time we were served a delicious meal of wine, soup, salad, bratwurst, a potato dish that was absolutely yummy and carrots. Following lunch, we looked at family photos and gave them some souveniers from Canada.
Next we were given an incredible tour of the village of Tuggen a d the surrounding mountainous region. We toured a beautiful (and largest) church in Switzerland and had coffee and pastry at a quaint village restaurant. Despite the rain, the scenery was magnificent.
As if that weren't enough, we returned to the Bamert's village and walked across the street from the family home to tour Bruno's amazing cabinet shop. The machines made Jim and Bill green with envy. Next, we went up the stairs to Bruno's mother's home. 'Grosmama' had many photos of my grandfather, grandmother and even my mother as a young girl. We were amazed! Soon several of Brunos 7 siblings arrived with their families and an entire family party was underway with only a few more speaking English-yet the laughs were nonstop, as was the food and drink. Another meal of fine cheeses, meats, salads, beer, cake and of course Swiss chocolate and traditional after dinner drinks that I cannot even pronounce. What a warm and welcoming family! All this family has remained within less than 50kms of one another.
Tina's willingness to interpret for so many hours despite her having a terrible cough made the day complete.
As I write this, I can't help but be so appreciative of all of the new family I met today. Why on earth did we not meet sooner?
I look forward to the day that the Bamerts visit Canada.
Thank you Bruno, Lottie, Tina, Roman, Anya, Grosmama and the rest of the clan!
Top Ten Things I Learned in Switzerland
10. "No smoking" signs really mean "no complaining about smoking"
9. Eating Swiss chocolate in Switzerland tastes way way better than eating Swiss chocolate in Canada.
8. It's even a beautiful country in the pouring rain.
7. It's difficult to find the bathroom in a Swiss home because they generally keep all the doors closed inside the house.
6. The expression "getting busy" means something totally different in Swiss (and it's nothing dirty)
5. Drinking champagne for breakfast may seem strange, but it will make it difficult to check out of this hotel tomorrow.
4. The pastries remind me of my grandmother's and makes me miss her even after 25 years.
3. Trains are like men ladies. If you miss one, there will be another one around in 5 minutes.
2. Swiss cheese, breads, pastries, beer, bratwurst. chocolate and hospitality are no longer things I can live without.
1. Although the Swiss are warm and welcoming, Canada's hockey team rocks!
When this day began, I didn't think that anything could top the day we had yesterday with my grandmother's family. But, I was very wrong.
The Bamerts of Tuggen rock! We were met on the platform one village over by my 3rd cousin Tina. I found Tina by a Facebook search a couple of months ago after we made the decision to travel in Europe. When I introduced myself to her on FB, she had no idea about what she was getting herself and her family into by inviting us into her home. Now I think she does ; )
We were warmly greeted by her mother Lottie and her father (my second cousin) Bruno and Tina's younger brother Roman. We later met younger sister Anya. Tina is a new school teacher and the only one able to speak fluent English. Since we speak no Swiss German, we anticipated the day might be awkward and quiet. I was wrong again. Tina was a fantastic interpreter and soon we were all laughing and conversing about everything and anything.
At lunch time we were served a delicious meal of wine, soup, salad, bratwurst, a potato dish that was absolutely yummy and carrots. Following lunch, we looked at family photos and gave them some souveniers from Canada.
Next we were given an incredible tour of the village of Tuggen a d the surrounding mountainous region. We toured a beautiful (and largest) church in Switzerland and had coffee and pastry at a quaint village restaurant. Despite the rain, the scenery was magnificent.
As if that weren't enough, we returned to the Bamert's village and walked across the street from the family home to tour Bruno's amazing cabinet shop. The machines made Jim and Bill green with envy. Next, we went up the stairs to Bruno's mother's home. 'Grosmama' had many photos of my grandfather, grandmother and even my mother as a young girl. We were amazed! Soon several of Brunos 7 siblings arrived with their families and an entire family party was underway with only a few more speaking English-yet the laughs were nonstop, as was the food and drink. Another meal of fine cheeses, meats, salads, beer, cake and of course Swiss chocolate and traditional after dinner drinks that I cannot even pronounce. What a warm and welcoming family! All this family has remained within less than 50kms of one another.
Tina's willingness to interpret for so many hours despite her having a terrible cough made the day complete.
As I write this, I can't help but be so appreciative of all of the new family I met today. Why on earth did we not meet sooner?
I look forward to the day that the Bamerts visit Canada.
Thank you Bruno, Lottie, Tina, Roman, Anya, Grosmama and the rest of the clan!
Top Ten Things I Learned in Switzerland
10. "No smoking" signs really mean "no complaining about smoking"
9. Eating Swiss chocolate in Switzerland tastes way way better than eating Swiss chocolate in Canada.
8. It's even a beautiful country in the pouring rain.
7. It's difficult to find the bathroom in a Swiss home because they generally keep all the doors closed inside the house.
6. The expression "getting busy" means something totally different in Swiss (and it's nothing dirty)
5. Drinking champagne for breakfast may seem strange, but it will make it difficult to check out of this hotel tomorrow.
4. The pastries remind me of my grandmother's and makes me miss her even after 25 years.
3. Trains are like men ladies. If you miss one, there will be another one around in 5 minutes.
2. Swiss cheese, breads, pastries, beer, bratwurst. chocolate and hospitality are no longer things I can live without.
1. Although the Swiss are warm and welcoming, Canada's hockey team rocks!
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