New family from the "old country"

Last night we arrived in Zurich (got lost finding our hotel), we were a bit disappointed by the location of our hotel. Not the best part of Zurich, but after eating some great pizza with some wine,we were okay. And, our trip into Baden/Wettenig definitely made up for it.

Before leaving Canada, I contacted my grandmother's cousin. Franz and Vraney to arrange for a visit. This would be our first time meeting them. They were kind enough to meet us at the train. Fran is my 78 year old 2nd cousin (I think I've got that right)and he and Vrenie move like they are 20.

First stop was for a coffee at a lovely little restaurant. Next, we explored the quaint shops and arcitecture of the town. We stopped at a church and then at the store where my grandma Bamert worked as a seamstress as a young woman before coming to Canada in her 20's. Next, we headed up a 600 foot steep staired mountain. At the top of the mountain, we were rewarded with a great German beer inside the Wetteneg castle. More walking and soon we arrived at the home of our hosts. This home also happens to be my grandmother's childhood home (1903)! How thrilled we were! Although it has been completely refurbished, the feeling of making such a connection was indescribable. For the next several hours we shared wine, cheese, meat, stories and photos. Then our gracious hosts gave us a full home cooked meal and more wine.
I have waited so long for this day and it was everything I had hoped for and so much more. I'm so grateful that we made this trip and had this opportunity to connect with my past.

I'm sure tomorrow will bring many more adventures as we venture to see my grandfather's family in the opposite direction in Tuggen.