The End (Part II)

Hello, time for some catch up (again) and the end (again)! I am sitting in the Seattle airport on my way home right now! My last few days in Switzerland were wonderful. Monday was filled with another long hike that took us to the Rhine Gorge- a huge platform presented us with an incredible view of this gorge way down below us in a valley. Breathtaking. We then went to Lake Cresta and had a nice little picnic. That night we made amazing risotto for the family. Quite the treat.
The next day we left Mel's via bicycle- we went to a city about an hour away and had some lunch by a lake. Very pleasant. We then hopped a train to Zurich where Carolyn and I spent the rest of the day. Some ice cream, a long exploratory walk, and a refreshing swim in Lake Zurich was just what the doctor ordered. It's an amazing city that I plan on spending more time in next visit! Upon arrived back in Basel she and I enjoyed some delicious Turkish food...then bed. We were exhausted.
My last full day in Switzerland was spent shopping- I got sunglasses and a great new dress and Carolyn and Kurt both got new work clothes! We then spent some time doing laundry and drinking beer on the balcony with friends. That night was Basel Tattoo, a drum core performance that Basel is famous for- very fun and cute. Then I packed and slept and have been traveling all day! I'm thankful I got to come back and spend such quality time with my sister. What a lucky girl I am! Thank you for reading!

A little catch up....

Hello! (Finally). I got a little behind the last few days- it's been so busy and of course I have loved every moment. So, a little catch up! Since floating the river (that's where you last caught me), I have been to my sister's amazing garden where she grows almost everything- flowers you can eat, corn, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, plums, grapes, raspberries, blackberries, and so much more. Did I mention it's in France? Just over the border. After that, we took a train to Colmar, a little French city where we walked around, saw the sights, ate delicious flaamkuchen, had some white wine, and got a little rained on. So fantastic! It had little canals in some areas that people like to call Little Venice. That night we saw the Hula Hawaiians play live! This is apparently a big deal- this group of men have been playing since the 60's and were professionally trained in Hawaii and have played all around the world! They were very good. Some much needed rest came after that.
The next day, my sister and I explored Basel after I enjoyed a light breakfast in the Marketplace. We also went to a local museum and saw the most amazing displays- Fischeil and Weiss, both who put together large movements (like a domino affect...this tire hits this candle that lights a fire that sets this rope into motion, etc.). The other artist on display, Calder, was equally incredible, showing his metal wires that had been formed into humans that looked ready to leap right at you! Later in the day we headed to Mel's, Switzerland to be with my sister's husband's family.
We are here now and the house is wonderful- it used to be a cheese house! (Built in the 1800's.) Today we went for an amazing hike in the Alps then for a swim at a local pool (it had a slide that I definitely went down a few times). Amazing experiences with wonderful people. Til next time!

PADDLE

Hello! Today was another adventurous and beautiful day with my sister. After waking up (a little startled due to not knowing where I was), I enjoyed some muesli and fruit. My sister and I then decided on a spontaneous trip to Tune, a town that's about a 1.5 hour train ride from Basel. Once there, our plan was to canoe from there to Bern, the capital of Switzerland! So, after a very enjoyable and scenic train ride, we grabbed our canoe, life jackets (safety first!), and paddles, and headed off. The water was the perfect temperature for such a hot day and the most beautiful florescent blue you can imagine! Along the way we stopped for a picnic on a beach we paddled to. Our picnic consisted of bread, apples, and cheese (the theme of my food eating continues!). Aside from one large rapid that almost caused me to be a woman overboard as my sister gave a loud, "Paddle, Janna!," the experience was amazing. And if I'm being honest, that part was incredible, too- laughter abounded. Once in Bern, we walked through Old Town and enjoyed many musicians and statues (one of those was called the baby eater... Picture below). We then found an outside cafe, enjoyed some pizza, beans, and beer, and headed back to the train for a pleasant hour ride back to Basel. We are now home and have somewhat loosely planned my week here- I am so excited for all that's happened and all to come. Until next time!

The baby eater

The Second Beginning

Hello all! It has been quite a long time! (3 years, to be exact). How amazing it feels to be here, writing in Europe again. This trip is much shorter- 7 days (minus travel time) so I will be living it up to the best of my ability! Today did not fall short of that, naturally. I endured (and enjoyed...mostly due to the people watching) 20 hours of travel across the globe. Some fun food was involved (pasta, bread, cheese, bread, meat, cheese, fruit...are you catching the theme again?!) and a lot of airport carpets were viewed. Upon arriving in Basel, my sister and I were reunited with a great embrace, hopped a bus, and immediately went to a park (my FAVORITE part about Europe, if you will remember) to have a picnic with friends and family. It included homemade quiche, cucumber salad, and some pudding, made with ingredients from my sisters's garden. Yum! Then... The adventure began- rain started drizzling down. Yes drizzling at first. I sat in it, thoroughly enjoying myself. But suddenly it was pouring. I mean it- buckets of rain were falling. Then the hail started!! My beer was suddenly iced. (Thanks, mother nature!) We ran for cover under some trees and managed for a while until it looked like we had all just walked out of the shower. We then braved a break in the storm and walked back home where a towel and shower were very welcome sights. I am already loving my time here and can't wait to share what happens next. Off to bed to work off some of this jet lag. Love to all, until next time!