Swiss Family (Without Robinson)

And so,

the day was cool and calm outside as they walked. The rain had freshly fallen on the pavement, the air so crisp and clean it made you forget there was ever life before this particular morning. The Swiss Family waved them a tearful goodbye from the balcony above as they, the three musketeers embarked, fearless and brave in their pursuit onward and upward into unknown lands. As they waved goodbye, their cheeks rosy, their caffeine buzz newly set, they eagerly jaunted on towards their destiny with large grins on their faces.

The train swiftly flew past Lake Zurich, where all the houses and trees seemed to wave goodbye in perfect harmony. Life here could only be described as a living postcard, a dream of Narnia. The hill surrounding the lake revealed nests of houses tucked into blankets of trees. The scenery then converged into fields of hilly green farmland where livestock dotted the meadows, peacefully feeding on the grass. Was this heaven?

But no, this wasn't heaven nor Narnia. It was the countryside of Switzerland, and Aunt Merlyn and Uncle Dean were going to Lucerne with their niece. Whatever awaited them there was anyone’s guess, but it had to do with food, because she was always hungry.

Upon arrival in Lucerne, they crossed the many diagonal bridges above the river, which were covered with wooden arches and lined with beautiful flowers. They stopped to enjoy a loon, or was it a duck, a bird, peacefully wading below them. And what did they find, but a perfect spot to dine right next to the fast moving, burbling river. It was there they sat and chatted. And after an excellent lunch, their journey continued. Onward and upwards they went, climbing a mountain of lush green forrest in search of a fairy tale castle on a hill.

But castle it was not, for athough this beautiful dwelling was once called home to Queen Victoria for a month in the year 1868, it was The Hotel Gutsch. Here they explored and marveled at the wonderful decorum of this beautiful residence. They admired the view they climbed, heroically, tirelessly, a hike which took them at least 20 minutes.

They enjoyed some educational tasting of beers, purely for the betterment of business of course. Here they discovered a lovely bar, of blue decor and hardwood floors, with portraits of past kings and queens hanging on the wall and the most beautiful view one could ask for when responsibly enjoying alcoholic beverages. Simply marvelous.

Then suddenly, supper was ready! Back at the Swiss family's house, an extravagant feast was prepared, following the rather taxing yet nevertheless wonderful excursion to faraway Lucerne. A feast for the mighty it was. Pork cordon bleu, because she said she missed eating pork where she lived. There was pasta, and salad, and of course chocolate for dessert. In front of her was red wine, white wine, beer and coffee. Anyone's paradise.

An after dinner special included live entertainment, too! Corinne and Natz were simply superb with their singing, and musical instruments!

The Swiss family's house was the most hospitable she had ever encountered. Each morning brought unlimited coffee, cheese, laughter and warmth to the table. The kitchen was filled with love so warm and strong it could bring you to tears. And in the morning, what awaited her but nothing less than steak sized portions of the best chocolate she had tasted. This truly was where dreams came true.

Of course, even dreams must come to an end. Our last group photo, taken in the appropriately named "Bye Bye Bar" at the airport. After one last bit of beer and a few more laughs, it was time to retire to other lands. The Canadians went back to Canada and the Swiss returned to their home in Switzerland. But, where did she go?

Only the wind knows.

Bailey Sue