Barbara's travels continue 2018

 So, after the trip of a lifetime in Norway, and of course so many other gorgeous places, here I am back in Russikon at Trudi's beautiful home in the hills. After a lot of cold weather and rain, the pool is only 20 degrees, compared to the 34 degrees tepid water before I left! It was time to relax and unwind, catch up on sleep and visit those special places which were undoubtedly my 'happy places' when I lived in Pfaeffikon. The beautiful Pfaeffikersee with its easy 9.5 kilometer walk around it. To my delight, there were two storks on the nest. They could be young from this year. I had seen four in neighboring fields. I just decided to head to one of my favorite places, Jucker Farm. It was lovely to walk up the avenue of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. And, of course, to enjoy the fabulous view over the Pfaeffiker lake and Zurich Oberland As I returned, the sky had the loveliest clouds, like little balls of cotton wool, over the moored yachts. Time to reminisce as I passed my pi...

My final day before heading back to Switzerland. Oslo, such a wonderful city, busy but not bustling. Without doubt, my favorite place is Vigeland Sculpture Park, the largest park in Oslo, with 200 sculptures depicting the various ages of man. He has captured facial expressions perfectly, and as  I slowly walked around, several times, I enjoyed making my own decision as to what he wished to portray in some sculptures.  The angry child is undoubtedly the most photographed and most touched of all the sculptures. Not only are the sculptures magnificent, but the gardens are meticulously maintained and beautiful. The Fountain is a mesmerizing piece of art and was the first piece to be built in the park. Six giants of different ages hold up the massive saucer-shaped tray, from which the water cascades delicately down into the pool below. It's stunning. I think I circled it three or four times. All ages and relationships are portrayed- father and son Siblings - how I loved their expre...