Time to say 'goodbye' for a while!
After nearly five months of unforgettable experiences alone and with family and friends, here I am back in Switzerland where I started out on this wonderful phase of my life way back in May.
None of us were very experienced at selfies, but we had some fun trying.
One place I had really wanted to go back to was Insel Schwanau in the LauerzerSee. I first discovered this place by chance when driving past with Marco some 16 years ago. How fitting and fabulous it was to go back there again with Marco, who I really have to thank for suggesting I come to Switzerland to work, which I did until retirement. I would not have the wonderful network of amazing friends here now if I had not come.
The rain was a little lighter as we got back to shore, giving us a last glimpse of this unique eating place, for the time being at least!
After months of clear skies and sunshine, the clouds have at last returned and with them some pretty consistent rainfall. Fortunately,at the time I had planned to walk round the lake to Jucker farm, the weather played its part and allowed me a final 2022 view over the lake I love so much in Pfaeffikon.
How many thousands of times have I sat by the lake, often with my glass of NZ wine, staring out towards the mountains in the distance, this time snow-capped! Special memories of a fantastic era of my life here in Switzerland.
What a feast we had and what a brilliant reminder of the many visits there, and of course the kilometres walked around the lake on so many occasions in all seasons - with its springtime crocus, summer swimming, autumn colours and winter wonderland of snow and ice.
The exhibition with its theme of fire was amazing, as always!
As if I hadn't seen or done enough in my five months, I had still a few special events ahead, none more so than a visit to Luzia, by Cirque Soleil. I saw the advert by chance and booked immediately. I love Cirque Soleil, and having heard all anout this latest performance when we did our tour at the Royal Albert Hall, I just had to go! It was absolutely sensational. We had learned during our tour how they had had their own team of plumbers there to set up the water features, which played a huge part in the show. The water drained through hundreds of holes in the stage and was then pumped up to be re-used. Here, in Zurich, I guess it was much easier in their own tent. The colours were incredible.
Then, when they displayed objects, from fish to whales, birds, clouds, patterns, etc, on the water, it was simply breathtaking. Not to mention, of course, the beautiful singing, costumes and super- talented acrobats.
The pole dancers were so clever and agile, but for me there was one stand out performance from a young man who tied himself into knots. It was not possible to photograph him because he so quickly moved from one stance to another. I wondered at times if he knew which way up he was. He was, without a doubt, one of the most fantastic performers I have ever seen.
Schaffhausen is also very picturesque, and as we spent a while there,
I could really appreciate how calm and stressfree it seemed. Of course, having no traffic running through it helps enormously, but the people too seem unhurried, very friendly and helpful, and seem to sit and stare more than in other towns. It was a fabulous place to end my many travels over the past five months. There was one rather strange window!
And of course, my favourite dessert was a must - Vermicelles, chestnut worms!
As we enjoyed my other favourite meal, Roesti , bacon and eggs, it was very special to be able to once again enjoy a spectacular sunset
Followed by an equally amazing sunrise to send me off in style.
So, as I write this on the terrace of the airport, watching the constant comings and goings, I know I will soon be flying over those magnificent snow- capped mountains,back to an unusually chillye, and possibly snowy Christchurch! First snow there in October for 60 years.
Half way home. I had a great day in the cool breeze by the pool. Perfect.
Home is only hours away!
'Parting is such sweet sorrow'. How very true that is, as I started to meet friends for the final time in 2022. Firstly, Nic and Irene, who helped me so much when I left Switzerland to return to New Zealand in 2016, once more opened their lovely home to me for an afternoon of catching up and dinner. There was plenty to talk about and lots of laughs as always. As the biggest fans of my blogs, they were of course well up to date with my travels.
None of us were very experienced at selfies, but we had some fun trying.
However, king of Selfies, Dennis, had no problem at all taking a great shot of himself with me and Marco. This was a surprise meeting for me, planned by Marco. How sad I shall be to leave two such fantastic friends, but luckily, as with family and other friends, it is easy to stay in touch nowadays.
One place I had really wanted to go back to was Insel Schwanau in the LauerzerSee. I first discovered this place by chance when driving past with Marco some 16 years ago. How fitting and fabulous it was to go back there again with Marco, who I really have to thank for suggesting I come to Switzerland to work, which I did until retirement. I would not have the wonderful network of amazing friends here now if I had not come.
It didn't matter that it was pouring outside as we enjoyed our delicious meal in the cosy little restaurant perched on the island.
There were only two others in this tiny, but fine- dining restaurant, so we were well looked after. We even had the little boat, which links the island to the mainland, to ourselves. So lovely!
The rain was a little lighter as we got back to shore, giving us a last glimpse of this unique eating place, for the time being at least!
After months of clear skies and sunshine, the clouds have at last returned and with them some pretty consistent rainfall. Fortunately,at the time I had planned to walk round the lake to Jucker farm, the weather played its part and allowed me a final 2022 view over the lake I love so much in Pfaeffikon.
How many thousands of times have I sat by the lake, often with my glass of NZ wine, staring out towards the mountains in the distance, this time snow-capped! Special memories of a fantastic era of my life here in Switzerland.
I met so many wonderful people through clubs and, of course, teaching. Robert was a student for years and now I am delighted that he and his lovely family have become close friends.
Whether in NZ with Julia, Anna and Bruno, or in Switzerland with little Charlotte as well, we have enjoyed some marvelous times and laughs together, and today Jucker pumpkin festival and brunch were star attractions.
What a feast we had and what a brilliant reminder of the many visits there, and of course the kilometres walked around the lake on so many occasions in all seasons - with its springtime crocus, summer swimming, autumn colours and winter wonderland of snow and ice.
The exhibition with its theme of fire was amazing, as always!
As if I hadn't seen or done enough in my five months, I had still a few special events ahead, none more so than a visit to Luzia, by Cirque Soleil. I saw the advert by chance and booked immediately. I love Cirque Soleil, and having heard all anout this latest performance when we did our tour at the Royal Albert Hall, I just had to go! It was absolutely sensational. We had learned during our tour how they had had their own team of plumbers there to set up the water features, which played a huge part in the show. The water drained through hundreds of holes in the stage and was then pumped up to be re-used. Here, in Zurich, I guess it was much easier in their own tent. The colours were incredible.
Then, when they displayed objects, from fish to whales, birds, clouds, patterns, etc, on the water, it was simply breathtaking. Not to mention, of course, the beautiful singing, costumes and super- talented acrobats.
The show was far too fascinating and absorbing to spend more than seconds behind a camera/ phone, so sadly, my photos can only give me a vague memory of what was a totally captivating and brilliant performance.
The pole dancers were so clever and agile, but for me there was one stand out performance from a young man who tied himself into knots. It was not possible to photograph him because he so quickly moved from one stance to another. I wondered at times if he knew which way up he was. He was, without a doubt, one of the most fantastic performers I have ever seen.
How happy I am to have been privileged enough to be in that audience experiencing such a show.
How lovely to once again look out over the pool to the spectacular evening sky.
I cannot add photos from all the great meals and times with friends. Suffice to say, it was wonderful seeing so many friends in the final week. Not only my luggage will be overweight when I return!
I cannot add photos from all the great meals and times with friends. Suffice to say, it was wonderful seeing so many friends in the final week. Not only my luggage will be overweight when I return!
My final full day was kept clear to do something special with Trudi, and so I organised a trip for us to the Rhein Falls, which I was sure would be pretty spectacular after the rain we had had. I was right. They were really fantastic, and we left the fog up in Russikon and arrived to perfect weather. Lucky!
I just love this place. The sheer power of the falls and the thundering of the water as it cascades to the river below are just breathtaking.
The second part of the trip was curtailed a little because of lack of water in The Rhein. Actually, I think it is now fine, but timetables had already been organised. No worries! It was still perfect to cruise slowly upstream to Diessenhofen and back to Schaffhausen rather than my original plan to Stein am Rhein.
I just love this place. The sheer power of the falls and the thundering of the water as it cascades to the river below are just breathtaking.
The second part of the trip was curtailed a little because of lack of water in The Rhein. Actually, I think it is now fine, but timetables had already been organised. No worries! It was still perfect to cruise slowly upstream to Diessenhofen and back to Schaffhausen rather than my original plan to Stein am Rhein.
The autumn colours are just beginning, so it was a beautiful trip.
I love the little village of Diessenhofen with its bridge connecting Switzerland to Germany, and its very attractive Riegelhaueser, with the timber patterns.
Schaffhausen is also very picturesque, and as we spent a while there,
I could really appreciate how calm and stressfree it seemed. Of course, having no traffic running through it helps enormously, but the people too seem unhurried, very friendly and helpful, and seem to sit and stare more than in other towns. It was a fabulous place to end my many travels over the past five months. There was one rather strange window!
And of course, my favourite dessert was a must - Vermicelles, chestnut worms!
As we enjoyed my other favourite meal, Roesti , bacon and eggs, it was very special to be able to once again enjoy a spectacular sunset
Followed by an equally amazing sunrise to send me off in style.
So, as I write this on the terrace of the airport, watching the constant comings and goings, I know I will soon be flying over those magnificent snow- capped mountains,back to an unusually chillye, and possibly snowy Christchurch! First snow there in October for 60 years.
What a trip! Made special by family and friends, local food and wine, lots of languages and cultures, and so many wonderful places. An unforgettable and documented journey which I was so happy to share with others in my Blog.
So now the long trip home starts with spectacularly clear views of the mountains I have called home this European summer.
Half way home. I had a great day in the cool breeze by the pool. Perfect.
Home is only hours away!
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