2025 trip to Europe, 11 May to 11 August

 


 

No trip can really start without a farewell to Mike. I had a very bad conscience as I closed the door, leaving my feline friend for twelve weeks. He is in good hands though.

Leaving behind the gorgeous autumn colors in Christchurch. Strange to think I will be returning to spring! 

Singapore here I come. Super smooth flight. Best film was undoubtedly 'my penguin friend'. 

Singapore airport terminal 1 - four hours enjoying stretching out, people watching and a refreshing dip.
Wonderful to be back in one of the many places I have called home and to be met by my very good friend Marco. Pfaeffikon Zurich. It is all the more magical because I have so many great friends here, who all make me feel so welcome.
First day walk by my favorite lake in Europe, the Pfaeffikersee, was fantastic. Nothing seems to change here.
Fond memories of the apartment I had for four years in this beautiful old house, on the road down to the lake. The adjacent church bells ring every 15 minutes. They remind you that time flies and so don't waste it!
How lucky to arrive the day before the village May market, when it seems that all of Pfaeffikon comes out to amble down the picturesque main street, meeting up with friends, catching up on news/gossip, and enjoying the many food stalls. It was a matter of minutes before I ran into two of my friends, Alice and Andy, with whom I happily continued down to the lake. There is certainly a lot of cheap and nasty stuff in many stalls, but these probably appeal to the many schoolchildren, who actually get a day off school to go to the market!

I met up with so many old friends, including Uschi, who I had been fortunate enough to live with for several months. I really felt at home and it seemed so long ago that I had left my real home!
Next day it was time to catch up with more close friends, Irene and Nik, and after a fantastic Aperol Spritz and nibbles on their balcony overlooking the mountains, we headed out round the lake to Jucker farm, which I used to visit so frequently when I lived there. What a glorious day it was, with hardly a cloud in the sky. 
After a delicious Apple strudel with custard - my favorite - I continued on my way alone, somewhat underestimating how hot it was and that I hadn't walked 9.5 km/h for a while, especially after a long flight. Fortunately, the scenery is so marvelous and the acres of wild flowers and tiny orchids so lovely, that I forgot how exhausted I actually was.
Time for a rest and a day with Trudi, my fabulous friend who so kindly puts up with me / and puts me up whenever I am in Switzerland. A day on the Zurich lake was perfect. I loved the dark clouds, although she wasn't so keen.

Our destination was the picturesque town of Rapperswil at the far end of the lake. Heavy clouds looming above it made it all the more majestic, with its castle perched above the old town, with its pretty little lanes and ancient houses.
It is a photographer's delight!
One thing Rapperswil is famous for is a long wooden bridge for pedestrians to best appreciate the lower end of lake Zurich, with the mountains in the background. Such clear, clean water and such ominous clouds! How amazing it was.
The town is really pretty, with the old buildings adorned with fabulous roses. Rapperswil, the town of roses.
It is great to be back in a country steeped in history with such old and beautiful architecture.
 
Another really beautiful old city center is in Winterthur, not far from here I am living. They have a fabulous Farmers' Market every Friday.
Wonderful food to be bought here, with some fascinating varieties, like these asparagus!
The size of the cheese is unbelievable - the price too!

This stall had a great idea. Instead of selling six plants all the same, you can choose just one of each.
Tucked away behind the market is the church square with bikes of every shape and size, with elaborate trailers for kids. A lot of money invested here, but well worth it as the town is more or less pedestrian and bike only, making it a super pleasurable place to meander, and meet up with my friend Guni, who will be touring Wales with me in July.

So my first week has flown. Lots of marvelous opportunities to catch up with my many friends, and also visit many of my favourite places.
Next stop Alsace, France.





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