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One Year Later
One year ago, we moved across the globe to Switzerland and began a new chapter in our lives. It feels like just yesterday that we put our belongings on a boat, said our goodbyes, and boarded a plane to a new country with a one-way ticket. It certainly has been a great adventure thus far. Here are ten quick observations and thoughts on our first year in Switzerland: Amy and I are amazed at the overwhelming beauty that this country has to offer. It seems that no matter where we go, either into the mountains or walking the streets of a new city or village, the scenic landscapes captivate us…
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Blausee, Switzerland
A walk in Nature walks the soul back home -Mary Davis The magical Blasusee, Switzerland.
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Time is Love
The thoughts blow in uninvited during certain times of our lives. And the feelings accompanying these thoughts make us pause, at least for a moment, and wonder how the days of our lives keep coming and going like the sea tide under our feet. Sometimes, we welcome these thoughts and can wrestle with a greater truth. On other occasions, we don’t or just can’t. So, we move quickly to replace them with thoughts we believe will make us happier. Or, at the very least, thoughts that masquerade the reality of our current state. Nevertheless, whether we welcome or resist them, we have no power over the truth of where these…
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Bern, Switzerland
Bern, Switzerland, has been our home city for about a year. Even though we live just outside of the city in the village of Worb, my wife Amy goes to work there every day, and it is where my kids love to walk the arcades and look in the shops. The slow pace and beautiful architecture of the capital city of Switzerland captivate us every time we walk its century-old streets. One of my goals for this New Year is to explore a new place in Switzerland at least once a week. Whether that is a day excursion into the Alps, exploring the many different trails and lakes, or experiencing…
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The Corner of Church and Gay
The other day, a friend asked me where I come from. “What part of the world is it?” “What is it like?” My answer was quick, as we had to begin our days…but her questions lingered long after we said our goodbyes. As I drove away, I considered the simplicity of my answer and how little my description conveyed the beauty of my hometown. The more I drove, the more my thoughts painted a picture of the wealthy town we just left here in Switzerland. I thought about the buildings, the parks, the restaurants, the people. Finally, I thought about the corner of Church and Gay Streets. So much so…
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Mürren, Switzerland
Yesterday, on a beautiful Saturday, we spent the day in Mürren, Switzerland, before a storm arrived. We explored the quaint town with snow-covered streets (for skiers to navigate) and magnificent views of the Alps. We eventually made our way up to Allmendhubel, where we had lunch, and the boys got to play on the most incredible playground ever!!! Aside from its beauty, Amy and I have enjoyed Switzerland’s pace of life. The Swiss people’s intentional emphasis on “slowing down” is reflected in the quality of life here and a distinct focus on the family. No matter where you go, there seem to be activities for families to enjoy the beautiful…
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Die Hausmann (The Houseman)
Honestly, the first time I was called, it rubbed me the wrong way. Maybe it was because of the accent “HA-ous-Mah-n.” Perhaps it was because it was something that I never identified myself with before. I mean to answer a question posed by strangers, “Was tun Sie hier in der Schweiz zu tun?” (What do you do here in Switzerland?) “Ich bin eine Hausmann” (I am a Houseman) is awkward. On the one hand, it sounds way too formal for washing floors and toilets. On the other hand, it sounds like I should be getting paid for this. And that’s the thing. There lies the rub. Being a Hausmann has…
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The Call of a Father
A scene in the new Star Wars film The Force Awakens captivated me. I am not a Star Wars expert or fanatic, but I grew up watching the original trilogy like most young boys of my generation, and I loved it. So now, being a father myself and watching the new film with my eight-year-old son made the experience that much more memorable. Without spoiling anything, the scene I mention for those who saw the movie is the one that left most of us gasping with a collective “WHY?” It was the scene in which Hans Solo confronts his son, Kylo Ren. For those who have not seen the movie…
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Kandersteg, Switzerland
Today, I visited two places I have wanted to visit since moving to Switzerland: Kandersteg and Lake Oeschinensee. After about a 50-minute drive from our house, I arrived in Kandersteg and took the lift to the trails leading to Lake Oeschinensee. My family and I are very grateful to have experienced this adventure in Switzerland and to have seen some beautiful places. But this is near the top of my list. The combination of the majestic peaks of the Alps and the silent, serene landscape of snow and trees made this visit very spiritual. It took me out of myself and invited me into the paradox of the sheer beauty…
