-
Weather, Writing, and Truth
As the emerging clouds roll in here in Switzerland, they not only threaten the last glimpse of sunlight but also your plans for the day. And yet, just as the clouds move in and the rain comes down, the sun can reappear just as quickly, and with it, unexpected opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. The weather in Switzerland is unpredictable to say the least. The surrounding Alps have the ability to both hold in and prevent weather patterns to emerge which result in the drastic changes that we experience. (A few of us even refer to the weather as being schizophrenic in nature) On one hand the ever-changing weather can…
-
Stockhorn
It was great to have my parents come for a visit a couple of weeks ago. We had a great time exploring both some familiar and new places here in Switzerland. One of which was the mountain peak of Stockhorn. It was a beautiful day and my parents were able to cross a few things off of their bucket list, namely a gondola ride to the top of a Swiss Alp.
-
Venice, Italy
A quick recap of our recent trip to Venice, Italy. We had a great time exploring this beautiful and truly unique city. Venice is like eating an entire box of chocolate liqueurs in one go. -Truman Capote
-
Good Parenting
To act or not to act. To speak or not to speak. To intervene or not to intervene. It seems that these are the thoughts that consume the mind of a parent every day. It is said that parenting is the toughest job in the world, and I would think that most parents who are engaged in the lives of their children would agree. For although we get plenty of advice from others and we instinctively draw our own parenting styles from those who have raised us, at the end of the day, when we are face to face with our own children, there simply isn’t a blueprint. It is…
-
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: Switzerland is Beautiful 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…
-
Mürren, Switzerland
We spent the day in Mürren, Switzerland yesterday on a beautiful Saturday before a storm made its way in. We explored the quaint town with its snow covered streets (for skiers to get around) and magnificent views of the Alps. We eventually made our way up to Allmendhubel where we had lunch, and, where the boys got to play on the coolest playground ever!!! One thing that both Amy and I have really enjoyed about Switzerland, aside from its beauty, is its pace of life. It seems that the intentional emphasis on “slowing down” by the Swiss people can be reflected in not only the quality of life here but…
-
Die Hausmann (The Houseman)
I have to be honest that the first time I was called it, it rubbed me the wrong way. Maybe it was because of the accent “HA-ous-Mah-n”. Or maybe 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?) with “Ich bin eine Hausmann” (I am a Houseman) is awkward to say the least. I mean on one hand it sounds way to formal for washing floors and toilets. On the other hand it sounds like I should be getting paid for this. And…
-
The Call of a Father
There was a scene in the new Star Wars film The Force Awakens that captivated me. I must admit 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…
-
Hope and Home
Walking through the familiar door into the place that I called home for most of my childhood and teenage years brought contentment and a sense of peace, yet also confliction. I knew what stair created the loudest creak. I knew what seat gave the best view of the TV. Looking up at night, I knew the shadows on the ceiling before I fell asleep. This was my home during some of the most influential times of my life. This was my home that gave birth to great joy, great sorrow, and great love. This was my home. And yet, I was a visitor. For this was my parent’s home. Pulling…
