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Nice, France
Earlier this month we took the short 50 minute plane ride from Basel, Switzerland to Nice, France. It was in the middle of the “holiday” season here in Europe so I wasn’t completely sure what we were getting ourselves into, especially with this being our first time to the French Riviera. A couple of things come to mind since we have returned. Distance: One of the great aspects of living in Europe, especially Switzerland because of its central location, is the proximity to other countries. Being an American, our worldview as far as distance is concerned can be at times skewed because in some cases we can drive 8 hours…
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Wrestling with Time
Forever Paul Laurence Dunbar, 1872 – 1906 I had not known before Forever was so long a word. The slow stroke of the clock of time I had not heard. ‘Tis hard to learn so late; It seems no sad heart really learns, But hopes and trusts and doubts and fears, And bleeds and burns. The night is not all dark, Nor is the day all it seems, But each may bring me this relief— My dreams and dreams. I had not known before That Never was so sad a word, So wrap me in forgetfulness— I have not heard.
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Rounding Second Base
(Photo: The Charles Bridge, Prague, Czech Republic) This post is a bit long, disjointed, maybe a lot of rambling, and yes, it might not make much sense, but in light of the week (Holy Week) and my last post, “Finding Freedom,” I was compelled to write it. I have recently found myself thinking of a few short stories that my pastor in the States would bring up, time and time again, hoping that it would sink in. Life usually indicates whether you can receive the intended message when given to you. In other words, you can’t rush the meaning if you aren’t ready to receive it. And not being prepared…
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A New Hang Out
A few weeks ago, on a Sunday afternoon, our family decided to take a train to Thun so we could jump on a boat to visit a castle on Lake Thun. It is a place that we have seen many times but never gone. Well, we finally did. And then I had to go back!! For those who have come for a visit or have experienced the Swiss transportation system on your own, you know that the efficiency and quality make traveling around this beautiful country very easy. We have become very accustomed to the accessibility of all forms of transportation, and taking a trip to another city or mountain…
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Finding Freedom
I recently read an article suggesting that people over 70 feel more content and are happier now than at any other point. Some of the reasons proposed were more free time to do what they enjoyed, such as hobbies and spending time with family and friends. Other reasons suggested worrying less and not caring what other people think anymore. What freedom. You have the freedom to do what you want and with whom you want to, and more importantly, you experience interior freedom while doing it. I am a few years from 70, well 30 to be exact in September, but I long for the interior freedom that this study…
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Year Two
And just like that, the second year has come and gone. It is hard to believe that we have called Switzerland home for two years. This year was an incredible year of travel (5 different countries), many great family visits, and tremendous growth and experiences for our two boys. Although much has remained the same from our first year (here is a link to that list), namely, the beauty of the country, the balanced pace of life, and especially making sure that we always have 2 CHF on us at all times for the WC, things have changed a bit during our second year—things that you can never foresee or…
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Domodossola, Italy
On a whim, I took a 7:35 am train from Bern, Switzerland, to Domodossola, Italy. The one-and-a-half-hour train ride is beautiful down through the Bernese Alps. Although it was cloudy and a bit foggy on the Switzerland side of the Alps, the sun was shining as soon as we crossed through the tunnel and came out into Italy. Domodossola is a quaint little town in northern Italy with a beautiful old section. Once you arrive at the station, it is a quick 5-10-minute walk up the main street before you reach the side street that leads to the old section. Once you make your way into the main piazza in…
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Tissot Peak Walk, Glacier 3000
I have never been a thrill seeker, but I am completely drawn to Switzerland’s many mountain adventures and excursions. Maybe I trust the “Swiss Made” persona, or perhaps I am getting older, and I am gradually letting go of fears and inhibitions. Either way, the Tissot Peak Walk was something I wanted to do for months. I took the one-and-a-half-hour drive to Les Diablerets, Switzerland, a mountain village in the heart of the Vaud Alps. On this beautiful, clear early morning, I was met with a stunning sunrise and a lovely view of the descending moon over the Alps. (I had to stop so many times to take pictures that…
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Man vs. Nature
There is something innate about humans; when we face nature, we believe we can conquer it. We think we can win. Maybe it is ego. Perhaps it is just human nature or more of a “guy” thing. Or perhaps it is the result of the “first fall.” Nevertheless, time and time again, when we confront nature in its purest form, we soon realize that we can never conquer that which is unmovable. Unconquerable. That which is undefeated. This is where I have found grace time and time again. And it is also why I continue to confront it. The humility that comes from challenging something that can’t be conquered unveils…
