Random Swiss Times - The Catch Up Post

So, I've had every intention of doing tons of posts about every little event or weekend escapade that we have attended while here in Switzerland. (And we really strive to do something every weekend!) I also like to scrapbook events. I'm pretty much double dipping on the family memories and not doing a great job with either medium. So, in order to feel "caught up", I thought I would post some cool photos from some of our smaller jaunts around the country. And I plan to keep the commentary light. Enjoy!

Zug Day Trip

April 14th, 2009 - Took a quick mini tour of old town Zug and ate lunch along Zug See

Island Mainau

May 17th, 2009 - Trip to Island Mainau (in Lake Constance - border between Switzerland and Germany)

Island Mainau is an island that has been turned into a botanical garden. We enjoyed a nice picnic and stroll around the gardens, concluding our visit with popsicles!

Ballenburg Open Air Museum

May 30, 2009: Ballenburg, Switzerland

This is a museum that homes actual historical buildings from various parts of Switzerland that were dismantled and reassembled here. The museum also boasts handworks (like linseed milling, weaving, etc.) that have been done historically in various parts of Switzerland. This was a really cool museum and a fun hike. The museum is located in the Berner Oberland, which claims to be one of the most beautiful areas in Switzerland.



While touring the Ballenberg Museum, we stayed in a small town called, Meiringen, which is "famous" because it's waterfall is mentioned in one of the Sherlock Holmes stories. We stayed in the Sherlock Holmes Inn (as was evidenced by the carpet). And we also came across the Guinness Book holder for largest cowbell. We want more cowbell!!!!

Bern, Switzerland

May 31, 2009 - Bern Visit

On our way back from Ballenberg, we stopped in Bern. This town is actually the capital of Switzerland. Bern is named for “Baeren” or bears. Apparently the man who founded Bern said he would name the town after the next animal he hunted...hence Bern. The town actually has a bear pit where bears usually are living - although during our visit they were held somewhere else. They are in the process of building a new bear pit. This city was beautiful and we enjoyed a beautiful day outside, walking around.

The Bundeshaus - Capitol Building of Switzerland (Flags denote that it is in session.)

Playground hiatus

Ye Olde Bearpits

Berner Oberland 4-Wheel Excursion

June 11th, 2009 - Rebecca participated in an American Women's Club excursion to the Berner Oberland where the group drove 4-wheelers into the mountains. (After trekking through Interlaken streets). I was not brave enough to drive, but had fun taking in the countryside. We were serenaded with Alphorns at lunch and even had the chance to experiment. (I am even including the embarrassing photographic proof!)

My attempt to play the alphorn ended in failure!

Let's leave the playing to the professionals!


Rapperswil Day Trip

July 5th, 2009 - We took a quick trip down Lake Zurich to the town of Rapperswil. We enjoyed touring the old castle (built in the 1200's!) and walking along the lake. It was fun day out!

Brunch Ship - Lake Zurich

July 26th, 2009

We've wanted to try this brunch boat for some and finally made reservations. And we had a wonderful Zurich weather day to accompany us on our voyage. We departed from the dock in Zurich at 11:00 and enjoyed a 2 hour buffet brunch which included eggs, ham, various breads, cheeses, hams and cereals. It was lovely way to take in brunch, while getting beautiful views of Zurich and its suburbs!