I still have so many items on my list to blog about: our last few vacations where we saw Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Russia, Finland and Sweden. My improvements in German. Brady's new infatuation with cars and their logos. However, our time in Europe grows very short and for now, I just wanted to provide a quick update to everyone.
The Coyles are moving back to the US! I know for many of you, this is not new news...however the time is now here. Tomorrow our packers come. Brady and I get on a plane Saturday morning and will move into our new home in NJ, and Bill will follow a few weeks later. Although things have seemed incredibly slow as of late (and most likely because I hate packing), our last few months have sped by and now here we are.
We've had an amazing time living here in Zurich. We've traveled to tons of places and met some amazing folks! However, quite simply, we are VERY excited to be heading back to the US. We are moving back to NJ in the area around Princeton - the place from which we moved to Zurich. So, the other exciting part is that we are moving back to a place where we have friends, our family is close, and we know our doctors, dentists, grocery store, etc.
We had lived in a townhome before moving to Zurich. We recently purchased a house not far from where we lived before. And so we are all very excited about having space again! (European city living has made for some cramped quarters!) And our return will be marked by another exciting event - Brady's 3rd birthday at the end of June. For all relatives but Bill's Mom, who was able to join us for a few summers here in Zurich, this will be the first birthday party that they have been able to participate in!
So, we are very excited and nervous (for the actual move process and flight), but a bit sad as well. We have really enjoyed our time in Europe. I'm sure all the wonderful things we leave behind will hit us as soon as we get back into the US and get settled. But in the meantime, get ready U.S. of A. The Coyles are coming back!!!!!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Stroller Wars
Although there have been many things to get used to during our time living in Zurich, the biggest source of everyday angst for me when we first got here was due to strollers. When we knew we were having a baby back in the US of A, we researched strollers a lot. Of course we wanted a stroller that would allow the car seat to snap into it when Brady was a baby. We wanted a system with cup holders, snack trays a huge compartment underneath for hauling. In essence, we wanted the SUV of baby strollers. What we got was the Graco Quattro Tour. This thing is immense (which I really didn't believe until we got to Zurich.) Literally, here is the description:
Secondly, if I were to attempt to lift the stroller with child into the tram, it would be over 30 lbs. I simply could not do this and probably would likely cause lifting injuries to those who would offer to help me. So, after a week of living here, the Chicco umbrella stroller that was meant to be our "light" travel stroller became the every day travel option for Brady. While this umbrella stroller did exceptionally well given how much we used it, it was never meant to travel well over cobblestones (we have some on our way home from our nearest tram stop) or go off-roading. So, during our first visit home in September 2008, we purchased a Peg Perego Aria.
I specifically chose this stroller after reviewing it's width/height and weight. It weighs only 10 lbs. Amazing! This became our major stroller and over the next 2 years was very, very heavily used. When Brady was about 2.5 years old, we started walking more and more places. And recently we've hardly used the stroller except when we go to the grocery store. (Easier to keep Brady in check and easier for me to haul groceries home.) Sidenote: hauling a stroller on quick weekend European "jaunts" has also become a big pain and so that is why you'll note that at around 2.5 years of age, most of our pictures from these "jaunts" have Brady sitting on Bill's shoulders. Brady does incredibly well walking around a lot, but sometimes it's just too much for him.
Well, I'm sure you are all wondering why this is even a blog post subject. The trusty Peg Perego stroller was sold yesterday to another Zurich mom in preparation for our move back to the US. I got the Graco stroller out today for it's first voyage to the grocery store in over 2 years. Brady loved it (calling it his New Jersey stroller) and as I was pushing all 60 lbs of it around (over 25 lbs. of stroller and about 35 lbs. of child), I was remembering all the confusion, stress and angst this stroller situation has caused.
I also feel like I got some "looks" on the way to the grocery store. I'm sure it's all my imagination. However, simply strollers for the US market look VERY different than European strollers. Here are some examples of the major strollers used over here. I've added a photo of our old Peg Perego stroller for comparison. However, even though the Graco was the SUV of strollers and the Peg Perego is a relatively expensive brand, we never paid over $300 for our strollers. Here in Zurich, a basic stroller is known to cost in excess of $700 and can go to $1000 for a higher end one.
Phil & Teds (popular with families where there are 2 children using the stroller):
Bugaboo - another popular model in Europe:
Our Graco:
Our Peg Perego:
A pleasant outing doesn’t mean you or baby has to rough it. This travel system includes our ultra-comfortable Quattro Tour® Stroller, the top rated Graco® SnugRide® 32 Infant Car Seat, and stay-in-car base. The stroller is loaded with convenience features like a one-hand gravity fold, deluxe parents’ storage tray with 2 cup holders, and an extra-large, drop-down basket. The lockable front swivel wheels and the one-touch brakes provide enhanced maneuverability and on-the-road ease. Of course, your little one stays comfy in a 4-position, flat-reclining seat with a child's tray with her own cup/snack holder.What the above translates to is a 26.7 lb. stroller. Of course we also registered for an umbrella stroller that would help us be more "light" when traveling by air, etc. Upon our first arrival here in Zurich, we realized VERY quickly that the Graco stroller wasn't going to cut it. First of all, it's simply too wide to fit into the old-style trams. (You can read more about my woes here - specifically #5: http://thecoyleconnection.blogspot.com/2008/12/my-top-ten-zrich-pet-peeves.html )
Secondly, if I were to attempt to lift the stroller with child into the tram, it would be over 30 lbs. I simply could not do this and probably would likely cause lifting injuries to those who would offer to help me. So, after a week of living here, the Chicco umbrella stroller that was meant to be our "light" travel stroller became the every day travel option for Brady. While this umbrella stroller did exceptionally well given how much we used it, it was never meant to travel well over cobblestones (we have some on our way home from our nearest tram stop) or go off-roading. So, during our first visit home in September 2008, we purchased a Peg Perego Aria.
I specifically chose this stroller after reviewing it's width/height and weight. It weighs only 10 lbs. Amazing! This became our major stroller and over the next 2 years was very, very heavily used. When Brady was about 2.5 years old, we started walking more and more places. And recently we've hardly used the stroller except when we go to the grocery store. (Easier to keep Brady in check and easier for me to haul groceries home.) Sidenote: hauling a stroller on quick weekend European "jaunts" has also become a big pain and so that is why you'll note that at around 2.5 years of age, most of our pictures from these "jaunts" have Brady sitting on Bill's shoulders. Brady does incredibly well walking around a lot, but sometimes it's just too much for him.
Well, I'm sure you are all wondering why this is even a blog post subject. The trusty Peg Perego stroller was sold yesterday to another Zurich mom in preparation for our move back to the US. I got the Graco stroller out today for it's first voyage to the grocery store in over 2 years. Brady loved it (calling it his New Jersey stroller) and as I was pushing all 60 lbs of it around (over 25 lbs. of stroller and about 35 lbs. of child), I was remembering all the confusion, stress and angst this stroller situation has caused.
I also feel like I got some "looks" on the way to the grocery store. I'm sure it's all my imagination. However, simply strollers for the US market look VERY different than European strollers. Here are some examples of the major strollers used over here. I've added a photo of our old Peg Perego stroller for comparison. However, even though the Graco was the SUV of strollers and the Peg Perego is a relatively expensive brand, we never paid over $300 for our strollers. Here in Zurich, a basic stroller is known to cost in excess of $700 and can go to $1000 for a higher end one.
Phil & Teds (popular with families where there are 2 children using the stroller):
Bugaboo - another popular model in Europe:
Our Graco:Our Peg Perego:
Another in the Series of Swiss Life Skills
Sorry for another long absence from the blog. With the travel and preparation for our upcoming move back to the US (more details in a post soon), things have been hectic. Brady's time at his playgroup ended right before we took one last big European vacation. But at his last day at playgroup, he came home with this:
Although we are not exactly sure what this is, we are probably 85% sure it's supposed to be a homemade pin cushion. And yes, those are real stick pins. We just had to laugh about this one. Hardly seems dangerous at all after the big club of wood with rusty nails nailed into it! ;)
Seriously though, the playgroup was a great experience for both Brady and me. He did learn a lot and I gained more confidence in speaking German.
Although we are not exactly sure what this is, we are probably 85% sure it's supposed to be a homemade pin cushion. And yes, those are real stick pins. We just had to laugh about this one. Hardly seems dangerous at all after the big club of wood with rusty nails nailed into it! ;)Seriously though, the playgroup was a great experience for both Brady and me. He did learn a lot and I gained more confidence in speaking German.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
What Have We Been Up To Lately?
Travel, travel, moving planning, travel, NOT blogging, travel....
The three of us headed over to the US for a 5 day visit in early March. After enjoying some family time, we left Brady with his grandparents and Bill and I headed to NJ to do some house hunting. 23 house visits later, we found our new house. We are now in the process of buying a home! After that trip, we came home and started the process of getting ready to move back to the US. Brady and I will be moving back to NJ on June 5th and Bill will join us a little later in the month. In amongst the craziness of home buying/moving preparations, we have been traveling nuts. We're trying to visit every last place on our "To Do" list - which has been fun. Here are the highlights:
Salzburg (February):
Coyle Family at the Salt Mines near Salzburg, Austria
Downtown Salzburg on a snowy day.
Bill has also enjoyed fabulous work locales recently including Dubai, Paris, and a side trip to Munich with friends visiting from the US. Rebecca & Brady accompanied Bill on a work trip to London to squeeze in a little more sightseeing.
Next up: Croatia for Easter Weekend and Northern European Cruise in May
The three of us headed over to the US for a 5 day visit in early March. After enjoying some family time, we left Brady with his grandparents and Bill and I headed to NJ to do some house hunting. 23 house visits later, we found our new house. We are now in the process of buying a home! After that trip, we came home and started the process of getting ready to move back to the US. Brady and I will be moving back to NJ on June 5th and Bill will join us a little later in the month. In amongst the craziness of home buying/moving preparations, we have been traveling nuts. We're trying to visit every last place on our "To Do" list - which has been fun. Here are the highlights:
Salzburg (February):
Coyle Family at the Salt Mines near Salzburg, Austria
Downtown Salzburg on a snowy day.
Family Coyle standing in front of the gazebo from the Sound of Music.
Bill has also enjoyed fabulous work locales recently including Dubai, Paris, and a side trip to Munich with friends visiting from the US. Rebecca & Brady accompanied Bill on a work trip to London to squeeze in a little more sightseeing.
Next up: Croatia for Easter Weekend and Northern European Cruise in May
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire
Yes, I know the holidays are over...and shortly "Heisse Maroni" season will sadly be over here in Europe. Heisse Maroni (aka roasted chestnuts) are sold everywhere in Europe once the chilly weather sets in during the Fall. Zurich has a Heisse Maroni stand at every major tram stop across town. These are usually little sheds that have a barrel with charcoals over which chestnuts are roasted and sold warm. They smell scrumptious. Given that there are so many songs about chestnuts - i.e. Mel Torme's "The Christmas Song" or the ever popular Andrew Bond's, "Marini, Maruni, Maroni" (a Swiss German song about eating roasted chestnuts - this one's actually on ITunes if you want to download it) - we figured they must be delicious and tried these the first winter we were here in Zurich. Let's just say we don't understand the hype. Bill and I thought they tasted like warm balls of raw bread dough. Yuck! So, we laugh everytime we see these stands.
Tiny House
As I was attempting to make dinner the other night, I had a strange flashback to a Geico ad from a few years back. This pretty up sums up our experience of living in our apartment in Zurich...mainly related to the appliances.
I quickly ran and got the camera as I was attempting to boil water for noodles and grill some chicken at the same time on our Swiss cooktop while using our BIG 'OL American pots/pans. I have yet to have my big spaghetti pot come to a full and raging boil on the cooktop because the pot is too large in diameter compared to the largest cooktop burner diameter.
The oven is also very small...none of my US cookie sheets fit in this thing. We had to buy some when we got here. I can't usually bake more than one thing at a time. Thanksgiving and special meals require lots of logistical planning to figure out how to get everything cooked, yet keep it warm so it's all good to eat at the same time.
It's also interesting how different the kitchen appliances operate. Our appliances are manufactured by a company called "Zug". They are Swiss-made appliances. Our dishwasher has 5 different wash cycles including "Fondue pot/Raclette cycle" for getting crusty cheese off of big ceramic pots. And we have to add salt to the dishwasher (into a little port in the bottom of the dishwasher) about every 2-3 weeks. This is very weird! It's apparently due to the fact that the water is so hard here in Zurich...the salt helps to keep the dishwasher from scaling over.
On the laundry side of things, I really shouldn't complain too much. Many folks here don't have washer/dryers in their apartment units. They usually are communal and apartment tenants each get a certain laundry day each week when they have to do all their laundry. (In fact, it's pretty common to hear, "No, I can't do that today...it's my laundry day.") So, the plus is that we do have our own washer/dryer in our apartment. The negative is that the washer is pretty small. It fully hit me while we were staying with my parents during Christmas. I was doing laundry and I was guestimating how long it would take to do it...I thought, "Hmmm...this is about 3 loads of clothes." However, I was able to easily fit all the clothes in 1 load using my parents washer. Ahhhhhhhhhhh...heaven!
I think this is one of the most exciting things about moving back to the US... a large kitchen (even a small kitchen in the US is probably larger than our kitchen here) and BIG 'OL American appliances.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Learning Swiss Life Skills
Well, it's been almost a solid 2 months since I've blogged anything. That's pretty bad. I either haven't had the time or the inclination when time has arisen. But after reviewing some photos that I took off the camera the other day, I realized I had never blogged another interesting topic related to Brady's playgroup. The photos provided enough guilt to overcome my blogging inertia.
Below are some photos of arts and craft projects that Brady has recently made at playgroup:
Project #1:
Innocuous-looking painted box that Brady made and was instructed to put under the Christmas tree as a gift to his parents. Upon further review, innocuous-looking painted box contained 4 full boxes of MATCHES! WHAT?!?!?!?!? Luckily he doesn't know what matches are and we explained that even though we loved his gift, that he was not allowed to play with the gift. And we promptly threw it out later. WOW...we were flabbergasted. Not quite sure what to make of this one.
The projects that the kids do at playgroup are typically paint/glitter related, but I guess since this one was a Christmas gift, the teacher wanted to amp up the functionality a bit. However, in retrospect, many Swiss (and Germans) use real candles on their Christmas trees...so perhaps this gift was meant to help with the lighting of the candles. (This tradition just seems rife with fire-causing fun to me, though. Glad we stick with the strands of bulb lights.)
Project #2:
Brady came home one day saying he loved to hammer. I had no idea what he was talking about, but gave him his play hammer and he seemed content to hammer plastic nails with the plastic hammer at home. Then the next week, when I went to pick him up, his teacher told me he had forgotten to give me his craft project the week before. This time - here is what I saw:
A splintery- 3" x 3" x 12" piece of wood with really sharp nails hammered into it holding various glittery doo-dads. WHAT?!?!?!? Again, Bill and I had a mini-heart attack thinking of our loving 2.5 year old playing with a full-size hammer and splintery wood. Obviously, Brady had help with this one...and it will teach good toolmanship in the future...but this was also a bit un-nerving.
Often in Swiss Day Cares and Playgroups (including Brady's one day a week playgroup), the kids use real metal silverware - full-scale adult sized silverware to eat their meals. I'm often impressed when I see little Swiss kids eating spaghetti the correct way (with a spoon and fork) while I'm sucking mine in my mouth strand by strand. And the play kitchens in these same groups often use real glassware. I guess the thought is to get kids used to this stuff...but as much as I get this, I feel a little unsure. Brady hasn't been hurt by any of this...and his silverware skills are getting pretty good...so I guess I shouldn't complain. But coming from the US where people will sue over anything resulting in children's daycare centers seeming like big padded-rooms, it's been interesting to see the opposite approach. Perhaps the middle ground might be the best approach?
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