Fribourg

The other day my friend, Leona, and I ventured out with the babies to Fribourg for the day. Both of our hubbies were traveling for work that week so it was a perfect opportunity to get out and explore Switzerland together. It was about an hour drive there so just the right amount of time for the two babies to squeeze in a nice nap.

We spent the day walking around the city as well as viewing it aboard the P’tit Train. The ride provided headphones to listen to the history of the city, but we missed all that because we were too busy trying to keep two wiggly 13 month olds contained on the train. Not an easy feat but we managed to keep them both safely aboard. The babies also cooperated as we did some shopping and toured St. Nicolas Cathedral, dating from the 1200s.

Our only snafu for the day was getting Isobel’s carseat stuck in my car. Between the two of us we could not get the thing out. Luckily, Leona didn’t need it for a few days. Matt popped it out with no problem when he returned from his trip to the US. He made it look real easy, too, which I didn’t appreciate.

Four

That’s the answer to the question, “How many letters has it taken to terminate our housing lease?” I’m not sure what was wrong with the first, second or third letters. I’m hoping the fourth one does the trick.

Also on our to-do list for the move was to de-register with the city of Morges. Today we received our ‘Attestation de depart’ which is a document stating we need to leave Morges by the date we provided them.

Bon Voyage Millie

Millie made the big trip back to the US last Friday. Matt had to go to Minnesota for work so we decided it would be easier to take Millie now rather than when we all go in a month. The idea of Finn, Millie, carseat, dog crate and suitcases all safely getting to the airport made my head hurt. Hopefully this simplifies things a bit when we make the final trip.

It was very sad to see Millie leave Switzerland. I think she really enjoyed her time in this country. It’s a dog’s dream here – dogs are allowed everywhere – public transportation, cafes, stores, hotels. She’s going to miss hiking in the Alps and daily walks by Lake Geneva.

The flight was uneventful this time. (When Millie came to Switzerland the airline somehow managed to lose her for a period of time in Chicago, so anything is improvement over that experience.) She did well on the flight and was happy to see Matt at the baggage claim.

Millie is staying with my parents for the next month. Besides waking them in the middle of the night because she’s jetlagged, she’s adjusting well.

It’s Official

Our four-year adventure in Switzerland is coming to an end.  The McCarthy's are moving back to Minnesota.  Matt accepted a job at the Corporate office there so we’ll be leaving in just a few weeks.  We’re looking forward to being closer to our family and friends again, but we also feel sad to leave our home here.  There are so many things we’ll miss about living in Switzerland.  It’s been an incredible journey. 

A Very Swiss Holiday

Earlier this month we spent a week at a chalet in the small village of Saas Fee. We had a great time exploring the area by foot (no cars are allowed in the village). The scenery was amazing with the mountains and glaciers. We had all the Swiss fixings, too – alphorns, yodeling, Rösti (a traditional potato dish). It was a wonderful holiday.

Weekend Hike

We headed out for a hike on Saturday to the Great St. Bernard Pass, which is the third highest pass in Switzerland and links Switzerland and Italy. Our final destination was Lacs de Fenetre.

Matt had been on this hike once before with a neighbor so he knew what to expect. I did not. I thought it was a hard hike, especially the first part. I guess I voiced this opinion multiple times because Matt said my whining was at a 7 out of 10 for the day. I like to keep my whining to a 5 but this was a hard hike for me. Luckily I had Millie to help pull me up some of the inclines. Finn, on the other hand, never complained once. He loves being in the backpack.

We had a gorgeous view of the mountains and lake for our picnic.

Happy Birthday Switzerland

We celebrated Swiss National Day on August 1st. Even though it’s a holiday here Matt had to work so Finn and I joined our friends, the Ogdens, in Ouchy. We spent an afternoon swimming at Bellerive Plage and then a walk along the lake, which was made complete with ice cream.

We thought the fireworks in town would be cancelled with all the thunder and lightning but they still had them. We were able to watch a great fireworks display in all the villages around us from the comfort of our own terrace.

Finn showed his Swiss spirit with a new hat. Happy 721st birthday, Switzerland!