Tobogganing

When we left PNG end of June and arrived in Switzerland in the heat of the summer we never thought it might end like this:

It was a Wednesday when we pooled all our winter clothes, mittens, and toque, hopped in the car and drove to Meiringen in the Bernese Alps (past Interlaken at the other side of Lake Brienz). We bought a day pass and took the cable car to Hasliberg, where we rented four toboggans. Despite initial moaning about being cold it was only several rides later that we actually stopped as mum and dad, being utterly exhausted, had to call it quits. 

A day to remember: tobogganing in Switzerland

A lot of Firsts in December

Thanks to the pandemic: the constantly changing travel dates have allowed our kids some unique experiences. Not only did they celebrate the first Christmas with a real fir tree and real candles, but they also saw their first snow, built their first snowman, and had their boots filled with goodies from St Niklaus.  

Hiking in the first snow

Frozen pond in our garden

The first snowman ever

What did I get from St Nikolaus

Lots of snow ...

... but all gone by Christmas.
Looking for the perfect tree

Real tree and real candles

O Christmas Tree

Our kids waited 9 years to do this: cut a Christmas Tree in the forest, set it up in the living room, and decorate it. Christmas is a-coming!!

Picking a Christmas Tree ...

... and then decorating it.

Our time in Switzerland

Our time in Switzerland has been both busy and relaxing. We held several talks at churches and other groups, met with supporters and spent time with family. As we did before, we also tried to show our children what and who Switzerland is. So, we visited castles (history), a chocolate factory (trade), walked through the alleys of Bern and traveled to several picturesque places (geography). Below a few impressions.

Our temporary home in the heart of Ostermundigen

Homeschooling continues in Switzerland

A rest with a view - Aletsch glacier

Eating blueberries straight from the bush

The impressive eagle on the Simplonpass

Sunset in Sardinia

Madeleine and I enjoy Sardinia - just the two of us

View down the impressive Lauterbrunnental

Traffic education for our children

25 years ago we've been married in this church

Beinwil am See - Place of our wedding reception

Visit to Lenzburg Castle

First snow of the year - for us it has been 9 years

Klick here for more pictures