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We're Goin' to Switzerland!

Just the other day I was asked if I was an adrenaline junky. I laughed and replied, "No, I don't think so." Then we traveled to Switzerland with two babies and an three year old. My answer has changed: I either have a serious desire to be reckless, or I am simply crazy.

WHY SWITZERLAND?


My friend Sonja had gotten the unfortunate news that her grandmother in Switzerland, had recently passed away. I let her know that I would be there for her however she needed me. When she asked for a favor, I immediately said, "Of course, anything." expecting to help out by babysitting or with grocery shopping. Who knew the favor would be accompanying her on an adventure of a lifetime to a breathtaking country full of new experiences and um hello, chocolate!? 

TRAVELING WITH TODDLERS



Both plane rides were fully booked. The way over, we went to New York, had a 7 hour layover and then a red-eye flight to Zurich. The way back we stopped in Amsterdam just long enough to jump on our connecting flight, and spent 10 hours flying straight to Portland. Either way, day or night, lay over or direct, is challenging. That is just how it goes when spending that long with a toddler in your lap in a 2 ft. x 2 ft. space. Here are some tips for other brave souls attempting this feat:

  • Check on as much as you can
  • Take off your child's shoes first thing
  • Bring painters tape
  • Pack snacks for you, the little one and as a peace offering to your row mates
  • Put everything but the food, books and toys in the overhead compartment (coats, shoes, diapers, medicines etc.)
  • All you need for toddler entertainment is: Tape, 1-3 light paperback books, stickers and a binky

NOTE: These days they have a touch screen on the back of each seat for international flights. These offer children's games, movies, music and shows for all levels; so no need to pack Little Johnny's toy box. 

One thing I would change, is to bring headphones for Easton. They supply you with ear buds on the plane, but few kids under 2 yrs want you shoving things in their ears, let alone will keep them there.  

The time change and jet lag took our little ones about a week to overcome. Some will find hope in knowing our three year old adjusted much quicker! Coming home was a smoother adjustment. One thing to keep in mind is the time of meals from where you came. If you or the kids wake up at 2 am each night, it may be because back home it is your 5 o'clock dinner time. Give them a quick snack, and back to the sack! (Yep, I just made that up!) :)

MY TIME IN SWITZERLAND


Having done a 5 min. Wikipedia session of research on my destination, I was fairly sure I would love this compact country. This intuition was correct! The culture is a beautiful mixture of French, Italian, German and Austrian influence. Language, food, historical sites and landmarks include diverse mixtures of the bordering countries as well as individualized 'Swiss' style.   

LANGUAGE: You  hear nearly all languages spoken in Switzerland, the most common being the dialect Swiss German. All writing and most media is in High German. I made it a goal to learn as much S. German as possible in three weeks. This trip has motivated me to keep learning!

FOOD: Believe it or not, there is more than just chocolate! You can find delicious specialized cheeses and meats from each of the 26 cantons. Some other main (very tasty) dishes that we enjoyed were Fondue, Roclette, Bratwurst that rocked my world, Polenta and Beier Muesli. I may have developed an unhealthy emotional attachment to these foods. Some typical U.S. foods that are not as popular/nonexistant over there are scrambled eggs, peanut butter and s'mores.

HISTORY: The country is divided into 26 cantons, similar to small states or regions. We spent the majority of our time in cantons Zurich and St. Gallen. Each location holds churches and historical buildings that date back to, oh gosh, I believe I saw a castle that said the 5th century! Europe in general blows me away with it's preservation of historical buildings. We live in such a young country.

PEOPLE: As for the people. I saw many stylish, well groomed, men and women. Majority of these persons travel by public transportation (bus, tram, train or boat) and live in flats. They grocery shop at the market stores Migros or COOP and usually drink espresso after each meal. Each of Sonja's friends and family members were incredibly friendly, kind and welcoming.

HIGHLIGHT: I was extremely blessed to have the opportunity to visit the peaks of the Alps. It was more breathtaking in person than any picture can capture. You will have to go see for yourself!































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