SWITZERLAND

SWITZERLAND

Our trip to Switzerland, via Delhi, actually was quite an ordeal but we soon got over it when we saw Livia's happy smiling face waiting for us at Zurich airport at 6.30am!!!!! A quick drive to Huntwangen and we were reunited with Markus, Sydney and Pipo.
Unfortunately Markus had been involved in a motorbike accident so was feeling very sore but, with his birthday looming, we were intent on cheering him up for those celebrations. Staying awake until night time was our biggest challenge though - but we did it.
The following morning we went on a mystery tour to meet up with two other friends who we had met at La Garrofa, Spain and who lived sort of close to Markus and Livia. Although these four lovely people had never actually met each other, between them the most amazing day was born.
A short car ride to the station, a train trip to Lucerne, an unforgettable boat trip to Rigi (unforgettable because unbeknown to us we spent the whole trip in spacious 1st Class!!!!) and Voila!!!! Sabrina and Markus clamber aboard and into 1st Class for, firstly, introductions to Markus and Livia and secondly, for us, a very happy reunion. It had been 18 months since we had last seen them and life had been deservedly good for them both - in fact very very good. We were so happy for them, the sun was shining, there was snow on the mountains all around us, the lake was blue and flat and we were with 4 beautiful people for the whole day. Life was very good.
Jumping off our boat at the next stop it was straight onto a tram and heading for the summit of Mount Rigi. The views were to die for as our facebook pics showed. A walk, some lunch, some alcohol, lots of photo taking, lots of convivial chatting, another stroll and a glimpse of paragliders taking off the top of Rigi made for the best day. Of course the company had a lot to do with it too - endless catching up and hopefully a new friendship born as well.
Sadly it all went too fast. Markus had a gig in the hotel at the top of Rigi so we said our farewells to him to enable him to catch up with his band, Sabrina was going to walk down Rigi (absolutely mad but apparently very enjoyable) back home so we waved goodbye to her as she set off into the sunset. Thanks guys for everything that day; the tickets, the lunch, your exquisite organizing and your awesome company. We miss you but know we will catch up again either in NZ or back in Switzerland. Good luck with all your renovations on your beautifully positioned home in Rigi overlooking the lake. You truly are very special in our hearts and Markus - STOP SMOKING!!!!!!
So with a little sadness in our hearts Markus, Livia, Gary and I left Mount Rigi by tram but in the opposite direction to Sabrina. This decline was very steep and took us through completely different countryside, very green with the most amazing trees. Finally back into the car and home again. All of us exhausted.
So we still had Markus's birthday to celebrate which seemed to go on for days. First celebration was Livia's homemade delicious chocolate cake (still waiting for recipe Livia) then a catch up evening meal with Livia's parents Brigitte and Bruno, sister Martina and her husband Pirmin at a German Restaurant. Another huge catchup as it is always a pleasure walking back into Livia's family life and we are always made to feel so so welcome and loved. Markus was thoroughly spoiled with birthday gifts and although in pain had a good time.
Next night it was Markus's family celebration with his parents, brother and wife and children at an "all you can eat" pizza restaurant which was amazing. The selection and amount of pizza served was incredible and the wine flowed surely helping Markus's accident discomfort. He was spoiled again with gifts and Gary had a whale of a time with Markus's 2 nephews - as he does with children.
We can honestly say that the Swiss certainly know how to celebrate a birthday!!!!!!!
So next it was our turn - just the 4 of us to celebrate. A very nice lunch overlooking Lake Zurich followed by coffee at the Kiwi Cafe in the red light district of Zurich. Just a touch dicey perhaps but we were with Policeman Markus even though he was carrying injuries!!!!!!!!!
What a perfect way to end a week of laughter, happiness, hecticness and companionship.
Thanks Markus and Livia for putting up with us again. We love and miss you heaps and please...BUY THAT HOUSE!!!!!!
And so it was, once again, time to leave for just a short hop to Heathrow. But not before more goodbyes and more sadness. Thank you Brigitte for the lift to the airport. We will see you all on our next visit. Much love to everyone.
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