Camping in the Bernese Alps

This past weekend, we ventured to the Bernese Alps in Switzerland to a small town, Kandersteg.  We had heard about a particular lake in the mountains, Lake Oeschinensee, and we added it to our list of places to visit.  When looking up hotels, the search results were limited, so we decided to try out camping.  We have never camped as a family, but thought Switzerland would be the perfect place to start.

On Saturday morning, we arrived in Kandersteg, about  2 1/2 hours away from Geneva.  We immediately boarded the cable car to begin our hike to see the lake.  After a short hike across pastures and through pine forests, we had arrived and the view was amazing.  Even though it was cloudy, we were blown away by the natural beauty.  It was fun to see people along the lake making fires with the wood around them and enjoying a true outdoor picnic.  After our hike, we took a row boat on the lake.  

The hiking trail we took along the lake-

Beautiful-

Happy little hikers! 

Our boat guide-

Cow grazing along the lake-

After our descent down the mountain, we headed to the campground to set up camp.  The girls were so excited to be camping!!  Our friends arrived shortly after, and we started the grill to prepare for dinner.  Unfortunately, they didn't allow bonfires at the campground we were staying at, so we made dinner and s'mores on the grill.  It was a perfect Americana night!  It was a very chilly night, 40 degrees, but we all survived out first night camping as a family!  Camping in Switzerland is definitely a humbling experience.  Everyone around us had a story about a mountain they had just climbed, or were planning on climbing.  

So excited! 

Making s'mores- 

View from our campsite-

On Sunday, it was a beautiful day so we knew we had to spend some more time in the area.  We went to Interlaken for lunch and enjoyed the view.  After that, we headed to one of our favorite places in Switzerland, the Beatus Caves.  We stumbled upon this place two years ago on our trip back from Interlaken and knew we had to revisit.  We have never done the cave tour, we mainly go for the breathtaking views.  Once again, it did not disappoint.

Lake Thun 

It was such a memorable weekend.  It was so fun to see the joy of camping through their eyes- definitely makes it worth it, plus no mosquitoes was a HUGE plus!!!

Camping requires a lot of luggage-  

Maybe next time we will stay for two nights! 

Beauty in the Alsace Region

This past weekend we visited the Alsace region, which lies on the border of Germany and France.  Some of our friends had been to this region and after seeing their pictures, I knew it was a place we had to visit.

We stayed in Eguisheim, which was the town that inspired the opening scene in the movie, Beauty and the Beast.  It is a very tiny village, but filled with character.

Beautiful center of town- 

My favorite place in the village-

We also visited Colmar, which is another charming town in the Alsace region.  Picturesque would be the perfect word to describe this town.  We felt like we were in a fairytale as we walked through the narrow streets lined with colorful homes, beautifully decorated with flowers in every window.  The highlight of Colmar for us was taking a gondola style boat ride down the Lauch River, located in  "La Petite Venise" quarter of Colmar.  

Stunning- 

Loved the boat ride- 

I want to build a house like this! 

Adalyn eating the Alsatian equivalent to pizza, Flammekueche.  A very thin crust, covered with sour cream, cheese, onions, and bacon. She is always up for trying the local foods-

On Sunday, we drove to Strasbourg, France.  Strasbourg has been fought over for centuries between the French and Germans.  Since it lies right on the border, the town has a very Franco-German vibe.  We spent the day wandering through the town admiring the old half-timbered homes, Renaissance buildings, and the stunning cathedral.

Strasbourg Cathedral de Notre-Dame

Known as one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in Europe.  

Could not get enough of the architecture!  

Besides being known for their charming villages, the Alsace region is also well-known for their wine, particularly white.  They are known for their Reisling, Muscat, Pinot Gris, Sylvaner, and Gewürztraminer.  On Sunday, we drove the Alsace wine route which begins in Strasbourg and passes through small towns along the beautiful vineyards ending near Colmar.  Without kids, this route would be so much fun!!  So many different wine caves offering wine tastings.  Unfortunately, it was getting late in the day, and the girls were not so keen on wine tasting, so we stopped at one cave and then headed back to Eguisheim.

We had a wonderful time exploring this area of France.  These villages are also known for their Christmas markets, so we may have to take a trip there again in December!

Two Years!

Two years.  Two years ago, as our plane landed in Geneva, I felt reassured as I entered the unknown that we could handle this new life for two years.  You can do anything for two years, right???  I can't believe we are already celebrating our two year anniversary of living abroad.  I still get lost regularly, use Google translate often, and dodge motos, bikes, and pedestrians daily.  Yet, despite all of the challenges, it has been a wonderful experience for all of us, so we have decided to stay another year!      

We have been incredibly lucky to have been able to welcome 35 people into our home during the past two years.  We never imagined that so many people would come visit, but so happy they have!  We love seeing the different destinations through their eyes.  Every visitor has different expectations, which makes it fun to change up itineraries, although typically keeping a few of our favorites for most people.  Even though I have probably been to Chamonix, France over 30 times, each time has been a different experience.  People often ask if I ever get sick of being a tour guide, but the truth is, I really enjoy it.  Even the time spent in the car is memorable.  We are looking forward to hosting more people this year, nine have already booked!

We have also been fortunate to travel a lot within Europe. We would have never been able to experience all of the places we have visited in such a short amount of time if we were not living here.  Geneva is within driving distance to many popular destinations, and if it's too far to drive, flights are usually inexpensive.  We have many places left on our travel wish list that we hope to cross off this year.  

Which leads to the million dollar question, "How long will we stay?"  We are not guaranteed a specific time, we are here for Chris' work and as everyone knows, things can change quickly in the corporate world.  So for now, we are enjoying life in the present and taking advantage of everyday we have here.  We can only hope that our third year is as successful as the last two have been, filled with many memorable adventures.  

Highlights from our trip to Minnesota:

The last three weeks we spent the beginning of our summer holiday in Minnesota.  We were able to attend my nephew's baptism, niece's birthday party, two cabin weekends, Chris' parents 40th wedding anniversary party, and meet up with family and friends multiple times.  It was definitely busy, but we were so fortunate to be able to spend quality time with our family and friends.  

Meeting my nephew, Connor, for the first time! 

Someone needs more MN bonfires!! 

Minnesota summer treat- s'mores!

Happy 4th of July 

Adalyn loves fishing!   

Cousin love at the lake! 

40th Wedding Anniversary Party!  

Highlight for Adalyn- singing the "Fight Song" with cousin Sophia in front of 130 people! 

Reunited with the Schultz family! 

(Family that moved back to MN from Geneva)

 

Can't wait to see how much he changes in the next five months!  

Jackie and Olivia visit!

This past week we hosted Chris' Aunt Jackie, and Cousin Olivia.  We had a wonderful eight days with them taking them to many of our favorite places in and around Geneva.  The girls were once again in heaven with all of the extra attention they had.

They arrived on a Tuesday, unfortunately without their luggage, yet they were still in great spirits and excited to start their vacation.

On Wednesday, it was a beautiful day so we spent the day in Gruyere, Switzerland.  Once again, the little Swiss village did not disappoint our guests.

Gruyere village-

Chocolate factory- 

On Thursday, we headed to Chamonix, France for them to experience Mount Blanc.  They faced their fears and ascended up the mountain.  We then spent the afternoon walking around the village visiting the shops.

Chamonix, France

Beautiful views-

Fun lunch dates!

So proud of them! 

Friday, the girls were both at school, so we went to Annecy, France.  We were lucky that it was market day in the village, which is always a highlight.  We walked around the beautiful lake and then spent time in the village experiencing the European market and visiting the quaint shops.  That afternoon, we picked the girls up from school and went down by Lake Geneva.  It was a perfect afternoon to stroll along the lake, visit old town, and enjoy dinner outside in the main square of Geneva.

Beautiful ladies on Lake Annecy- 

Annecy village-

Jet d'Eau, Lake Geneva 

Eliza so happy with Olivia! 

Chris and Aunt Jackie! 

Saturday, Jackie and Olivia were able to experience a bit of what our life is like in Switzerland.  It was Adalyn's school carnival, which is a very fun event, with food stands from all over the world and rides for kids.  Adalyn really wanted to go, and we thought they would also enjoy it.  We had a great morning at her school.  After that, we headed to Yvoire, France which is another one of our favorite places to visit.  A very unique village along the lake with great shops.  That evening, it was beautiful, so we had a typical American meal and grilled out!

School carnival with new dresses from Aunt Jackie! 

Family time! 

Sunday morning, Jackie, Olivia, and I took a train to... PARIS!  When they had booked their trip, they were interested in visiting Paris, which is a short three hour train ride from here, so we hopped on the train early Sunday morning for a memorable night in Paris!  Unfortunately, the weather was rainy for our entire time in Paris, but we still had a great two days.  The first day we spent visiting the Eiffel Tower, Opera House, Notre- Dame Cathedral, and Mona Lisa at the Louvre.   The second day was devoted to shopping, a great way to brighten a rainy day!

Eiffel Tower

Never too old to ride a carousel! 

Shopping along the famous Avenue des Champs-Elysees 

Sadly, we had to say good-bye to them on Tuesday.  We had a wonderful week spending quality time together creating many more memories.  We are now looking forward to a busy June, with more visitors in two weeks, Chris' high school friends.  Then in 3 weeks, heading home to Minnesota to visit.  We are so excited to see all of our family and friends!