Off to Switzerland to visit Geri

Wednesday May 13 Paul went to work in the morning, finished up what he needed to there and then met Glenn and I at the metro stop at the airport.  We made sure we were there with enough time to get through security and not have to rush.  They had a little playground inside which was fun for Glenn and we were very grateful because our flight was delayed from a departure of 3:30 to 5:30.  So we were there all afternoon!  We finally boarded the plane and it seemed as if things were going fine.  Then a man a few rows in front of us shouted out, "Vive Espana!"  He was acting strange and eventually the steward invited, or rather escorted him off the plane.  We had to wait for that to happen and for the security to come and get him.  We had never been on a flight in which this happened.  Kind of interesting.

Finally we were on our way to Switzerland!  Since our flight was so delayed, Geri was then done with work by that time and was able to pick us up at the Zurich airport.  It was so good to see her--I'll admit it that I even cried a bit!  I love this girl so much and it had been a few years since we had seen her.

On our way from Zurich, we stopped by her uncle's house to get a car seat for Glenn.  Then we went to the house where she lives with her friend and her friend's parents' house.  From my experience, the Swiss houses are so high-tech!  This house had automatic lights, automatic blinds, automatic washing machine with built-in soap dispenser...even a lawn mower that went on its own!

Wednesday night Geri made pizza and salad for us, and we of course ended the night with some delicious Swiss chocolate!!

The next morning Geri again out-did herself.  We had meat and cheese and fruit and yogurt and bread and all kinds of delicious things to eat.  She said that she likes doing these big breakfasts when she can.  It was different than what we'd been eating in Spain and it was so good!

Thursday we headed out to enjoy the beautiful country of Switzerland!  Geri took us to a nearby mountain lake.  Switzerland is seriously so beautiful!  I could live there!!

We had a fun time taking pictures of the scenery, hearing the bells around the cows necks on the opposite hillside, and throwing rocks into the lake.  Glenn even wanted to get in the water.  I'm sure it was pretty cold, but that didn't stop him!

While throwing rocks, we talked about how different it feels to throw with your opposite hand.  So we filmed us doing it...and of course laughing and how ridiculous we looked!

We enjoyed the lake and the scenery for awhile and then continued driving up the mountain to get another view of the lake.  The road was kind of narrow at times and it was surprising how cars would fit around one another on the windy, mountain road.  

While in the car we listened to some good music.  Glenn is really feeling this song!

We found some neat wood carvings on the side of the road, so we got out to take pictures.

We stopped where there is a restaurant with a view of the lake.  We stayed there for a bit, taking in the spectacular views, getting a small drink--Rivella--and letting Glenn play at the little playground they had up there.

Then we made our way down the mountain and over to another lake in Switzerland.  If I remember right, Geri said it was the deepest lake in Switzerland.  There was a restaurant down there as well and we got some lunch--bratwursts and fries--and then went for a walk.

This lake and scenery were stunning!! 

I find it absolutely amazing that the mountains just came right up out of it--at a 90 degree angle.  It's like ground...mountain...just like that!  I guess I'm used to the Utah and Colorado mountains with more gradual inclines and foothills.  It just amazes me!

There was a little road that had a sign posted next to it.  There were certain times of the hour when cars could drive, when bikes could go and when walkers could go because it was so small and narrow.  It was fun to walk it and go through the tunnel.  We did meet up with some cars on their way out--maybe they were early or we were a little late, I'm not sure.  

The next day--Friday--it rained most of the day.  We relaxed at home, watched a movie and talked.  It is nice to go out and see things, but it's also nice to stay in and talk too.  When there was a break in the rain, we walked to the store.  We wanted to get a few more copies of a Swiss game we bought a few years ago...and of course to buy some chocolate!  You can't leave Switzerland without buying chocolate!  

Even though our visit with Geri was so short, we were so happy that it worked out for us to be with her and to see her.  I love her and love that she is my sister!