It's high time I filled you in on the remainder of my Zurich travels! Here goes: On Wednesday evening I went to an amazing arsenal-turned restaurant called Zeughauskeller- this place has loads of personality! (A number one if you ever visit.)
It is a beerhouse with traditional Swiss-German cousine. Although always packed, the service is friendly and efficient, and the food tasty. Across from our table were the "suits"- you know, international bankers out for an evening meal (at least that's what I imagined them to be). I just had to get a shot.
On Thursday morning I took the train and bus by myself (quite an adventure) to the forest where the outdoor school meets. I was greeted by Mindy, the English teacher, who mentioned that the German teacher was out sick. Therefore, I would be the second teacher of the day! It was so wonderful to be in a lead role with the students and to have been given this special opportunity.
On this day the students spent time playing, digging more area for their garden, cutting vegetables for lunch and building a fire, and generally having a great time. The weather was rainy and cold (as in- my hands and toes were numb) but did a student once complain? Did a student once ask to "go somewhere warm"? Of course not! They were having the time of their lives! They couldn't be bothered with going indoors, because the water from the rain provided great fun! The slippery rain allowed their boots to become virtual skis! The damp leaves and woods smelled like a wonderful perfume! How fun it was to use a stick to make a picture in the mud! Alright, so maybe I'm getting carried away, but you're getting the idea: the bottom line is, these kids enjoyed the weather in part because they were mentally prepared and were dressed appropriately. I certainly realized that "going indoors to get warm" or "staying out of the rain" is an adult affliction.
Later in the afternoon we climbed the Grossmunster church tower. The Grossmunster ("great minister") is a Romanesque- style church that played an important role in the Protestant Reformation. To learn more about this Zurich church, click here. Here is a video of us on the top- and although it was a rainy day, the views were spectacular.
We also visited a famous sausage place for lunch right next to the opera house. Notice how my nostrils flared when I inhaled too much of the mustard- it was delicious- but quite spicy!
On our final day in Zurich we visited a local vineyard upon recommendation from a restaurant proprieter. Not only did we have a personal 3-hour tour and tasting, but we received additional bottles of wine to take home- and all for free! The owner of the vineyard, Mr. Welte, was very sincere, sweet, and simply put- wonderful! We could not have asked for a better day.
The Welte Vineyard sign:
A tasting...
...and tour of the grounds.
And finally, saying our goodbyes to Mr. Welte:
On our final day in Switzerland we had big plans to go skiing with our friend, Jeff, but the weather wasn't cooperating. Did you know that mid-March isn't even a good time of the year to go skiing in the Alps? How were we to know? Instead, Jeff took us on a few hours drive through the Alps over to Ticino- the southern region of Switzerland occupied by (mostly) Italians. We visited Lake Maggiore- it is right next to Lake Como- yes, you read correctly, Lake Como! As in, one of the most beautiful places in Italy! How exciting it was to eat pizza and sip espresso in an outdoor cafe while practicing my Italian! Boy, I had the time of my life here! This is a quick video I shot of us driving through the Alps (in the car)- the views were beyond amazing.
Can you spot me below? I felt like an ant. We were at the base of the Alps here, and later...
...we climbed atop a roadside castle. Where else can you find uninhabited castles on the side of the road? The video below is of my husband describing our surroundings.
A video of Lake Maggiore in the Ticino region- excuse the shakey camera.
I have to admit, we had tired of Swiss-German food by the final evening, so we tried a sushi place. It was rather good! Ginger, anyone?
My adventures in Switzerland were beyond amazing and I am so thankful to the Garrett family for this experience! We were very sad to leave but learned so much about this beautiful place and the friendly people. Danke! Merci! Thank you!
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