Oct 12, 2015

A visit from my Dad



As I was standing in the airport, I smiled knowing that in less than 30 minutes I would see a familiar face walk through customs and give us the biggest hug from home. The reunion wasn't movie material, and more or less consisted of a lost parent and a worried adult child, yelling at each other over the phone, from opposite ends of the airport, each wondering where the other one was standing. This visit is off to a great start, I sarcastically said to my 18 month old son. After ten minutes of frustration, we finally found each other and Dad said, let's redo that hello. As he hugged us, his signature scent gave me a feeling of comfort and familiarity.

Ten days, that's all the time we had together for this trip. The Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland welcomed us for three of the ten days. This region was the most scenic place either one of us had ever seen. It's lakes, mountains, waterfalls, and rolling green hills were spectacular. A cozy Swiss chalet was our haven in the evenings and during the poor weather. With heavy rains being the primary forecast for our trip, we were feeling extremely blessed to be given half a day with pure sunshine. The Allmendhubel funicular from Murren gave us the best views of the Eiger, an iconic mountain that towers over tiny Swiss villages and the Lauterbrunnen Valley. We spent our sunny day at The Allmendhubel, swinging on the playground, watching B run for joy, enjoying food and drinks on a patio surrounded by mountains, and thinking is this place real?

While back in Germany, we spent a day at the world's largest pumpkin festival in Ludwigsburg. This years theme, "Pumpkins Take Flight", was perfect for my Dad, a pilot! What an awesome event to kick off the fall season and get a taste of pumpkin!

My Dad and I don't always see eye to eye about things. He has his little quirks that drive me crazy, and he would tell you the same thing about me. But in the midst of our personality differences, there is a love for one another that only a parent and a child can have. We chatted about our visit once he was settled back home. We both agreed that it's so important to make memories, be in the moment and be fully present, and most of all, appreciate one another and the time spent because tomorrow isn't guaranteed. These actions are easy to say or write, but I'm going to be more mindful and focus on fostering quality relationships with the people I love most.


Travel Notes


Interlaken Trains
There are so many places to see in the Bernese Oberland Region and this rail link will show you which destinations you can reach to and from Interlaken. It also links you to the Swiss Travel Pass if you choose to buy one for your trip. Switzerland is expensive. very expensive. If you are going to be traveling in the area for more than three days, it may be more cost-effective to purchase this pass. Do the math for yourself before purchasing! Interlaken Trains website

Want to find the playground pictured above?
Take the train from Interlake Ost to Lauterbrunnen, get off the train in Lauterbrunnen and walk the underpass to the Murren Railway Station and hop on the cable car to Grutschalp. Once the cable car reaches it's destination, exit and board the train to Murren. Take the allmendhubel funicular from Murren to a panorama view with restaurant and playground! It sounds much more difficult and lengthy than it really is, sit back and enjoy the insane views!)

The chalet we stayed at is located in Frutigen, a 25 minute drive from the Interlaken train station. It sits up high in the Swiss countryside, overlooking the rolling green hills and small town. We really loved the feel of this place and the owner was very helpful and welcoming. To save money, we brought a cooler of food and prepared our breakfasts and dinners at the Chalet. Airbnb Chalet

Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival
Events, information, opening hours and fees are all listed on this website. While you're at the Festival, be sure to check out the Fairy-Tale garden which is located at the same Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival website



































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