Switzerland

The last in the series of our European trip: Switzerland.  Time spent with Paul and Karen and the kitties is always amazing and we feel blessed that we were able to visit.  Incredible food, beautiful sights, lovely walks, and sharing laughs make for an idyllic time.  

Basel is still beautiful

Castle ruins in Eguisheim

One in Switzerland, one in Germany    --   Rheinfelden

Boat ride from Lucerne to Mount Rigi

Roman Colosseum and ruins in Avenches

Murten     ----    After Pip fell in the lake

Magnificent Voces8 concert in Olsberg

We had a trip to Zermatt before going to Italy and loved our time in the city.  No cars, but plenty of activity as it keeps its Swiss feel despite being tourist heavy.  Exploring the city streets and shops was almost as fun for Ben and Kara as swimming was for the girls.  The clouds and light rain hid the Matterhorn for much of our first day, but the Toblerone logo made its appearance the next morning.

We really cannot thank our hosts enough for letting us stay with them and for sharing their home with us.  Tess and Callum were especially courteous as we took many of their favorite sleeping spots.  Karen is a spectacular cook and was so sweet to take care of us on our birthdays.  Paul is excellent when it comes to finding noteworthy spots and in helping us to explore new places.

Tree pose for Cassie    -----      Time with Tess

9-pin bowling, kegel      ----     ping pong over Nusshoff

Liestal

Italy

The Nak's tour of Italy was a hot one, but it was fun to be reunited with some of our friends from China.  It was great to celebrate Ryan and Cristina, and be a part of a wedding where every continent was represented (excluding Antarctica).  It was a late night with fireworks and laughter and Pip danced all the way into her birthday.  We then got to spend two days with Gayan and Tracey in Genoa and really enjoyed picking up right where we left off.  

We ate gelato multiple times a day because:

         a)  it's delicious  

         b)  it's cold   

         c)  the stores are air conditioned, unlike much of Italy

We rented a car and that was harrowing at times due to the slim roads, stick shift, and questionable transmission.  Overall the trip was a success and we had a lot of fun.

Milan      -----      Domodossola 

Rocco Grimalda hobbit house

Alessandria

checking out the clarinets     -----    Italian pasta

Historic Genoa

Lots of gelato

Portofino and all the cities on the Italian Riviera are picturesque

booo for a cancelled train     ------      the other Como