Crystal and Marilyn in Zurich

Marilyn and I decided that we would go into Zurich to do some sightseeing, shopping, and lunch. We jumped on the train around 11:30 and arrived in Zurich around noon. Once off the train, I knew that I needed to turn right instead of left. Why is this important you might ask? Because if I turn left, it will take me into the red light district and already having stumbled upon it once obliged never again. I guess I am just a modest small town girl.

We then took time to see the sights, the trams whizzing by us, and the hustle and bustle of the city. I hoped that iIwould be able to find the old part of Zurich, known as simply the the Aldstadt, but was having trouble finding the river that I knew would lead it to me. I decided to ask a group of teenagers and they told me to jump on tram 5. I chose not to jump on a tram and continued looking. Sure enough, we ran into the old part of Zurich by looking and following the cobblestoned streets.

We stepped into one of the famous chocolatiers in Switzerland known as Tseucher. The way in which the chocolate is decorated is art in itself. I bought Marilyn four different kinds of chocolate bars, one in particular with chili peppers which is common here.

We decided to eat at the Zeughauskeller and were pleasantly surprised by the ambiance and the food. We opted for the signature Swiss dish of rosti with veal and mushroom sauce which was good. According to a Frommer's review, "This mammoth restaurant, dating from 1487, was once an arsenal; its vast dining room now seats 200. Large wooden chandeliers hang from cast-iron chains, and the walls are decorated with medieval halberds and illustrations of ancient Zurich noblemen. Generous portions of traditional and tasty Swiss dishes are served with steins of local beer. Owners Kurt Andreae and Willy Hammer say that patrons consume some 30 tons of potato salad a year. Hurlimann draft beer is poured from 1,000-liter barrels. I believe it is a must, if you are ever in Zurich. Here is the link: Zeughauskeller.

Mother/Son Trip

On Thursday Morning March 26th, Marilyn and Nick were out the door by 7 am, ready to start their mother/son trip to Lyon and Marseille France. They backpacked it by way of train. Their first destination: Lyon, France. When they finally got off the train, and were looking to find which direction to go next, they were stopped by two young girls with clipboards that asked if they would be so kind as to donate some money to the Disabled Childrens Hospital. Both Nick and Marilyn obliged and were filling out the forms. immediately thereafter, the french police came up to them and one of the girls bolted while the other one was caught and put in a choke hold. The policeman uttered in French that this was a scam and he wondered if Nick had given her any money which he hadn't. Marilyn's first trip to Europe and this is how France welcomes her.

They then proceed to find their hotel and take in some sights. The next day, they took a funicular to the top of this hill to see the Bascilica of Notre Dame. Nick swears that this is the most beautiful church he has ever seen. As you walk in, you are completely drawn in by the beautiful murals throughout the church created with very tiny tile mosaics.

Not only was the church amazing, but the aerial views of Lyon itself were spectacular. they decided to descend the hill by foot which had beautiful views as well.

The next day, they were back with their backpacks strapped on them headed for destination: Marseille, France. Once they arrived, they checked into their hotel and did some sightseeing and shopping. They stumbled upon an art exposition by Bernard Buffet that was amazing. He believed, as many do, that art is something that must be felt. Here is a link to his artwork: Bernard Buffet. Nick said that his favorite painting was of a painting titled Transvestite Skeletons. They looked around to see if any of his posters could be bought, but no such luck.

Marilyn and Nick also had the opportunity while in Marseille to take a boat tour. It is here that they saw several remnants of fortresses as well as a prison that was actually highlighted in the Tale of Monte Cristo. Once off the boat, they took a hike around the lake and took some beautiful pictures of coral and rock.

Overall, I think it was a great trip for them.

Marilyn's Arrival in Zurich

Marilyn arrived on March 25th at 6:45 am at the Zurich airport. She and Nick arrived on my doorstep at 8:30 am. Since we told Marilyn that she needed to stay awake to get used to the time change, I decided to take her into Zug for some sightseeing and shopping.

We walked around the old cobblestoned streets of Zug and spent some time at the Zug Castle. Marilyn saw some of the old cannons used to protect the fortress as well as several old buildings, fountains, and architecture from the 1300's.

When we returned home, Geno was very excited to see her. They spent time cuddling, coloring, and reading. Coretta was also very excited to have Marilyn with us as well. For a women suffering from jetlag, she did pretty well for her first day.

Washing Machine Breakdown

My washing machine has been broken for a while, and was unsure when it could be fixed, so this weekend I found myself back in time washing them by hand. I filled up the bathtub and began scrubbing, rinsing, soaking. Coretta made sure to let me know that this is how everyone washed their clothes before electricity. It took me about three and a half hours and by the time I was done, my fingers were all wrinkled up.

Today the washing machine guys came and rang my door promptly at 8 am. They came up and began unscrewing things and in a few minutes, came to me and asked, "Are you missing anything?" I looked at him puzzled while he handed me a ripped up sock of Coretta's that must have been blocking the passageway. We laughed.

They then proceeded to tell me that they switched the language from German to English and thought that might be helpful to me. I am sure they had a good laugh at my expense. I know I did.

Marilyn's Arrival...

Marilyn arrived at our house yesterday around 8:30am. We sat around and talked a little bit and then I decided to head into Zug with her to have some Thai and do a little sightseeing/shopping. Once to Zug, she was amazed by how fancy and decorative all the candy shops were. We had a fabulous lunch and then off to the old part of Zug.

Once there, I took her to the Zug Castle and down by the lake. Poor Marilyn had trouble adjusting to the time schedule. She looked so very tired.

Today, she and Nick were off to the bus stop at 7 am to start their mother/son trip to Lyon and Marseille France. I will post more pictures when they get back on Sunday.

Medeival Sword Fighting

Coretta and Geno were sword fighting in the hall today. These swords were purchased by Grandma Earnest at the Koenigsburg Castle. Although Geno is a little clumsy at first, he gets the hang of it, and accidentally clobbers his sisters finger. Here's a couple videos of their duel.

Geno My Little Helper

Nick didn't think that Geno's hair was short enough so I got out the trimmer and attachments and made it shorter. It worked out well to work on it while he watched Mickey Mouse and ate his snack.I think it finally looks good now.








Today he was helping me clean with the broom. He is such a sweetheart. he took the broom and was pushing it along the hallway.