Well, we arrived here in Switzerland yesterday.  We left Tuscay on Saturday and drove several hours to Como, which is on the border of Italy and Switzerland.  We then took a train to Lugano, Switzerland where we spent the afternoon and overnight.  It is a beautiful city, tucked away in the mountains, with a huge lake in the middle.  On Sunday we drove about 7 hours to Bert’s sister’s house in the Swiss countryside.  They had a big family meal waiting for us.  It was nice.  This morning after an early morning run through the cow pastures, I joined the extended family of 10 in a 15 seat special bus for a 3 hour ride to Zermatt, home of the Mattehorn.  Typical of Swiss families, we stopped about every hour, first for a pastry and espresso, then for a white wine (still the morning).  Once arriving in Zermatt, we had a good lunch. One thing about the autostops here in Europe. They’re fantastic.  Like going to a fancy restaurant.

Riding through the Alps was breathtaking.  We actually drove the bus onto a train for a ride through the middle of the Alps.  Italy was pretty but Switzerland’s beauty is unsurpassed.  We walked the town of Zermatt.  You actually have to take a train up to the town. No cars allowed.  Had our pictures taken at the Matterhorn.  When I was here 23 years ago, we actually traveled up the mountain.  Not this time, though.  Switzerland is extremely expensive, much more so than Italy. 

I’m missing supper right now.  The family is all gathered for a meal.  All I hear is French, French, French.  I met a guy from Canada today and it was so good to hear English again.  Weather was and has been spectacular.  Much cooler and fresher here than in Italy.  Going to Gruyere tomorrow (famous for cheese and cream).  Wed. and Thurs. we’ll be in Paris.  Have never been there.  Looking forward to it. After that another week in Switzerland and then home.

Tomorrow I will have been here two weeks.  Seems like forever to me.  Miss much of home, but grateful for this wonderful opportunity.  My training for the Chicago Marathon in October is pretty much short.  Going to be a tough run (or walk).

My best to everybody.  Au revoir.