Greetings from Switzerland

We are enjoying our 5-month stay in our home country. Soon, however, we no longer know which country we should call home; Switzerland or South Africa.

The last few weeks have been filled with visits and reunions with our friends and family. This year is characterised by countless birthday celebrations, as several people in our circle of friends are celebrating a milestone birthday, just like Zainab.

We spent last weekend in Münstertal  valley in the mountains. This is a beautiful region in the far east of Switzerland, right on the border to Italy. There is the Swiss National Park and the road to the highest pass in Europe, the Stilfserjoch (Stelvio). Bears and wolves are once again living in the area.

In addition to an extended hike to a nearby alp, we were invited to a garden party at a friend’s house in the evening.  Together with over 70 people, we celebrated the hostess’s birthday with barbecue (braai) specialities from the region.

Before we fly back to Cape Town on 13 October, we will be in Italy for a few days. We will be attending a wedding celebration in Tuscany. We are particularly looking forward to this, as the region is fantastic for such an occasion, especially at this time of the year. We can also use the tour to spend a few extra days in Italy.

However, our time here in Switzerland also makes us think. Where should we spend most of the year in the future; which will be our main home in the future? We miss Cape Town for many things, such as the climate, the food, the nature, the view of the sea and especially for the people, the friends, the family. We haven’t been able to find this openness, serenity, cheerfulness and joie de vivre of the Capetonians anywhere else. And that is probably the most important part of quality of life for us.

After a fantastic 5 months in Lucerne, we are looking forward to Cape Town Waterfront just as much.

See you soon guys.
Hans.