So next stop – Lucerne! I left Freiburg early on December 21, taking the scenic train ride to this beautiful Swiss city that flanks the lake of the same name.
It felt incredibly surreal to suddenly be together on the opposite side of the planet and there were big hugs all round. It felt like forever since I’d hugged Jackson and of course, Andrea! And it was so good to see Lauren and her beautiful little family.
My family (well those who live in Europe or had travelled from Aus) were waiting at the station, having walked the 50 minute route from our accommodation into the city Bahnhof to meet me. I had a 7 person welcoming committee! 🥰
SWISSMAS had begun!
That evening we were joined by Caitlin, Dave and their two gorgeous children bringing our total numbers to 12! Eleven in a three bedroom apartment (generously provided by my son’s friends who were away on holiday) and me (in a clever move 😅) right across the road in my own little BnB. It was much more fun to be amongst the beautiful chaos so literally only went back to my place to sleep. 🥰
The next day, as the temperature began to plunge, we all walked into the city again to have a wander around and take the children ice skating.
It was the responsibility of some of the non participants to track down some gluewein and then manage to carry it for a couple of blocks!
Christmas Day soon came round and there were all sorts of shenanigans that Caitlin organised to keep us all busy (and laughing!)
There were so many games – catching ping pong balls (much more complicated than it looks!)
Wrapping a present blindfolded was a bit of a hoot!
Then an amazing feast prepared by Dave with me working as the sous chef.
We even managed a Christmas Pavlova – the only thing baked all week in my little apartment and with some excellent help from the children!
Part of my Christmas present from the kids was Boxing Day brunch at a gorgeous little cafe/bar just down the road.
Next day, it was off to the snow for all of us! No skiing for me but it was a gorgeous day and the views were spectacular, up there above the clouds.
Our last day together was spent on another hike into the city – such a beautiful walk along the river and then, of course, around Lake Lucerne.
Of course, there are so many photos of this beautiful, slightly chaotic week but we’re not putting children’s faces on social media.
So you’ll just take it from me that SWISSMAS was really quite magical.
rockybeginnings 