A Visit with Jessy

The train ride to Luzern passes through the lovely Swiss countryside and is most notable for the over 20 mile train tunnel between Visp and Bern.  Completed several years ago with much fanfare, the tunnel cuts an hour from what used to be a four and a half hour trip between Zermatt and Luzern.

Jessy met Chris and me at the train station.  We strolled along the river (wet and windy), took the obligatory photos by the famous Church Bridge http://lucerne.all-about-switzerland.info/lucerne-chapelbridge-watertower.html, and went for coffee at the restaurant where Alesch is a chef. He joined us for awhile at the start of his afternoon break. He's planning his first trip the United States in midwinter, starting in Denver and heading west along the snowboarders' route.

Jessy continues to really like her work with the manufacturing company where she began a year and a half ago.  Her job sounds complicated involving contact with suppliers and production facilities, quality control, and accounting procedures, among other things, all overlaid with the rigorous requirements of school. She will graduate in the summer.  As always, it was wonderful to see her!

A Snowy Start to Luzern

The mountain ash and the larch were covered in snow this morning when I woke up.  It is a lovely send off as I don't expect to see a lot of snow in Kathmandu.  Chris and I hopped a morning train and headed to Luzern to spend the afternoon with Jessy.

At the Flat and Around Town

The last several days have been spent mostly at the computer, sitting at Chris' kitchen table.  After Chris worked his magic with my new Lenovo laptop, I've been chipping away at my yellow, legal-sized notebook pages of to-do items imported from the United States.  In between the to-do list items, I've been gaining new computer skills, due to both prodding and support from Chris.  I would much rather he just did it!

Wednesday night we had delicious cheese fondue at Jeff's flat, contributed in part by Sparky.  Matt and Nis were there as well. I got an OTP mug to carry to Nepal!

Thursday and Friday computer work got broken up by mostly functional trips to town--Coop, Wega, bank, The Pub.  Chris had a nasty crack to his shin from one of his tandem passengers a week and a half ago. After 3 doctor visits, it's on the mend but with the recommendation he continue take it easy, keep the leg up and iced. So there haven't been any big excursions.
I did run into Opa, who looks very much like his old self, on Main Street and we chatted for a bit.  And, as always, I'm enjoying the lovely place Zermatt is.

on your way!!!

we are so very happy to see that you figured out your blog so we can travel with you on this amazing adventure!  we look forward to every word and every picture!

The First Leg--Zermatt, Switzerland

The flurry of preparations during the month of October for my year abroad in Kathmandu, Nepal, ended with friends and family sending me on my way.  I drove away from New London leaving Barb to finish up with the movers and lock the door to Zephyr. The first stop was at the Old Hat Shoppe to meet Ev who drove me to Natick, MA.  Verna hosted a colorful, healthy lunch after which we loaded luggage into Marilyn's car and drove to Logan Airport.

Verna's send-off

 My big worry was sorting out the luggage:  3 bags--one big one and two carry-on size.  I muttered and moaned about it all the way to the airport.  At check in, nary an eye was batted; I paid for the overage and onto the mover they went.  Thanks to SwissPasses' Fly Luggage, the next time I saw the three bags was yesterday at the Zermatt train station baggage window!  A magical accomplishment.

Marilyn treated me to the fried fish I had been wishing for and, with a hug and a wave, sent me off.