Switzerland: Interlaken and Jungfrau, December 2011

While we visit Switzerland pretty regularly with Lou’s sister, husband and baby living in Geneva, we hadn’t ventured far from there, so decided a few days in the mountains were on the cards just after Christmas 2010. We settled on basing ourselves in Interlaken, at the foot of the Jungfrau mountain range. 

Swiss trains are super efficient and easy to navigate around, so after a quick stop and look around in Bern, we ended up in Interlaken.

We spent three lovely, snowy days, exploring the region, trying out snowshoeing and loving it, getting an adrenaline rush with some sledding, and taking a train trip to the highest train station in Europe, the Jungfraujoch. Well worth the visit for some wintery fun, as you can see from this video.

Winter in London and Germany, and rugby in Cardiff

It’s been a picture perfect winter in London with lots of snow flurries (until it quickly melts to muddy sludge). We’ve been to a few shows – Oliver, Cirque Du Soleil, Aladdin the pantomime, starring Pamela Anderson as genie; and done some touristy things like ice skating at the Tower of London for Amy Yarrall’s birthday, and a few museum/gallery visits.
Travel-wise, it’s been pretty low key, keeping our powder dry for the big trip to Egypt over Christmas (see separate post).

We went to Birmingham in October to watch the Baggies win 5-0, and to Wales to watch the All Blacks win against Wales in November.

Lou in front of Cardiff Castle


Dean outside the stadium

We also visited the Christmas markets in Dusseldorf and Cologne with Dean's sisters. They were great, we feel we’ve probably ticked “Christmas markets” off the list now, and have a nutcracker and a couple of market mugs to remember that trip by.

Dean's empty plate after a delicious German meal - swine haux - basically a whole roast pig!



Lou with Dean's sisters Amy and Sarah, enjoying eggnog

In January we spent a weekend in Geneva with Lou’s brother and sister-in-law, to stay with Lou’s sister and brother-in-law (yes, confusing big family) at their wonderful new house there. We were there the same weekend that around 100 von Dadelszens got together in New Zealand to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the first von Dadelszens arriving in New Zealand from Liverpool, so we had some family time together.

Lots of our spare time has been spent planning our trip to South Africa in June for the football world cup. We’ll be there for 2 ½ weeks following the All Whites around, so lots of accommodation to arrange, plus a couple of nights in Kruger park trying to spot the big five. And we’re also spending time planning a visit by Lou’s Mum in March/April this year.

Geneva

We went on our first overseas trip the first weekend in May (bank holiday so 3 day weekend). We decided we should visit Geneva as our first trip, to see where Lou’s sister and brother-in-law (Helen and Carlo) live. It was a nice lazy trip as our tour guides did all the talking for us, so we didn’t need to think about conversing in French or Italian.
Had an incredible weekend, enjoyed great hospitality from the von Farinas, complete with fresh pastries and home made muesli for breakfast each day. Went for a wander through the old town, taking in St Peter’s cathedral including the amazing views from the top. Had lunch in the sunshine followed by a wander around the lake and then a boat trip on it. We were really luck to hit a weekend full of sun so the place looked amazing, with snow capped mountains surrounding us, but able to wear shorts for the first time since arriving six weeks ago. Enjoyed a lovely dinner outside with a couple of Helen and Carlo’s friends.
Sunday we drove about an hour to Montreaux to visit the Chateau de Chillon, a really old castle right on the edge of the lake. Well worth the visit. Another lunch in the sun (pizza yum) and meandered back to Geneva with a couple of stops along the way to take in the views and sunshine.
Arrived back in London on Monday afternoon laden with duty free Swiss chocolate and feeling well refreshed. We will work on our French before we visit again!