It’s hard to keep up with the blog when I’m hardly at home. I can’t believe it’s been a week since I’ve written, and that I’ve been in Switzerland for a month! Last Sunday I spent the day with Stephan, Anu and Tamino in the northernmost part of Switzerland.
We took a German train along the south part of Germany, until we entered Switzerland heading to Schaffhausen. I found it amusing that at that point we were on a German train traveling in Switzerland north of a Swiss train traveling in Germany.
We switched trains in Schaffhausen and went to the little town on Stein am Rhein. Most things were closed because it was Sunday, but the center of the old town is a beautifully preserved medieval village. I didn’t take many pictures because I knew they wouldn’t do justice to the decorated buildings.
It was much colder in Stein am Rhein that it was in Basel, so coffee in a café was a warm welcome. The café had nice ambiance and a cool little nook for kids.
We returned to Schaffhausen and took the bus to Neuhausen where we spend a good amount of time at the Rheinfalls. It’s not a very big, or high waterfall, but it is very picturesque. Apparently a daredevil professional kayaker broke the law and paddled down the rapids. He got his picture taken then high tailed it away before authorities could catch him.
We had a nice meal at an Italian restaurant then headed home. When Tamino was in need of distraction I gave him “The Little Engine that Could.” After Anu translated it into Hindi for him he’s enjoyed hearing me read in English. He has a cute way of saying “I think I can, I think I can.” To my ears it has none of the right consonants, but he enjoys it, and that’s what matters! He’s also asked for his “Goodnight Florida” book a number of times. It warms my heart to know he’ll grow up having something he likes leftover from this time in his life, though he probably will not remember me in the future without more contacts.
Anyway, I’m sure I would have written many more details if I had written soon after the trip, but we went right into the school week and I had my hands full planning the next big adventure: Luzern!
This week was not the best for German. I continue to not work very well with one of my teachers. I haven’t been able to figure out what makes it flow and what doesn’t. If I can do that I hope to be able to make everyday a good one. As usual, Simone is funny and interesting and wonderful! We’re now heading into a one week break for Fastnach. I still have to plan my trip, but knew I had to write before I forgot everything . . .
