the big dinner

Elisabeth, my mother's sister, celebrated her 70th birthday while we were there. SInce both her and her husband Peter turn 70 this year, they were to have a big party in September, midway between both of their birthdays. She decided to have it while we were in Switzerland. The feast was held at the Hotel Lowen in Thunstetten. We ate and ate and drank for hours Excellent food, good company

swiss national day

August 1st- Swiss National Day - like our 4th of July, but you cant really call it independence day....Has been celebrated since 1291 to declare neutrality

Celebrated with fireworks, displays of swiss pride, and, once again, eating and drinking. Shops are all closed. We were at the husli, with an amazing view of the Thunersee. the boats shoot fireworks off them, making a spectacular show. there were also fireworks off the top of the Niesen, the mountain directly ahead of us. We ate traditional food- rosti (like hashbrowns but better), wurst, and drank beer, proscecco, and schnapps.

Regula and I played with sparklers, just as we had many many years ago as children.