TOO cool...

I love these sunglasses. Enough that I spent my entire Sept. allowance on them...they're prescription, though, so do aid in the driving!

Diet and Exercise...

Everyone knows that to lose weight all it takes it to watch what you eat and exercise. Why is something that is really so simply, so difficult to carry out?

Is it because I'm so stressed in my daily life? Because that's certainly true, and it certainly takes away the energy I need to focus on eating more healthy and finding time to exercise?

Is it because I'm busy? Related to question #1, busy-ness certainly is a factor in diet and exercise working...you have to have time to go to the grocery store, to develop a menu of food that is healthy and fairly easy to prepare (remember time is a problem), you have to have time to prepare all this wonderful food. When I worked hard on the Dr. Phil weight-loss plan, I had such a hard time with preparation...and since I don't really like to cook all that much...

Is it because I have some really bad habits that are extremely hard to break? I LOVE sweet food. I could eat nothing but sweets all the time, with the occasional "real" food break somewhere in there. I also love to snack while I work on the computer, and to drink coca cola.

Is it because I, at my heart, hate to exercise? I don't mind moving around and doing stuff. Walking all over Europe did not even once make me say "I hate this exercise!" But I hate going to the gym and doing the same task repeatedly. It bores me to tears and makes me feel like tearing my eyeballs out. While I don't mind walking, there really isn't a good place to walk in our neighborhood--sidewalks are scarce and those that are there are really bumpy or littered with pine cones and other debris.

Is it because somewhere along the way I've learned to love myself for who I am and my size doesn't really bother me? Sure, it's irritating to get on planes and not fit comfortably, but for the most part, I don't notice that I'm big. I have cute clothes, I don't have aches and pains, and don't feel ugly or unworthy. My self-esteem, while a good thing, seems to keep me from being overly motivated to lose weight--or to make the sacrifices I need to to lose weight.

Is it because I don't have any major health issues and haven't felt strongly compelled to lose weight in fear that I'm going to die?

Whatever the reason for my struggle, I really do want to lose weight. I want to go to Europe next year and hike around in the mountains and not feel winded after 2 minutes. I want to shop in regular sized clothing stores. The options are so much more than what I have currently...I could spend some serious money on a new wardrobe. I want to get into an airplane seat and fit comfortably--or as comfortably as one can in such a cramped space.

But all this want doesn't seem to help in my daily battle to choose healthy food that I think tastes bland and boring. It doesn't motivate me to get up in the morning to exercise. It doesn't motivate me to tackle my sweet addiction and cut them out totally again.

In case you can't tell, I had a bad week last week--over all, not just in relation to my eating and exercise. I gained a pound, which isn't really all that bad, and I'm not really all that bummed about it (expected it to be worse actually). I am bummed that I can't seem to do what seems to be so simple and just get myself on track to lose weight and be much thinner next summer so when I go to Europe I'm in shape, healthy and can handle all the hiking to all the wonderful mountain views I have the option of...must get on track!

Under the Tuscan Sun

I've been diligently reading Under the Tuscan Sun when I get a chance, but it has honestly bored me. It's not a bad book by any stretch of the imagination. Reading about Mayes's responses to Italy and the difficulty of living in another culture is very interesting...just not for very many pages in a row.

So while I don't abandon it, it isn't my main book to read right now. Finally I'm going to get to read Blue Shoes and Happiness...and it did indeed make me very happy last night as I laughed out loud and had to read sentences to David. I love this series by Smith.

It's progress...

I lost 2 pounds this week. Tomorrow will be back to the gym and hopefully I'll see another 2 pounds next week!

It is a sign of the times?

Or my age? Or simply a bad diagnosis many years ago when the opt. said I no longer needed glasses?

No matter the reason, I am rejoining the ranks of the glasses wearers. I'm amazed at how crisp and bright colors are. I'm hoping to be able to see better at night (though I haven't tested that yet).

Little Things

I got up and walked this morning. While it may not seem like that big of a deal, it IS a big deal because I've been wanting to and unable to for weeks now. Hopefully I'll be able to keep it up!

Book Review: Freddy and Fredericka by Mark Helprin

I really wanted to like this book. I really really did. However, I didn't like it all that much. David laughed his way through it...I barely made it I was so bored a lot of the time. Overall the story was good, the characters were very likeable and you wanted to see them succeed, but I just couldn't get into the jokes and silliness that seemed to happen every other page. It just didn't appeal to me.

The basic premis of the book is that the Prince and Princess of Wales are buffoons who keep messing things up with the press. They say and do the dumbest things and have to be taken care of by "Mr. Neil" who puts before them a quest of conquering America. They arrive in New Jersey by parachute wearing only fur underwear and have to figure out how to survive. Their adventures in America demonstrate how someone with nothing can make something of themselves--even to the extent of being elected President. They learn a lot about themselves, the power of love, the power of doing for and taking care of yourself. And they learn to appreciate the people that they serve as political leaders of their own country.

If I were to give advice to Mark Helprin, I would tell him to cut the book by about 1/2. It was overwritten in a lot of places and several of the chapters, especially those that dealt solely with the policital realm, were boring and unnecessary. Since I liked the story, the characters and the overall message, I kept reading and am glad that I did, but I would have liked it to be a tad, well, a tad "less" (if that makes sense).

A Few of My Recently Completed Projects

Strawberries Forever shows an Amish strawberry farm. Some younger people are picking the strawberries while some middle aged Amish are selling pies, jams and quilts. It was completed in 2003 but only framed a week ago.

The weaving sampler below was completed while in Chicago and shortly thereafter. I bought a lap handweaving loom to get some practice with weaving and to see if my classes in October will be a complete waste of time. I believe I wove my warp too tight and caught myself getting the weft (side to side) too tight about 1/3 of the way up. But I had fun playing with patterns, made a few up on my own, learned to read a pattern, and did it all by hand. Looking forward to a more complex machine.





Woman with flowers is a needlepoint designed by Chris Roberts-Antieau. I loved working on her because of all the fun colors and the complexity of the design. I finished her two nights ago and she is off to the framers today.
A is for Angel is a Christmas gift for Alyssa. The stitches and design motifs all begin with the letter A.


E is for Empress is a Christmas gift for Elizabeth. All the stitches and design motifs begin with the letter E.

What are the three books you'd like to sit down and read right now if you had the time?

Please get your friends and family members (who like to read) to participate in this blog entry. You can send it to anyone by clicking the little envelope icon at the lower right of this entry (right after it says "Posted by Leslie at..."

I am taking a poll about the books you want to read the most. Please add a comment and name the three titles and authors of the books you'd like to read right now if you have the time...the kicker? To limit yourself to only 3.

Mine?
Blue Shoes and Happiness by Alexander McCall Smith
Wicked by Gregory Maguire (reread)
Patriot Hearts by Barbara Hembley

The Rewards of Virtue

Well, I'm not sure I'm a virtuous woman--since I admitted that patience wasn't my thing, but I finally did get a car...and it's pretty and comfy and wonderful and I love it!

It's a bran' new 2007 Nissan Murano, Merlot, with tan leather interior, sun roof, Boze stereo system, dual AC, programmable seats and mirrors for 2 drivers...in short, it's AWESOME!

Hint...

I'm no longer waiting! Pictures tomorrow or Monday :)

Patience is not my virtue!

I remember in junior high wanting to be such a good Christian, and our Sunday School teacher told us that if we wanted to do something to improve ourselves, we needed to ask God to test us. I knew that I wasn't very patient, and thought that I should definitely serve penance and get tested and trained to be patient. So, I prayed very fervently that God teach me patience. I have to say, I'm still being tested, almost daily, and I'm not improving. I think God should finally realize I'm a lost cause, and things that one prays about as a teenager shouldn't still be haunting them when they're almost 40.

It's funny because most people I know think I'm incredibly patient. I don't think that's the case. I think I'm incredibly controlled and don't let my emotions get the best of me...but I'm not patient. They look at all my needlework and say, "the patience to do something like this!" It's not patience that allows me to sew. I'm completely in control of my sewing, so it's not a patience thing. I don't have to wait on anyone to do anything, and I find it very peaceful most of the time.

What I don't find peaceful, is waiting on people to do stuff. Waiting is very hard, and I don't do it well, and I've been SO good this week and last waiting for things to work themselves out for us buying a new car and now that things have worked out and we have to wait on the car to get delivered, cleaned, and then finding time in David's busy schedule this week to actually go sign the papers and GET the car! It's KILLING me!

No, I'm NOT a patient person!

When I was a little girl...

When I was a little girl, I told my brothers and my daddy that when "mama's out of town, I'm the mama, so you have to mind me."

All it resulted in was them laughing at me and my daddy telling the story over and over and over again throughout the rest of my childhood, but I guess I felt strong and powerful at the moment.

When I was a little girl...

My brothers and I got in trouble with my mom and she sent us outside "until I call you back in." Bryan and I were really bummed about this because we had a really good game going involving some weird combination of spyrograph and this marble guiding game. I honestly don't know what we did to get in trouble, but I do know that we were sent outside without any of our toys or games and I was mad. As was Bryan.

Trying to be grown up, I said, "Well, dammit...what are going to do now?"

Bryan jumped up, ran to the back door which Mom hadn't had the time yet to lock and yelled, "Mom, Leslie's cussing."

She came to that door fuming mad. I saw her jerk Bryan in, he was crying "I didn't do anything wrong, it was Leslie who was cussing." But somehow it didn't matter because I wasn't cussing where she could hear me, but Bryan was tattling where she could hear him. I assume he got sent to his room and was ordered to stay there or else, but I don't really know because I went in search of the kittens and managed to entertain myself without getting in Mom's hair--or at least I assume I did because I don't really remember anything else.

One very happy girl!

Who got her driver's license today! Yea Alyssa!

It's progress...

Even if it's a little bit, it's progress, I guess. I lost another pound this week...felt like I should have lost 3, but I guess I won't complain. Now that's 2 of the 10 pounds I've gained since getting back from Europe. I'm sure when I get to the gym next week they'll come off faster, but what's going to happen in Chicago! Hopefully I'll manage to make some mostly good choices.

Until I return...

Book Review: Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison

I just finished Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison. This is not going to much a review of the book--not because it doesn't deserve a good review, but because I don't think I'm the person to do it. I liked certain aspects of the book--Milkman is an interesting character, the pain and confusion of growing up and dealing with life no matter your race if clear, the frustration of the characters not to be able to be treated as equals was difficult to read (especially as a white person). However, I was so confused much of the time about where and when we were in the story that I often felt frustrated.

In fact, reading the book was really a frustrating experience for me. I was tired of having to deal with the crazy characters every time I sat down to read. They haunted me (which is probably a sign of a successful book) but I didn't want them to. In fact, I felt that I honestly didn't want the challenge of reading this book and didn't want the challenge of what the book was trying to make me think about. And I felt that if I did manage to deal with the issues presented in the book that there wasn't much I could do about it since everything seemed so squirrelly and crazy.

I hate that I can't give the book a better review than this. I know Morrison deserves better of her readers, and I honestly feel like I failed her this time.

Surprised

We're back from our trip to Nashville, which was really nice except for the fact that our truck is acting like she just wants to lay down and die. We have her in the shop today. Hopefully nothing major is wrong. Nothing is showing up with the lights, she's just not performing well. Everyone we meet says "bad gas" but we just don't know.

We tried to eat well and track what we were eating while we were gone, but didn't go so great. When I go out to eat, the "grilled chicken with steamed vegies" just doesn't interest me. I know I need to change my mind-set on that, but it's really hard. Even though I didn't always make the best choices, I still managed to lose 1.4 pounds, which was surprising and encouraging. Of course, David, who ate worse than I did, lost 4, but he's a man, and I've heard that they lose faster...I hope that there's some retribution in there that they also gain faster...not that I want him to gain anything, it's just hard living with a superman!

Nashville...

I'm about to leave for Nashville for a few days. Should be a nice relaxing trip. I definitely need one of those. Things around here have been rather nutty of late--which leaves me feeling rather nutty.

I decided, smartly or not we can debate that, to start Weight Watchers last week. I question my intelligence because I'm going on a trip this week, and next, and didn't have my house stocked up for healthy eating. But the past two days have really shed good light on why I'm overweight. Trying to eat within my points with my old food and habits was impossible. It's been enlightening to say the least. So, we'll see how I do on the road. I've made plans for snacks and breakfast, it'll just be challenging to make good choices on the road. Wish me luck!

I'll report on how I did when I get back and how my experiences in Nashville were.

Mobile

David and I went to Mobile for the 4th of July. We'd been told the fireworks were pretty good...but they were cancelled due to rain, so we didn't get to see them. Maybe next year. We did take a walk around downtown while waiting on our lunch appointment with our friend who lives there and came upon this little fair in a park right outside our hotel. The girl pictured in this picture was so unbelievably unhappy about having to dance. All the other kids and the teacher too, completely ignored her, though, and enjoyed themselves immensely.

The Joy of Conquering Your Fears...

...Means that you can finally lay down in the curly red wig that showed up while you were at the "Kitty Spa" while all the other ladies were at the Quilt Bee...

A New TV...

While we weren't sure that we could get the TV out from under Ms. Lochi, we did manage. We also finally managed to find a suitable TV armoir at the limited furniture stores we have in town. Now, everything is tucked away and tidy...and very fun to watch! The cable guys come out today...

Book Review: Homestead by Rosina Lippi

I'm having a hard time starting this review of Homestead by Rosina Lippi. It's definitely a good, well-written book. Its characters are extremely vivid and real to life. This summer I spent a couple of days in a small Austrian village near the area where Homestead is set and can imagine the women and men and the hardships they endure. I can imagine the geographica setting all the more because I've been there, but even if I hadn't the isolated mountain village is clearly wrought. Lippi even deals with very difficult topics--like war and how it affects small towns.

However, there was just something about this book that I wasn't crazy about and the more I think about it the more I'm convinced it isn't just me not being in a good mood. The book, overall, is depressing. While I've read depressing books before (Fair and Tender Ladies by Lee Smith comes to mind first), at least the characters who were depressed in that book, or had sad lives, tried to overcome their problems. Lippi's characters, for the most part, feel as if they're simply stuck and have no control over their lives. They live their depressing lives because they have no choice. It's simply sad.

That said, I left each chapter wanting more from these characters. I wanted more than just the quick little snapshot of their lives, probably because I wanted to believe they'd overcome. But also because the characters were so vivid and real that I wanted to believe that they had more to their lives than just the few pages dedicated to them. While a few of them may have come back in later chapters (Johanna is one example, and she is an enjoyable one. In fact, one of the few characters embracing life), most were simply mentioned in an aside so that we had to piece together the story of the village. And while I don't mind having to work for the books I read, I did mind the ambiguity that I felt at the end of each chapter.

So, for the first time, I'm saying that I'm not crazy about a book that Lippi/Donati wrote. While I didn't hate it, I certainly didn't love it the way I have everything else.

The Loire Valley

We left Paris in the afternoon by train and arrived Amboise around dinner time. We took a cab to our B&B (no car rental places in France being open on Sunday), checked in, rested a bit, and then walked into the city center for a lovely dinner. Back to the B&B for an early bedtime and late morning sleep-in--we were in much need of rest after our tour. This is a picture of our B&B. It was extremely nice even if the prorieters were a bit curmudgeony.

The next day we decided to take it easy, so David rode the train into Tours to pick up our car, drove back and we girls were just getting out of bed. We all ate breakfast, showered and got dressed for our day of chateau hopping. Our first stop was La Clos Luce whch is where Leonardo da Vinci lived in the last years of his life. I was so disappointed in this place. While the basement had interested replicas of da Vinci's "inventions," the rest of the house did little to demonstrate his imagination and interesting life. We all left wishing we hadn't wasted our time there.

From there we drove to Pontlvoy which is where the university has a semester long program. We walked through the grounds, went into the old church and were saddened by the lack of care for the place. It has been rumored that the person who owns the property has declared bankruptcy, so I will be interested to see what happens once all the bank-rolls have been settled. I was especially disappointed to see that the frescoes on the walls of the church had been painted over as part of the "restoration" of the building.

We drove to Montrichard which is a town where David and I and his students had many a lunch but couldn't find our way to our favorite pizzaria so headed to Chaumont instead. This is a fairy tale type castle with turrets, a courtyard, and when I toured it 4 years ago some of the most interesting furniture. The entire chateau is under repair, so we only got to view two rooms...at least it was free.

From here we drove into Blois, which is another town where we spent a lot of time 4 years ago. In the center city's town square there is a magic shop. At the top of the hour, the windows on the top two floors of the shop open up, gold dragons pop their heads out and make this most atrocious noise for about 5 minutes. Fortunately we got to see that again, because the rain that had been threatening all day finally came down in a gulley washer which left us running for cover in the nearest restaurant. We were starving anyway, so it was not a bad stop, but it was very disappointing to miss this chateau's tour. We were all completely soaked and just didn't have the heart for another tour in the pouring rain.

So, we headed back to our town, went grocery shopping, and had dinner in our room. It was so nice to be able to eat what we were hungry for rather than having to pick off of a menu foods that we werent' sure what they were.

The next day was our last day in France, so we made the most of it by seeing Chambord, Cheverny and Chenenceau. Three of the most famous chateaux and all lovely in their own right. After making the most of these tours, we headed back to our B&B for some dinner, rest and packing up for our return home.

I really enjoy the French country side. I find the people to be so charming and friendly, the air clean, the food wonderful and fresh. I love going to the chateaux and seeing the grandeur that the kings felt was appropriate for their position. Of all the chateaux that I've seen, Cheverny is the best preserved because the nobles who had this place were in good standing with their peasants, so when the revolt came, they didn't loot the place, burn it down and lop off the heads of the nobles. In fact, the person who lives there now (and it is inhabited in the top 2 floors), is a direct decendent of the first marquis who built the place.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this trip. It was definitely one of those whirlwind tours where we saw way more than we thought possible. I enjoyed being on the tour because I didn't have to plan my itinerary most days, I didn't have to figure out where I was going to stay and I didn't have to get myself from place to place. I think the tour gave me a new respect for my abilities to walk a lot and be more physically active while traveling. I will definitely do another tour, just not a family tour. I also thoroughly enjoyed our few days without the tour. It was nice being a family again and not having the interference of 20 other people. I would, however, arrive earlier--at least two days before the tour starts--to give myself time to get over jet-lag. Everyone else did this and it was definitely a smart thing to do!

Paris

We're nearing the end of our trip, which is kind of sad. I've enjoyed recounting it. And Paris was a fun, fun place to visit. I went there 4 years ago and found it even more charming the 2nd time around, and can't wait for a 3rd visit.

Paris is so tourist friendly. The spaces are big, the crowds are controlled, the museum lines make sense and aren't ridiculously long. There are many many open spaces around and you can see major landmarks from many different vantage points. It's simply a lovely place to visit. It's also super easy to get around once you know the metro system and where you intend to go. I recommend getting a subway may with an overlay of the city so you'll know what stop to look for. There are even some fun interactive "machines" that tell you which line to take, which we found fun.

We arrived in Paris in the late afternoon with just enough time to get our hotel room keys, drop our luggage and leave for St. Chapelle. St. Chapelle is a gothic chapel built around the same time at Notre Dame with stained glass windows filling the walls all around. It is one of those amazing feats of historical architecture that today's architects and engineers still can't figure out. It was a beautiful quiet respective place. The picture of all the kids from our tour group was not posed. It was a natural picture of them enjoying the sight together.

After St. Chapelle we walked over to Notre Dame and walked through that cathedral while a mass was going on. It was much more crowded than the last time I'd been so I didn't get to take pictures. As we were leaving, however, one of our tour members took this picture of our family with Notre Dame in the background. I think it's the best one of the trip.

We had dinner with our friends at a local cafe and then headed to the Eiffel Tower. This was one of the high points of our time in Paris. Upon walking up to the tower for my second visit, I was amazed again at how big it is. We waited in line and went to the very top where it was ridiculously crowded. I urged us to go down to the 2nd observation level so that we could move around a little more and see the city layout better. We really enjoyed hanging out and looking around. I highly recommend visitors to Paris to go up the Eiffel Tower, even if the lines look daunting. You can really get an appreciation for how tall it is and understand the layout of the city even better from up high. I do think, however, that the 2nd observation level is high enough.

We left for our hotel just as it was getting dark and got to see the tower all lit up and that was really cool. WE couldn't walk 20 feet without having to turn around and look aagin at the sparkling lights. It was really quite fun.

The next morning we spent at the Louvre. We saw the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo and several other famous and important works of art. Few pictures were taken because it was never really clear if picture taking was allowed. We had lunch, did some shopping and then headed back to our hotel for the afternoon. David and I had to wash clothes and we all needed a little bit of rest.

That evening was our last dinner with our group. We had a wonderful menu, terrific wine, and lots of fun conversation. It was sad saying goodbye to all our new friends from the tour, but we exchanged contact information and promised to keep in touch.

The next morning we went to the Musee D'Orsay and looked around at the art in there. I found the architecture of the building to be quite interesting. It was once a train depot, so is long with sky lights. I loved the clocks that show through to the other side. You can go on the roof and get a beautiful view of the Louvre across the river.

From here we walked down the Champs Elysees. There were crowds of people everywhere in these bright pink shirts. They even blocked intersections and sidewalks at one point. We thought there might be a protest of some sort going on, but we soon discovered it was simply Parisians out to celebrate their winning rugby team.

We finally made our destination of the Arc d'Triomphe where we admired Napolean's foresight in straightening and widening streets and building monuments to himself. I think looking at traffic navigating some of the roundabouts in Paris is also quite amazing. We took the subway back to our hotel, grabbed our bags and headed to the train station where we were going to enjoy the last leg of our trip.

As I said, I really enjoyed Paris. It's such a wonderful city for visiting. It's pretty, there are lots of things to do for people of all ages, and the food as always is terrific. If you understand and follow the important rules of French etiquette, you get along fine with the locals and can really enjoy yourself. I know I'll be back to Paris and will discover more of her secrets and charms.

Burgandy

On day 11 we left Switzerland and headed out of the country and into France. It was a very long day of driving with little mixed in for interest, but we did arrive at our charming country inn in time for some relaxation (meaning wine-drinking) before our dinner outside. The kids ran around and played with a ball and climbed trees and the adults enjoyed conversation and the lovely French wine.

David and I stayed in the newly completed "sheep shed" or more interestingly called the "love shack." It was decorated with bright red paint and fabrics inside. Of course there was no AC and since it was perched on the edge of the garden there were plenty of mosquitos to keep me up all night, but I'm not complaining.

Dinner that night consisted of more wine and a buffet set up so we could eat ourselves silly on bread, salad, vegies, meat of various kinds, more vegies, more bread, and dessert. Dessert was lovely--chocolate pie that tasted something between chocolate syrup and good fudge (it was that rich) and a berry tart that was perfect in every way--especially when paired with the chocolate pie.

After breakfast the next morning (to which David and I were late because we overslept not having set our alarm!) we headed toward Paris (which will be another blog entry because there's just too much to talk about in that city). On the way we visited Guedelon, which is a 13th century castle being built using nothing but 13th century technologies and materials. They expect the castle to be completed in about 20 years. This was David's favorite part of the trip.

We also managed to get a picture with our bus driver before he left us for another tour. We loved getting to know Jean. He was a fun person and an amazing driver.

I don't really have that much to say about this area in France. We only spent the one night and it was really merely a stop over between Switzerland and Paris. I was glad to have seen Guedelon, as I thought it was a really neat concept. The country inn was wonderful, and the people running it friendly and helpful. I wouldn't mind going back to their place, though I think I would request a traditional room just to get away from the mosquitos.

Switzerland

Ah, Switzerland. If Austria was beautiful, Switzerland was more so. It was bigger, brighter and completely knocked my socks off. We woke up on Day 9 and drove from our little village in Austria to a beautiful little lake town in Germany called Lindau. There was a harbor with boats, flowers everywhere and such a charming little old town that you wanted to wander around all day. In one square (creatively enough called "Church square) there were two churches, one Catholic and one Lutheran. The Lutheran church was built during the reformation to allow for worshipers to choose which church they wanted to attend. Since the two were side-by-side neighbors could still enjoy the experience of walking to and from church together and still attend the church of thier choice. At noon, both churches ring their bells, which was such an interesting cacaphony in the middle of that square! The Catholic church was, of course, very ornate inside, while the Luteran one was not. In fact, the Lutheran church almost felt like a wedding cake, everything was so white and pastel.

We stayed in a town called Wengen, Switzerland. We drove to Lauterbrunnen where we caught the train to our village. While there were a few cars around, our big bus could not navigate the mountain UP to our village. We had dinner at the hotel that night and were surprised by an alphorn concert. The alphorn player got so excited about his instrument and all that he talked and talked and talked! And played and played and played. It was a great evening. (and btw, the food here was just "ok" though the fondue was amazing!)

The next morning was a free day, but our guides took a group of us to the top of the Schilthorn. At more than 10,000 feet, it was an amazing view before the clouds rolled in. Gondolas are a primary form of transportation in the Swiss alps. While not cheap, everyone rides them to and from villages (a group of school kids from Gimmelwald rode to Murren with us).

Once at the top of the mountain, we were amazed by this view. We also ate a dessert in the revolving restaurant. Shortly before we left, however, the clouds rolled in and we couldn't see a thing.

We went back down the mountain the way we came up (in gondolas) and walked from the town at the bottom back to Lauterbrunnen. This hike was about 6 km and gorgeous with mountains all around, cows ringing their bells while munching alphine flowers. The sky was gorgeous. It really was an amazing walk. In the middle of it all, though, we took a break for one of the highlights of our trip: Trummelbach Falls. Trummelbach Falls are inside the mountain. You walk into the cave, ride a funnicular up to the area where you can then walk, and go around and around these falls and every corner you take, every new view of the falls is a "wow" moment.

We finished our hike, had a late lunch, then rode the train back to our hotel where we rested up until dinner. We then went in search of fondue. We found out that you should order your fondue by 11am (if you're ever in Switzerland and want fondue for supper, remember this). It's not cheap, but it is delicious!

And that was our time in Switzerland. It made me desperately want to go back. If I didn't want to leave Austria (and I really didn't) I really, really didn't want to leave Switzerland. It was so beautiful and pretty and clean. The air was pure, the cows happy, and the food was pretty good--good enough to keep me fed anyway! I honestly can't wait to go back and spend lots more time there.