Going Home

 Before leaving Geneva, we got out our map of Europe and filled in the last places that we visited. A read line began in Southern Italy and ran almost the entire circumference of Western Europe. 

On June 3rd, we arrived to our new home town of Columbus, Ohio. The first things we did were buy new clothes and eat home cooked meals. We appreciated sleeping in the same bed and as soon as we moved into our home, we thoroughly enjoyed putting all of our things in one place where we knew they would stay. However, we knew that our European road trip's impact would stretch throughout our lives. It would effect our learning in school, our relationships with each other, our sense of adventure and our perspective of our place in the world. We were happy to be home but looked forward to more adventures in the future.

The End

We had to fit in as much fun as possible, so on our way to Geneva where we would catch our plane home, we stopped at the Chillion Castle, which is situated on the shores of Lake Geneva. It is a medieval castle and is listed as the most visited historical site in Switzerland. 

 Early the next morning Jenny flew home. We have missed her ever since. Jenny was perfect at keeping any child happy, thinking of game after game and story after story, comforting even the most distraught child, staying happy and optimistic at all times and pretending that nothing difficult or unpleasant was ever happening. We love Jenny and feel so lucky to have had her all to ourselves for five weeks.

 Our last day in Europe was spent in Geneva. The highlight was the Jet d'eau, or water fountain that shoots water 450 feet into the air. A jetty takes daring people out to the water spout. If the breeze changes even the slightest direction, in less than a second, anyone near is suddenly drenched. I was the unlucky one who was caught in the water. Steve and the kids successfully made it past. I was the last in the group, not even a few feet behind. When they turned around, I was dripping head to toe. Steve gave me a look of, "How could you have drenched yourself!" I shot a look back of, "Do you really think that I would choose this?" and then we all laughed. On our way back, of course the breeze shifted again and Emilie, Annie and I were sprayed. Soaking, we made our way back to the car to find clothes to change into before we left to catch our flight.

The Young Maiden

One clear memory I have of visiting Switzerland with my grandmother in 1984 is taking the narrow-gauge railway up to the top of the Jungfrau. Steve and Jenny had also been, but when we calculated the costs of taking nine of us up to the top of the mountain, we decided that, unless it was a perfectly clear day, it simply would not be worth the expense. Each ticket was at least $80. Fortunately for the pocketbook, it was overcast! Instead we took the train up to the Kleine Scheidegg station and hiked down. Once again, we were surrounded by breathtaking scenery.  

We discovered that the trails are lined with electric fences to keep the Swiss cows away from the hikers, giving off a slight shock when touched. Further, it occurred to someone that if we all held hands the shock would be stronger as it transferred down the line. The kids found this not only fascinating, but also hilarious. I opted to be the photographer!

Before we left the Jungfrau, we climbed up the Trummelbach Falls. The snow melt from the Alps gush down crevices in the mountains, creating a waterfall within the mountain.

We spent the evening in Interlaken, wandering chocolate and t-shirt shops and finally settling into a traditional fondue restaurant for dinner.

The Matterhorn

While backpacking through Europe in the early nineties, Steve fell in love with Switzerland and the Alps. I turned the planning over to him for this portion of our adventure, and he did a great job creating memories for our family. 

 We arrived at Zermatt in the evening. Unbeknownst to us, only electrical cars were allowed in the city, so I got very strange looks as all nine of us hummed around the town in our nine passenger van! Finally we were warned that, if caught, the fine would be hefty. I couldn't get back down the mountain and to the train station fast enough! We unloaded two nights worth of clothing and took the train up to our hotel, which turned out to be the most authentically Swiss bed and breakfast around.

 The next morning we set off to hike down the Matterhorn. After taking a narrow-gauge railway that chugged up the mountain, we climbed off with the most spectacular views before us. The day was crystal clear. We took photo after photo and then began our descent.

 Not far down the mountain, a children's play area provided a great spot for a break. Spontaneously, we started having timed relay races on the equipment. Jenny and Steve took the competition to a new level, beating everyone's time.

 Our descent began, and we spent the next several hours marveling at the scenery.

 We had a few hours to spare so we asked the host at our bed and breakfast what he recommended for a crowd like ours. Without hesitation, he sent us to the Zermatt Adventure Zone. This turned out to be one of the kids' favorite activities in their three months abroad. Everyone could participate in something they loved, except for Mia, which doesn't always happen with us. The kids and Steve hung high in the trees, tip toed across ropes and  zip lined in the shadow of the Matterhorn.

 On our way out of town, we stopped in a store for a little Swiss chocolate to tide us over before dinner. The woman at the cash register pulled down her largest bar of chocolate. We opted for the smaller size.