"We're Coming to America"

That's right, Neil, we're coming home . . .

The zippers on our pants aren't nearly as easy to close as they were at the onset of our trip, likewise for the suitcases, and our weary bodies are yearning for the comforts of familiar pillows and beds! Kara misses her friends intensely, Garry is ready to come back and attack those pesky Fair Oaks squirrels in our backyard, Kim is restless to get back to her classroom, and Kristen . . . well, Danny has never been away from her thoughts but she's eager to have those text messages and emails soon replaced by his presence! Jordan and Tyler, our family will be complete again tomorrow when at least we're all back in the same state . . .

Even so, as we wake up this morning to a beautiful sunrise over Zurich as the city comes to life, it's with mixed feelings that we say goodbye to Europe. We've been blessed with a trip that has transformed our lives (you're right, Cam!) and we will look back on this time together fondly.

Time to go, I'm feeling surprising emotional as I close . . . it's off to New York for a last little bit of sightseeing following a long 9 hour flight. Tomorrow it's back on a plane to San Francisco - thanks to Kim Lee for picking us up :) Can't wait to see you and get back to our home turf!

Amazing Switzerland...

Most likely our last post since we've just checked out of our B&B, with another couple of trains to catch as we make our way to Zurich this evening. (Oops, Kristen just told me we do have internet tonight, too, so that claim of being our last post was a bit premature!) . . .

It's been such a memorable few days here in Wengen, punctuated by yesterday's hike. As you can see by the pictures, that tram was indeed a challenge. Even being terrified, Kristen managed to make it up to the summit - which made the top even more welcome and spectacular. The rest of the afternoon was filled with a beautiful trail, majestic sky, and breathtaking views . . . all the while we were listening to the enchanting cowbells from throughout the mountain valley. How can those same obnoxious cowbells from Arco Arena sound so sweet?!? Finishing up our hike, eating our picnic lunch while looking out over the valley and the little town of Grindelwald far below, we made our way to the train station for our descent back into Wengen. WOW, what an afternoon . . .

Just when we thought the day was complete and we couldn't imagine it getting much better, we came down to dinner here at the Baren Inn. Without attempting to describe it, since I've already used every superlative I know when talking about these past few weeks, I'll just say that our dinner ranks in our TOP FIVE of all time . . . maybe even TOP - and that was a unanimous decision, even endorsed by our somewhat finicky girls! : )

It's off to the train station . . . more from Zurich later!

More memories to share!

Yes, that's the tram that we ALL survived on the ride up!

Stroll back to our cozy B&B in Switzerland.

No this isn't Disneyland...it's the real thing in Germany!

Okay, so they're holding Mom and Dad's...they still enjoyed(?!) a sip!

"Honor the dead, warn the living." From the survivor memorial statue at Dachau.

Dinner with Linda at the Hofbrauhaus!

These are a few of my favorite things...

1st class all to ourselves!

Hello from Switzerland!

Tuesday morning in Wengen, Switzerland
Had the best of intentions to keep writing more when we were back in Munich, but each day ended by rolling into the early morning of the next and I just couldn't manage to keep awake long enough to sit up and type . . . doesn't mean we're lacking on things to tell you and memories to share, that's for sure.
Since we're about to go and spend the day on an adventurous hike (thanks Kim for putting us in touch with Rhonda) I'll keep this brief . . .

Saturday in Dachau: powerful, unforgettable, educational. Lucked out and got a tourguide with both a thorough understanding of the history and a sensitivity/respect for the events that enabled us to learn more in those 3 hours than we could've ever gotten from a book. Sobering, tragic, hopeful.

Saturday evening at the Hofbrauhaus in Munich for late-night dinner: joyous, oompah music, beer, and great fun. Followed up by a long walk back to our hotel along the streets of downtown Munich with all kinds of entertaining nightlife, including a performer who loved the fact that we were Americans. Ask Kristen for more details!!

Sunday at Neuschwanstein Castle (the one used as a model for Disneyland!): BEAUTIFUL!!, fairytale, rainy, best views of the trip. Striking contrast to yesterday's outing . . . Back to Munich at 10PM and late-night dinner. Wow, what a weekend.

Monday: travel day on the trains (4 of them by the time we got here). Lovely scenery throughout Bavaria and into Switzerland. Will never forget rounding the curve on the train and seeing the majestic snowy Alps ahead . . . how many "unforgettable" experiences can we hold onto?!? Late night apple streudel at a little cafe along the mainstreet here in Wengen (Dean, Jon and Jeff, you should see the watches here!) Walked back to our place under the stars and chilly temps. Romantic!! (Oh Danny, does Kristen ever miss you!)

Tuesday: So now we're caught up. It's off to the Coop to get picnic supplies for our hike, then up the "lift" to the top of the mountain to start our day-long hike. Kim and Kristen not so sure about the steep, steep gondola . . . Kristen is terrifed actually, she describes it as "a box on the end of a string, dangling over the Alps" . . .

It's our last full day of uninterrupted Europe, we're going to make the most of it!