Lago Maggiore

Last Saturday we decided to leave the rain of Zurich behind and travel south to Lake Maggiore in the Italian "part" of Switzerland. We took the San Bernardino pass to get there. It is crazy beautiful (and cold). The lake was beautiful and the weather was fantastic. The water temp was about what Lake Sonoma would be. We had great pizza and pasta and then headed back into the fog. On our return trip we "decided" to take a different route. This time we took the San Gottardo Pass. Chris was driving and I think he was pretty nervous since guard rails seem to not be as popular here!

Winding road down from San Bernardino Pass

Chris and Shahab at Lago Maggiore.

Top of San Gottardo Pass. I think it was windy, but I could be wrong. When Chris got back in the car he looked a little like Doc Brown. He has decided to grow his hair out. I can't remember the last haircut he's had. I like it!

Descending back into the fog. Kind of spooky!

Past few weeks...

I thought I'd write about what we've been up to the past few weeks.
Zuri Fascht (Zuri Fest) happens every three years on the first Fri-Sun of July along the north and east side of the Limat River and the Zurichsee. During the day there are hundreds of street vendors selling food and novelties, air shows that happen three times a day (which scared the poor dog), water sports shows (wake boarding, skiing and diving) and an all out carnival with rides. They close down traffic in the city center at night. Again there are more vendors, rides, a great fireworks show, and street performers. I can't believe our luck to have been here for it!

Grossemunster with ladybugs projected on it. There were probably 10 different projections including a "Rolling Stone's mouth" with a white Swiss Cross on it. They love their flag!

Waiting for the fireworks

I told you they love their flag!

Taken from our terrace. These fly overs lasted about 45 minutes of which the dog sat frozen on the bed.

The following weekend we went to France for two stages of Le Tour de France with the dog and our friend Shahab. On Saturday we were at the finish in Station des Rousses. We walked up the backside from a small village to the finish. On the way back to the car, we were stuck in what I can only describe as a torrential down pour. There was no part of us that was dry. There was so much lightening and thunder I thought Chopper would jump out of her skin! It was about 3.5 miles back to the car. It also hailed on us near the bottom. I decided to wear flip flops that day...

Chris and Shahab standing by BMC team car and bus (BMC=swiss bicycle company, the cycling team is based in Santa Rosa, CA)

Finish area stage 7 at Les Rousses

Fabulous Fabian Cancellara. Our local Swiss hero.

Andy Schleck receiving the "Best Young Rider" jersey.

Family photo near the finish before the trek back down the mountain in the rain.

On Sunday we drove to a small village near the top of a category 1 climb (Col de la Ramaz). we picnicked in the village then found a good spot along the side of the road to watch the riders climb. They still go by so fast!



Chopper was tired after all the action.... Who knew she was also laying in road tar which doesn't come out of fur easily.

 

 

Schleck in the white... Contador in the womanly teal.

Lance after falling twice, but just before crashing for the third time that day.

The beauty of the Peloton... Highlight was having a water bottle thrown and Chris out sprinting other fans to it.

Finally

After months of preparation, packing, unpacking, repacking, checklists and paperwork we are finally here in Zurich! Chris arrived June 24th and I arrived with Chopper on the 25th.

Chris picked us up from the Frankfurt airport. We traveled seperately since the pet relocation company told us it is best if we didn't transfer planes with the dog. It was an exciting and tiring 11 hour flight and 4 hour ride here, but we made it. We had rental furniture for the first two weeks until our container ship arrived. I'm still unpacking boxes and trying to find places to put things. I brought way too much stuff!

Our apartment is on the fourth floor. Our terrace is the top one in the upper right corner. The other picture is Chris in the second bedroom. Just so you know what to expect when you come to visit us and we hope you will!