The Excursion

Today was a day I was most dreading...driving the car. When we realized it was not cost effective to bring our sedan from the US to, we decided to buy a used car in Switz. I drove a van and didnt care much for the low to the ground, squooshy sedans, and since I would be the primary driver, I decided on a small SUV. Hubby and I dreaded schlepping around to Swiss car dealers, spending the weekends looking for a car, negotiating with salespeople who largely speak German, and signing agreements in German. It made perfect sense to purchase a car from someone from our English speaking network. Low and behold we came across a family who was moving back to the US the same week we were arriving, selling their Range Rover. Although I initially had a smaller SUV in mind, this seemed like a better idea since we wanted something comfortable for our family, as well as something that could handle the ice, snow, and rough terrain, and be readily maintained.  It proved to be a wonderful opportunity for all of us...it was well cared for, in my price range, and of course the transaction was done simply with a cyber handshake (that would be via email, and the wiring of funds).We were thrilled. Well, I finally met the car yesterday and must admit, its a lot bigger than I envisioned. But, there are loads of RRs here and if other people can drive them, than so can I!
I gave it a little test drive yesterday and was terrified. The street signs are so different, and there's so much to watch out for and the car seems monstrously large on these narrow windy roads.

We were also invited to the home of one of my children's classmates for this afternoon. I was very nervous about driving on the highway. I reviewed some websites offering driving tips, and explaining the rules of the road, and traffic signs. Armed with my Swiss GPS, and my able bodied 12 year old, I thought I was ready. I explained to the kids how nervous I was and asked them to take a vow of silence for the excursion. No talking, no arguing, no touching, no music... just breathing in the car while I'm driving. They eagerly agreed as they were so excited to meet other kids and play with someone/something other than their Itouchs.

My son did a great job helping me with the GPS and telling me the various speed limits. There are only 4 speed limits in Switzerland 30km/hr for villages, 50 for Towns, 60 on major roads, and 120 for the highway. I found it difficult to distinguish a village from a town and even when the road thru a town became a major road. It was very confusing, even when the signs were posted. The streets with giant intimidating names like Schweindenstrasse, and Muhletobeistrasse....I couldn't understand what the German accented GPS voice was saying and then my trusty navigator would  try to pronounce it more phonetically and we'd be quickly approaching it just as I figured it out. Adding to the confusion is the vast amount of Roundabouts and when I'd ask my son, "ok - which way now?" and he'd answer something akin to " This way" or "That way?" what does that mean....left or right or straight?! I can't criticize him...he did an amazing job looking after me, and the speed limit signs and my speed limit ...all displayed on the GPS. After driving for 5 miles, we had to get on the highway ...which actually seemed the easiest place to drive...no pedestrians, no special signs, no bicyclists, no stop lines or signs, no cross traffic. However, I just couldnt bring myself to drive at 120 km/hr. Really...100 seemed fast enough. The kids were so amused when everyone was zooming past us. They were cracking up, just wanting to bust out laughing....and I knew what was so funny. I let them know...I just cant drive any faster. Through their tears of laughter, they were "but mommmmm"ing me, "everyone's passing us." So much for the vow of silence... "Not everyone, there's someone right behind us..." tailing very closely I might add. My elder son, who should be facing forward, helping me navigate, looked to see who could possibly be slower than his mom,"Yeah but its an old lady," who then promptly whipped around and passed me.  We were getting the hang of it, the tension eased by the Maria Andretti grandma, when we rounded a curve and caught an amazing spectacular sight: Lake Zurich with the magestic Alps towering over it. It was, as my daughter said," looked just like the pictures." I gasped... It was a dream come true sight and for a moment I reflected on how fortunate I was...The kids caught my stare... which caused them to scream "Mom - watch the road!" 

The rest is history...it all went smoothly. We arrived at the classmate's house and had a lovely visit. The kids hung out and I was fortunate to chat with the mom. She is British and has lived in Switzerland before, and China, and the US as well, so she's quite well versed in the expat life. She was so kind to share some info and offer some good tips on dining, resorts, skiing, the school, shopping.

Then, we had a largely uneventful trip back home...except for a wrong turn which lead us to take a more circuitous route home...no biggee...just an opportunity to see another part of the area....thank heavens for the GPS...I couldnt drive without it and dread driving without my trusty navigator. I told him that he'll probably be late for school every day since I will need him to navigate the route to the younger kids' school.

After we returned home, we were delighted by visitors. I am fortunate to have been in contact with one of my older son's teachers' wife who live in the same town we do. She stopped by with her son, and we were later joined by her husband ! It was so nice to meet someone who also has been so kind and helpful to us. We had a nice talk and it was great getting to know her and gaining more wisdom from her on doctors, the school, trips, the town we live, skiing, transportation, walking trails, where I should take German language lessons. She was so kind to bring us 3 cakes - one is like cake of a funnel cakes, and the other 2 are King Cakes, as tomorrow is Little Christmas celebrating the 3 kings visit to Jesus. The cakes have a little trinket baked inside and when we eat them, one slice will contain it, and that person will be king for the day. Fun!

Tonight, we called the younger kids' classes back in IL. Just hearing the class of kids yelling" hi" and "bye" in the background made me weepy. They are so sweet and it reminded me of how brave my kids are. They have never complained, nor given us any heartache about leaving their friends. I know it must be hard on them, because its hard on me. I am so excited for this adventure, have no regrets, and know it is the right path for us, but still can't help missing the people we had to leave.

So, this is the ongoing problem of jet lag:  My clock tells me its 1am, but my body is telling me that its only 6pm. I must sign off and get some sleep. This is a big day....our sea shipment arrives. Hooray !