2020 - Letters Home

When you receive the dreaded call

12/09/2021 emsia.kruger

On September 13, 2020, we got that call that everyone feared. It was the call to inform us that Justin, our nephew’s life here on earth, ended at the age of twenty-five. He would have started a new job on the 14th. Justin and Candice are like our own children. Charl chatted with Justin every week to share his joys and his burdens.

The cards that are handed out to us by life

We do not have a choice about the cards handed out to us by life. All we have control over is how we play our hand of cards. Justin received an impossible hand of cards and faced many challenges in his short life. He and Candice lost their father to Motor Neuron Disease in elementary school. However, he always tackled every life challenge with hope and new courage. His perseverance was inspiring.

Justin was a handsome and tall young man with a beautiful smile that he carried with him, despite life’s challenges. He always tried to make life better for others and was loving and protective of Candice. He spent most of his time in the gym, and his gym friends were like family. The Covid-19 lockdown deprived him of his time in the gym, which was his healthy escape and way of socialising.

We shared memories

We had a Zoom Remembrance session for Justin due to Covid restrictions. Family and friends worldwide had the opportunity to share memories. It was the first time the Goosen family was together in a very long time, and it was so good to see each other. It almost felt like we were all sitting comfortably in one big living room, talking about Justin. The honesty of some of the stories made us laugh through our tears.

Friends’ words

It was a privilege to meet the special friends in Justin’s life. They shared the most beautiful pictures, stories, and words. His girlfriend, Trish, read a moving letter about the impact of his life and love on her.

A childhood friend shared the following:

“I remember how Justin, Candice and I sat on the trampoline and ate sweet chilli chips. This afternoon I went to buy a pack of sweet chilli chips at our South African shop. I ate everything by myself. We spent so much time together as children. I cried like a baby when we moved to Australia! They were like my brother and sister xxx.”

Other childhood friends sent precious birthday party pictures along with the following message:

“Thank you for the lovely session today. It was very emotional but also assured us that Justin is in God’s hands. We ask for yourself and uncle Charl to please stay strong for the sake of Candice and God bless your family. In our language, we say, “ A robale ka Kagiso” which means “May he Rest In Peace” From the Mokgoadi Family.

It was remarkable how his friends since childhood were representative of all the different cultures in our country. It was great to know that everyone’s love for Justin is a common denominator, and it gave me incredible hope for a future in our beautiful country.

The last time we saw each other

Zander and I spent the last night before we flew to Switzerland sleeping in Justin’s apartment and had the privilege of meeting his beautiful girlfriend, Trish. Justin helped Zander and me to get to the airport. He was, therefore, the last person I greeted in South Africa before our flight. Little did I know this was the last time I would see him.

When confronted with death, it forces us to think again about life and how we use our precious time. The experience reminded me of our impact on the world and how others will remember us.

Regards

Emsia

Zug surprised us with cherries and a scooter

17/06/2021 emsia.kruger

Great was my joy when I started to see cherries in the Swiss shops. I found out that Zug, which is close to us, is known for its cherries. The Romans planted cherries more than 1800 years ago. For the past 400 years, a cherry market has been held annually in Zug. Zug is also known for its cherry pie and its brandy (Kirsch).

Our outing to Zug exceeded our expectations. Various types of cherries, other berries, and related products were available at the market. We walked away with a box full of sweet cherries and cherry jam.

Cherries bring back fond memories

Bright red, sun-ripened cherries seduce me. I love their shape, colour and texture and the taste is heavenly. In South Africa, their scarcity contributed to the allure. I had precious memories of picking cherries in Ceres with the family during a Christmas holiday. We went home with tired children and bags full of cherries.

Cherries were that year’s Christmas dinner theme. With everyone’s creative suggestions, all the dishes on the Christmas menu contained cherries. There was cherry jam with the pot bread, a cherry and brandy sauce with the steak and a fruit salad with cherries. The meal was rounded off with a snow-white pavlova with bright red cherries as dessert. After Christmas, we were all healed of cherries for a year!

Many foreigners live in Zug

Zug is a beautiful town next to a turquoise lake. In Switzerland, each canton has its own tax rates. Zug is the canton with the lowest tax rate. It is, therefore, popular among foreigners and has an international school. Zug has a Swiss atmosphere, but more people speak English than in the other towns.

Zug, established 800 years ago, has a beautiful old town with cobblestone roads and historic buildings. Musicians with an accordion in front of a restaurant contributed to the atmosphere. They welcomed their guests with music and drinks. We celebrated the day with beer and pizza at an Italian restaurant next to the lake. Eating out in Switzerland is a luxury.

Zugersee surprised Zander with a scooter

Zander went prepared in his swimsuit. When we arrived, we sat on the rocks next to the lake to watch all the ducks and their fluffy baby ducklings. Zander braved the icy water and adapted enough to be able to swim around.

The next moment he saw something that excited him – a scooter that looked just like his scooter. After diving and splashing, he put the scooter, covered in green moss, down by the lake. He intended to clean the scooter and take it home.

Zug yielded far more than we had hoped for. The beautiful town exceeded all our expectations.

Cherry greetings

Emsia

Fun in the green rolling hills of Heidiland

10/06/2021 emsia.kruger

Different languages, cultures and landscapes in Switzerland offer a variety of experiences. Our visit to the eastern part of Switzerland was exceptional. The visit had the added benefit of visiting neighbouring Austria, Germany, and Liechtenstein in one day.

Appenzell

Green rolling hills characterise the Appenzell landscape. We could imagine Heidi and Peter laughing between the goats. We took a cable car up to the Ebenalp, the northernmost peak of the Appenzell Alps. Many people paraglide from the top of the mountain. They tested our nerves with their excited and nervous screams as they jumped off the edge to fly the 770m down.

We walked one of the many beautiful hiking trails on top of the mountain from Ebenalp. The hiking trail took us past prehistoric caves, where there is evidence that Neanderthal people lived 40,000 years ago. There are also bones of cave bears and leopards.

We ate cheese like Heidi in a wooden cottage

Our visit to the famous Appenzeller cheese factory was a pleasant experience. We were amazed by the variety of cheeses made with various combinations of mixed herbs.

We spoiled ourselves with fondue and a cheese platter accompanied by home-baked bread and fruit chutney for lunch. The restaurant looked like a Heidi cottage in the mountains, with everything made of wood.

We bought Appenzeller herbal liqueur. It is still made according to an old family recipe and contains 42 types of herbs.

Heidiland

The Heidiland region utilised the Heidi theme for tourism purposes with a Heidi House in Maienfeld and Heidi hiking trails. One of Switzerland’s well-known natural hot springs, Bad Ragaz, is also in the region. We visited the Tamina fountains that feed Bad Ragaz.

The steam from the hot water created a mystical atmosphere. We felt so small in time when we read that people discovered these fountains already in 1240. People travelled far and sat in the water for up to ten days with great faith in the healing power of the water. The sketches of the baths built of stone reminded me of the baths in biblical times that the sick visited regularly.

Austria and Germany

We were very close to the border and could not resist the temptation to drive through Austria and Germany. In Austria, we explored a beautiful nature reserve. The waterfalls between the autumn-coloured trees took our breath away.

In Germany, we went shopping. Many items are much cheaper in Germany than in Switzerland. On weekends, the Swiss flood the German towns close to the border. They take advantage of the lower prices and the 19% VAT exemption.

Lichtenstein

On the way home, we visited Vaduz, Lichtenstein’s capital, to look at the castle. It was built in the 12th century and is the official residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein. Lichtenstein is the sixth smallest country in the world and a monarchy. Economically Liechtenstein has one of the highest GDP per capita in the world. It has a significant financial sector in Vaduz. As we stood at the castle, a shiny black car drove through the gates and kept our imagination guessing.

It is a great privilege to get to know Switzerland better. We use our opportunity to discover the different things that each area and each season has to offer. I share in a previous letter more about our experience of the French and Italian parts of Switzerland in the summer.

Kind regards

Emsia

The French and Italian parts of Switzerland

07/06/2021 emsia.kruger

After seeing a few warning lights burn in all of us after a challenging year, we realized that we need an effective pit-stop holiday despite masks, rules, and accommodation and transport cancellations that have flowed in due to Covid-19 restrictions.

We had the opportunity to explore and experience the different regions of Switzerland. Zurich, where we live, is in the eastern German-speaking region. We wanted to see and visit the western French cantons and the southern Italian canton of Switzerland. Each area has its beauty and charm.

The French side of Switzerland

The French part of Switzerland is known as Romandy. Valais, Vaud, and Geneva are three of the largest wine-producing regions in Switzerland. The green vineyards along the shores of the blue waters of Lake Geneva create a beautiful picture. We experienced many similarities between the French and South Africans, such as passion and strong will. Charl works with the French. He says even though he cannot understand their language, there is something in their essence that he can identify with.

We stayed in the Rhone Valley. The Rhone Glacier formed this valley but melted due to climate change. The Rhone River is a milky green colour, and the vineyards are in rows that stretch high up the mountain. One morning we walked over a bridge built over a 950m high rock crevice. We hiked on a hiking trail between the vineyards down to a Medieval village and enjoyed ice-cold apple juice as a refreshment in the heat.

The Italian side of Switzerland

Ticino is the Italian-speaking region in the south of Switzerland. Neighbouring Italy inspired the architecture, food and culture. In Bellinzona, the capital of Ticino, we visited beautiful medieval castles. We stayed in Lugano, which has a holiday village atmosphere. It is right next to a blue-green glacial lake with a lovely waterfront promenade.

We swam in the lake, rented pedal boats, and tried to do Stand Up Paddling (SUP) at Zander’s request. We went up the mountain with the Funicular to see the world from above. On my recommendation, we hiked down. With the heat and all the complaints, it was clear that I was not eligible for the team member of the week award. I consequently suggested pizza and gelato ice cream as a peace offering. Covid-19 restrictions resulted in fewer tourists and short queues.

Como in Italy

We took the train across the border to Como in Italy. A heatwave arrived with us in Italy. The Italians are passionate and hospitable people who enjoy and appreciate beautiful and delicious things in life. I could not stop looking at all the historic old buildings and villas with colourful and well-kept gardens. They were built by the rich in Roman times and nowadays serve as tourist accommodations.

Early in the evening, when the sun begins to set, people come out of their living areas with the most beautiful clothes and fragrances. The girls look pretty with their red lips in their colourful and feminine dresses. The young men display their attractive tanned, and trained bodies in white cotton shirts. They socialize with charming music provided by street musicians until late at night. Early in the morning, the smell of freshly ground coffee hangs over all the street cafes. Sparrows stand cheekily closer for their daily bread.

My comparison between Switzerland and Italy

On the way back home, I tried to clarify the difference in experience between Switzerland and Italy. Switzerland is like those very organised families or friends you visit. Everything is orderly and structured. The garden is well-maintained, and the furniture is durable. Mealtimes are at a set time. The meals are healthy and balanced.

Italy is like spontaneous family or friends. There is a lot of freedom to come and go as you please. The house is full of artwork and detail. The visit is entertaining, and meals are made with available ingredients when everyone is hungry.

One visit is not necessarily better than the other. It is just different.

Ciao

Emsia

Growing up in another country

31/05/2021 emsia.kruger

The school year in Europe is coming to an end. Excitement is in the air as people are starting to get ready for the summer holidays. However, many people have to say goodbye to friends and prepare for a new beginning in another country.

Adapting to a new school and country

Zander joined the international school in August 2019. He settled in well. He has awesome friends from all over the world, and together they are adapting to a new country. We enjoy the new adventure but still have challenges. Due to the language and culture of another country, we often do not understand certain things. The long dark winters and the loss of family and friends are challenging. Covid-19 certainly also made its contribution to the list of challenges.

The reality of an international school like the Inter-Community School Zurich (ICS) is that people come and go constantly and must regularly go through changes and adjustments. Most families at school live in a country for an average of three years and then move on to another country. A response to my semi-Afrikaans farewell letter, provides a good example of this.

Comments from a Dutch mom preparing for their move

Thank you for the note. I cannot really say that we are returning home. We left the Netherlands (NL) 22 years ago and hardly ever went back. We were always joking that we only went back for weddings and funerals. Of course, the kids are Dutch but never lived in NL. They see Switzerland as their home. Out of 22 years abroad, we lived 11 years in Switzerland (in 3 entries). When living in Dubai or Germany, we went to Switzerland for home leave. There are mixed emotions in the family.

It will be good for the kids to live in their ‘native’ country for some years. It is a good career opportunity for my husband, but we are not all happy to be moving to the NL. My son just does not want to go. His first reaction was to find another family in Switzerland to live with. He received some offers! It is funny to read and understand the Afrikaans language!

So many languages

ICS Parent Association Facebook Profile picture

The international school has many processes to help these parents and children who arrive and depart deal with the change. Many of the children who arrive at the school cannot even speak English properly. There are dedicated English teachers to help them. The children must learn German as a second language and from grade 6 also French or Spanish. Zander is doing well with the German but finds the Spanish very challenging. He must also maintain his Afrikaans for when we go back to South Africa.

Third Culture Kids

As a result of globalization, there is a group of children growing up in countries other than where they were born. These children are referred to as Third Culture Kids (TCK). They do not learn the culture of their country of birth. Because they move around, they also do not acquire the culture of the residence country. They learn the mixed culture of the families of the international school which they attend. It is therefore called a Third Culture.

The advantage of the situation for the children is that they are very adaptable and have many contacts and knowledge of different countries and cultures. The disadvantage of the situation is that children struggle with identity. Culture is critical for the development of your identity. It helps individuals answering the questions of “Who am I?” and “Where do I come from?

Change is part of life

Change is part of the rhythm and nature of life. We need to see the role of change positively and integrate it into our lives without fear. Change helps us become aware of new things, learn new skills, and in the process, get to know ourselves better.

Kind regards

Emsia

Photography as teacher of the art of observation

19/04/2021 emsia.kruger

Throughout my life, I constantly had something to do. However, I can now focus on activities I want to rather than must do. I always believed that initiatives should have an outcome, serve a purpose, or benefit something or someone else. For the very first time, I do things just because I enjoy it. I am learning to see it differently!

Taking pictures has always been an activity I have enjoyed, and it has a purpose. Now I have discovered photography. Photography is the word I use when I take pictures just for fun. I even participated in an online photo challenge competition (GuruShots) and learned a lot when my photos had to meet specific criteria. I got a lot of ideas and inspiration from other photographers. Photography also became a teacher of many valuable life lessons.

Focus

In one challenge, we had to experiment with the focus. If you focus on one part of a picture, the other parts of the image become out of focus and fade. After the first summer rains, the wildflowers grew lushly around us. It was hard to decide where I wanted to focus because there were so many beautiful parts to choose from. It is sometimes difficult to choose, but we must focus on what we want to stand out and accept the rest is part of the background.

Colour

Many of the challenges are about colour. Colours like orange, red and yellow are great because there are many options with brightly coloured items. The black and brown challenges were challenging because these are not the type of colours I usually put focus on. When the topic was brown, I looked at items like wood, leather, chocolate, and soil. The marks and stains of wood that have arisen over the years created the contrast in colour and made the item and the photo something special.

Shadows

I was surprised by the challenge that focussed on shadows. I usually try to take my pictures during times of the day when the light is soft, there are clouds in the sky, and there are no shadows. The concept of shadows can have a positive or a negative meaning. Shadows play a significant role in photos. It can draw attention to or hide something. It contributes to the drama, emotion, or mystery of the picture.

Places

A photo challenge that excited me was the one about My Country. South Africa is such a diverse country with the most beautiful scenery and people. The hardest part was choosing just one photo! It was lovely to look at the other photographers’ entries. It was like a world tour because everyone could choose only one picture that captured their country.

People

The challenge about generations made me nostalgic. Pictures of our people are precious to us because each one tells something about the person, the moment, or the situation. An exceptional photo makes us see and feel love, emotion, or humour. Excellence lies in the ability to spot those moments and have the skill to capture them. It teaches me to look deeper.

I read the following quote about photography that resonated with me:

“To me, photography is an art of observation. It’s about finding something interesting in an ordinary place… I’ve found it has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them.”
— Elliott Erwitt

Kind regards

Emsia

Being tested on the Swiss roads

08/03/2021 emsia.kruger

Charl always dreamed of driving through Europe with a camper van. With the move to Switzerland, the dream came closer to possibility. However, there were a few hurdles he had to overcome for the camper van holiday to become a reality.

A South African driving licence is only valid for the first year in Switzerland. ŉ Driving test in Switzerland within the first year is, therefore, necessary to obtain ŉ Swiss driving licence. Everyone recommended that we take driving lessons before we conduct the driving test in German. If you fail the driving test, you must start at the very beginning and go through the learner’s licencing process. The process entails that you must pass a first aid course and attend classes before you can write the theory test. I decided I was getting along well with the trains, but Charl accepted the challenge.

Driving lessons

Charl is one of the most careful and law-abiding drivers I know. I could never have predicted the negative impact the driving lessons would have on Charl’s driving confidence. The driving school instructor was strict and quick to grab the steering wheel.

This whole driving lesson experience made me appreciate Uncle Schalk all over again. Uncle Schalk helped both Jacques and Christo get their driving licences. I initially sat next to Jacques while he was learning to drive. Every time we got home, I wanted a glass of wine. I enlisted the help of Uncle Schalk to avoid a potential alcohol problem. I recently wrote to Uncle Schalk to say how much I appreciated his compassion and care during his lessons and that his driving lessons were 10% of the price of the Swiss lessons.

Charl came home from each late afternoon driving lesson drenched in sweat. The short summer is hot, and according to regulations, air conditioners are not allowed. All the sessions also had to take place with a mask and plastic gloves. The mask also fogged up his glasses.

Some traffic rules in Switzerland are different from those in South Africa

Some traffic rules here in Switzerland are different from those in South Africa. Pedestrians, for example, have priority most of the time and vehicles are legally obliged to stop for them. When waiting at a train crossing, you must switch off your car and take it out of gear while you wait to limit carbon emissions. The different rules, speed limits, new unknown roads and right-hand driving caused the whole driving situation to be more challenging than initially expected.

Driving test

All the luck was on Charl’s side when he got a traffic officer who had worked in America for a few years and spoke English well. The officer made him feel very comfortable, and a few things went well early in the test. The confidence needle rose rapidly, and he obtained the papers authorizing him to drive in Switzerland.

We saved a bottle of South African wine for celebration purposes. Over a glass of ice-cold Tokara Chardonnay, Charl could start dreaming about a European holiday in a camper van and life without Covid-19.

Kind regards

Emsia

Uncertainty to possibility

23/02/2021 emsia.kruger

The planner in me struggles with uncertainty. Several plans in my life did not work out. Despite the uncertainty, the circumstances did create interesting possibilities and opportunities. In most cases, the failure or challenge was necessary to change my perspective and my actions.

I reflected on times when plans did not work out and I had to look for opportunities.

The first major panic attack recall moment was my final exam at University. Everything was in place to start working in Stellenbosch the following year, but then I failed one of my majors! My dad was called to help. Despite his own work problems, he had to take leave and take me back to Bloemfontein for an oral exam. He had to motivate and support his eldest who was in great panic. Support has traditionally been my mother’s role. He went to buy chocolates while I wrestled with Company Law and Auditing Statements.

The oral did not go so well, and I was worried. Coming home, my mother’s smile and bunch of flowers were a great relief. Prof called with good news. The crisis caused me to experience my father’s love and support in a different way. Our father-daughter relationship was on a new level.

My biggest life dream has always been to have children. After six years of one line pregnancy tests, praying and begging, we made an appointment at the Infertility Clinic. The waiting list is long, and the first available appointment is months away in July. My body feels weird and I do another pregnancy test a day before the appointment. The most beautiful picture of two lines greeted me and nine months later I got the role I wanted most – the Mommy role!

At almost forty, my path crossed the Infertility Clinic again. I recall the doctor’s words, “Science creates possibilities, but you must always remember that the decision is made by God himself”. I was eventually blessed with three wonderful sons. Candice and Justin also joined our family later. Charl who thought he was never going to have kids always says he has one, three or five kids, depending on how you look at it.

From negative pregnancy test to having three boys

Family is my joy. After twelve years of marriage, I realised during an unexpected lunch date that my marital and family life as I knew it had irrevocably changed. The uncertainties stand in line with their frightening faces. How am I going to pay off the house? Will I be able to cope with housekeeping and raising the boys? Will I, with all my complexities, find a partner for the rest of the road?

I converted and rented out parts of the house to meet the financial challenges. In the process, I got to know wonderful and interesting people in crisis years of their own lives. The boys and I had special times together. I was forced to improve my technology and cricket knowledge and had to quickly learn about irrigation and swimming pools. The Father also sent me a partner who sometimes understands and sometimes tolerates my complexities.

Switzerland and the future remain another major uncertainty and now Covid-19 has also joined the list. I did learn to trust the Great Plan. I am still trying to understand and working on the possibilities that the situation creates. In uncertain times I cling to words of the wise.

“Embrace uncertainty. Some of the most beautiful chapters in our life’s, won’t have a title until much later” – Bob Goff

“Trust the wait. Embrace the uncertainty. Enjoy the beauty of becoming. When nothing is certain, anything is possible” – Mandy Hale

“Every problem, every dilemma, every dead end we find ourselves facing in life, only appears unsolvable inside a particular frame or point of view. Enlarge the box, or create another frame around the data, and problems vanish, while new opportunities appear.” ― Rosamund Stone Zander, The Art of Possibility

Kind regards

Emsia

Exceptional service during Covid-19 pandemic

09/02/2021 emsia.kruger

The world around us has started to look very monochrome due to Covid-19. However, a brightly coloured story is like sunshine for the mind. The golden story took place in a hospital in a small town here in Switzerland.

Hospital in a small town in Switzerland

The town is big enough for a government hospital and two private hospitals. Only scheduled operations take place in one of the private hospitals. The patients only stay a few nights until they are strong enough to go home after the procedure. The main aim of the hospital and staff is to take care of patients mentally and physically after an operation for a speedy recovery.

With the onset of Covid-19, the government announced that all non-essential scheduled operations must first stop to focus on Covid-19 patients. The hospital in the story does not have an intensive care unit, and the director realized that without scheduled surgeries the hospital would have to close during Covid-19.

He was still organizing his thoughts, plans and communication with staff when he received an important call from the state hospital. There are several people with Covid-19 who have indicated on their medical documentation that medical intervention should not be applied to them as they approach their dying hour. Connecting to a ventilator is an example of medical intervention.

Requirement for death guidance

The government needed the hospital as a quiet place with care where people could spend their last days. Almost all the patients were elderly. This request was a big shock because dying guidance was not part of the hospital staff’s training. Their forte is getting patients back on their feet after operations.

This hospital received 50 seriously ill Covid-19 patients. The staff cared for these elderly patients with love and care. All the love and care made such a big difference that 47 of them were able to go back to their homes here on earth.

After the first Covid-19 peak in Switzerland, the numbers decreased, and the government gave the green light for scheduled operations. Staff disinfected the hospital and got everything ready to resume normal operations on Monday of the following week.

The elderly patient wanted to spend his last hours in his birth hospital

On Friday afternoon, the hospital director received an unexpected call. A 96-year-old resident was very ill with Covid-19, and they knew his time on earth was less than 48 hours.

He wanted to spend his last hours in the same hospital where he was born. His wife, in her nineties, also had Covid-19 and came along. It was a difficult decision, but the couple checked into the hospital on Friday evening. He breathed his last on Saturday. His wife’s grief knew no end, but she continued to fight the disease and could and had to go home alone.

A week later, the hospital director received a call from the daughter of the elderly couple. Her mother could not get over the loving treatment she and her husband received in the hospital. Out of gratitude, the lady donated a large amount of money and requested the director to distribute it among the hospital staff.

The hospital director arranged a function to thank each staff member for their exceptional service. He handed out a special certificate to acknowledge each one for their extraordinary care during the pandemic. In these times, it was not their technical knowledge that made the difference but the love and care with which they acted. The power of love and caring was higher than that of any ventilator.

Kind regards

Emsia

Covid-19 freedom with responsibility

09/02/2021 emsia.kruger

30 April 2020

As the Covid gates open on the outside it feels like the colours on the inside are brightening as well. I get excited about things and privileges that I previously took for granted. Freedom means different things to different people. What each of us longs for most is unique to each of us as individuals. With many rules in place worldwide, we still cannot do everything that complete freedom would allow us, such as flying to South Africa. However, we are going to seize every opportunity with the limited freedom we do have.

Irises in Belvoir Park

When my Covid cage door opened, my first outing was to a park where different kinds of flowers and blossoms form a spectacle during different times in the spring season. May is the Irises’ turn and I wanted to see the last of them. The green lawns and variety of Irises in Belvoir park were beautiful, but the most beautiful of all was the space.

Lake Zurich

Zander’s biggest wish is to be in water. We miss the sea a lot. We miss the white foam waves on the blue and sometimes green water, the smell of salt hanging in the air and then of course the refreshing feeling of cold water rinsing your body. Our nearest water is now Lake Zurich. The lake’s water is still very cold, but I could see by the smile on Zander’s face, every icy drop was worth it. On the way back we bought him a delicious “cookie-dough” ice cream, because swimming and ice cream are equal to a holiday feeling.

Lucerne

Charl’s biggest wish is to be somewhere else without responsibilities for a while. We boarded the first train to Lucerne. Lucerne is a typical tourist city and usually packed with Chinese tourists armed with their cameras. What a strange sight not to see anyone next to the lake! The exception was one masked stray soul with her whole body and backpack covered with plastic. Luckily, the Chapel Bridge across the Reuss River was just as beautiful as ever, perhaps even more beautiful without all the tourists.

After a first year of change and adjustment, we were excitedly looking forward to our first European summer vacation. Typical Goosen style we booked a complex holiday with lots of tickets and booking.com deals. Even though the writing was seen on the wall, it was still a disillusionment when the boat cancellation between Denmark and Russia and the flight cancellations came through one by one. The state’s recommendation is that residents spend their summer holidays in Switzerland.

In Switzerland, the recommendation is that we should try to live despite Covid-19 and without panic. It is a challenge to keep morale high and create spirit in any country with so many social distance rules. We took part in a national fun run this weekend as a spirit-building activity.

Over the weekend, people had to cover 10km on their own time and route and then register it on a website. We covered 10 km in the forest near us. To keep my own morale high, I planted my first seedlings in Switzerland in two pots I brought along. The blue-purple Lavender and blood-red Malva make me long for my lovely garden in Welgemoed.

Kind regards

Emsia