2021 - Letters Home

Music speaks the language of my soul

14/09/2021 emsia.kruger

Music speaks to my soul in ways that even words cannot reach. I do not have much musical talent. My dad played in a band, and my mom and sister had pure singing voices. I, fortunately, received the talent for appreciating music in generous amounts.

Songs tell stories of people, places, and times

During my childhood, there was always music playing in our house. There was a radio in every room, even in the bathroom. As teenagers, we recorded our favourite songs on the radio on cassette tapes. We gave my mother a list of songs she had to record while we were at school. My sister knew the words of every popular hit, and I just made up my own words.

With my mother’s 70th birthday, I put together a CD set of her 40 favourite songs as a gift. She chose songs representative of all her life stages and told me the story behind each one. During her birthday celebration, she handed out copies of the CDs to her friends and family. A particular song on the CD close to my heart is the Māori Love Song. She told me that song played on the radio in the car on the way home just after my birth.

I also put together a Top 40 iTunes playlist for myself and chose songs that remind me of people close to me. I listen to it every Thursday when I clean the house, and then my soul visits everyone while the song that connects us plays.

Music is the language of the heart

Music has a physical, emotional and spiritual impact on us. It has the power to excite and entertain an entire stadium but can also provide soothing comfort. Moviemakers use it very well to create emotion and feeling while the plot unfolds. People tell stories through musicals, jazz, rap, and opera. Music is a medium for worship and praise in churches. It also forms part of culture and folk music to give people a sense of unity.

Music in Switzerland

Music plays a critical role in Swiss culture. Many opportunities exist to develop and live out musical talent. In summer, there is an organ performance in Zurich’s mother church (Fraumünster) once a week. Different church organists can share their talent on the impressive organ in the historic Gothic building. My soul is in heaven when I listen to pure organ sounds.

During the summer, there are many music festivals and concerts. There are outdoor concerts where people can picnic while listening to symphony music along the lake. We attended the Lucerne Music Festival in the large (KKL) concert hall in Lucerne. Zander and I watched a Star Wars movie on a big screen whilst a live symphony orchestra provided the soundtrack. In December, we plan to experience the 007 Sky Fall movie with live music.

The Alphorn is a traditional Swiss musical instrument. Years ago, the shepherds used it to call cows from the pasture when it was time for milking. Later they used the Alphorn for folk music and tourism, and now it has become a national symbol. We often meet a person or group of people playing this Alphorn at touristy places.

I love Plato’s words:

Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.

Kind regards

Emsia

Technology changed the way we live

25/08/2021 emsia.kruger

Technology has an increasingly changing impact on how we live. Digitization is a buzzword. I am embarrassed to admit that I do not welcome digitization with the same excitement as the rest of my family. I sometimes focus on the inconvenience of change rather than the incredible opportunities it creates. However, my family makes sure that I am not left behind.

Home automation

Charl works in technology and gets very excited about new developments. He implemented numerous automation in our house in South Africa and controlled the alarm, security cameras and garage doors from his phone. When he worked away from home, the automation allowed him to check on all the cameras.

Charl was already in Switzerland on the day of Christo’s 18th birthday and party. I turned off the outside camera that night because I was worried that Charl’s heart was not strong enough to watch a house party while adapting to a new job in a new country.

Charl bought a Google Home for our apartment in Switzerland. It plays music and provides the weather forecast on request. However, I get very annoyed when Google Home does not understand my accent and friendly tone of voice. It responds immediately to Zander’s instructions. I informed Charl and Zander that if they ever talk to me in the same instructive manner as with Google Home, I’m packing my suitcase home.

ICS School

The ICS school provides each child with a Chrome book on which they work at school and do homework. The school has licenses for various software that the learners use in different subjects, such as Design and Art. Even the library book lending system is automated. Parents can, therefore, also lend and read books online.

Supermarkets

At supermarkets, the buying and paying process is also automated. Customers must activate a scanner with their card at the store entrance before scanning each item they load into the trolley. After the purchases, they pay at a terminal. It came in quite handy during Covid-19. Staff members occasionally conduct samples on selected customers to keep them honest.

The first time they selected me for a sample was a traumatic experience. With the final scan before payment, large red letters, WARTEN, appeared on the screen. A shop assistant showed up and requested that I unpack my trolley, as she had to scan everything again. I could feel my temperature rise, especially when she pointed out to me that I forgot to scan the barcode of the yoghurt! I left the store without a criminal record but was very embarrassed.

A Blog for My Letters

My friends encouraged me to post my regular letters on ŉ Blog. My fear of technology and social media were the two factors that kept me from doing this for over a year. I had to see it as something new to try and learn.

Certain aspects were intuitive, but others were more challenging to figure out. I regularly wished for someone to sit next to me and help. The online world does not have a phone number or an email address. You rely on online articles written by people who have experienced a similar problem.

The whole experience reminded me of the following:

In a changing world, new and unknown things and experiences are a given. We must see them as doors that open new worlds.
It is very satisfying to manage to do something successfully after struggling with it.
We are part of history and have the privilege of witnessing rapid technological change.
Everybody needs the support and encouragement of other people to try something new. We must receive it with love and grace and distribute it in abundance.

Regards

Emsia

Lifestyle changes in Switzerland

18/08/2021 emsia.kruger

Sometimes it is necessary to reflect on the path you have walked, the choices you have made and their impact. To adapt in Switzerland, we have made several lifestyle changes. Some of our changes were by choice, and others were for economic or practical reasons.

Transport

We have made a significant adjustment in terms of transport. Space and parking are limited and we, like the rest of the people in Switzerland, regularly use public transport. We ride a bike or walk as an alternative. Zander has a lot of freedom between public transport and his scooter.

After our first year, we bought a car to expand our options. Charl had to take a practical driving test to obtain a Swiss driving license. I shared more about this in a letter, tests on the road. I have not been behind a steering wheel in the last two years. However, I am much fitter.

Eating habits

Our eating habits changed significantly. We enjoyed eating out or enjoying breakfast on a Wine Farm in South Africa. However, breakfast is not a big deal in Switzerland. The Swiss quickly get a “Gipfile” (croissant) or “Brezel” (giant pretzel) and coffee at the train station or a bakery.

Dining out is expensive, and the variety of options is limited. I can count the times we ate at a restaurant on my one hand. Drinking coffee in Switzerland is the most expensive in the world.

We live almost entirely vegetarian. Meat options are limited and very expensive. I occasionally spoil Zander with a hamburger or pork sausage, but I find the meat and especially the chicken tasteless. I, therefore, adjusted my weekly menu to a vegetarian menu.

Residence

We exchanged a large house with a lovely garden in South Africa for a small apartment on the first floor in a large apartment complex, Ankenbüel, in Zumikon. The cost of home cleaning assistance is 15 times more than the same service in South Africa. I am, therefore, grateful that our place is small because the cleaning task landed on my job description. The benefit of our living space is that we live lighter with less responsibility and obligations associated with home maintenance.

The smaller living area impacted our personal space at home. We initially saw it as a potential problem, but now we enjoy the togetherness. However, the Covid-19 restriction tested this aspect to the limit.

Diversity

Most people living in the apartment complex come from other parts of the world. Of course, the international school also consists of families from all over the world. We are, therefore, exposed to diversity on many levels. We experience a variety of food, cultural practices, language, and things we never knew existed. It helps us to look at diversity with new eyes and respect. It also causes us to have more respect and appreciation for our own country, its people, and its traditions.

Language

Our German vocabulary has expanded quite a bit, and our understanding of the language is already reasonable. However, we are not yet able to have a proper conversation in German. We often do not understand what is going on, and it is sometimes a big challenge. The expectation is that you should be able to speak the language of the country where you live.

We enjoy the new opportunities and personal growth that it brings. The change certainly has a significant impact on our perspectives in a changing world. Situations often confront us with our outlook. Sometimes we must laugh at ourselves for the mistakes we make. Growth does not happen without the necessary growing pains.

Kind regards

Emsia

Medals for dedication and sacrifice

05/08/2021 emsia.kruger

The recent Olympics sucked me in like a strong ocean current. I was on the crest with certain athletes, their coaches, family, and team members. However, I also shed tears about disappointments and dreams that did not work out.

The Olympic medal symbolizes hard work, dedication, sacrifice and patience. It serves as a motivation for the thousands of people fighting the pandemic worldwide.

Medal of Honour

We are familiar with the US Medal of Honour, the highest form of recognition a military member can earn. For some, the Medal of Honour indicates profound bravery and heroism. For others, it symbolizes enormous sacrifice, dedication, and service.

For people who receive the medal, its meaning is often deeply personal and filled with myriad emotions unique to each individual and their experience. It is a tangible reminder of a difficult time in their lives and often represents enormous personal loss and sacrifice. These ordinary people have done extraordinary things for a better future.

In the last year, I have seen various people who have done extraordinary things for the people they love. These people will never receive a medal for their selfless love and sacrifice.

Burger and Dalene Prinsloo

In a previous letter, I shared more about Burger and Dalene’s internal journey in a foreign country. After his severe stroke on 18 August 2020, Burger spent six months in hospitals in Germany and the last six months in South African rehabilitation centres. Dalene resigned from her job and supported Burger in every way possible. They have a team of therapists, family and friends who also support them. However, I can write an entire book on all their challenges over the past year. They both got Covid, among others.

They are currently in Johannesburg with their daughter to enable therapy for Burger. I share Dalene’s words from recent feedback.

“We are healthy, and Burger is progressing well. He can walk almost 100 steps at a time. However, his muscles are stiff, and he is experiencing pain with the sudden exercise after ten months in the hospital bed. According to the therapists, it sounds like we must stay here for another ten months before we can go home. We embark on the journey day by day in faith, and we know the finish line awaits!”

The pandemic

The pandemic caused a lot of trauma and loss, and many families have lost loved ones. Others lost their jobs or sources of income and security. It takes courage to get out of bed in the morning and fulfil your responsibilities. Superhuman strength is required to sit with your pain, study for exams and help with tasks at home because mom or dad is no longer there.

A letter from a young girl who recently lost her mom and dad touched my heart.

“I want to go buy buns after church on Sunday and steal a hot bun from the bag and eat in the car on the way home. I want to step into the chaos where you smell homemade food. I want to run fast to put on other clothes. I will quickly close my room door to hide the unmade bed and my church clothes still lying on the ground. I know mom does not make a fuss on Sundays. I want to turn back time and be at HOME again.”

To all the ordinary people who do extraordinary things, I want to say,

“Your attitude and perseverance, despite many challenges, give me and others hope and serve as encouragement and inspiration!”

Kind regards

Emsia

Life consists of colourful moments

02/08/2021 emsia.kruger

Life consists of moments. Moments are like pictures stored in the memory album and always available to slowly scroll through for remembrance.

Last year was a milestone birthday for Charl. Milestone birthdays force us to look back on the memorable moments of life. Charl’s love of puzzles and mine for photos were the building blocks for his gift idea.

Ravensburger in Germany allows one the opportunity to design a personalised jigsaw puzzle with your photos. The design of the gift provided me with just as much joy as the building did for Charl.

Our life is like one big puzzle

Our life is a big puzzle consisting of moments that shape and colour the picture. There are times when we can only focus on the pieces unpacked on the table that look like a mess.

In times that feel overwhelming, it helps to embark on a creative and therapeutic project to give our subconscious mind a chance to make sense of what may seem confusing. It allows our subconscious mind to look holistically at our lives and see all the pieces as challenges or opportunities rather than impossibilities. We are beginning to understand how these puzzle pieces fit together to create a bigger picture.

Our pictures consist of coloured but also black and grey pieces. The black and grey pieces help us to have more appreciation for the coloured parts. It is the contrasts that make the artwork unique.

We need to create memorable moments

We must create opportunities for memorable moments. For years I have been using December months to go through my year’s photos and sort them. It forms part of my way of reflecting on the year, but it is also a valuable encouragement to be open to new ideas and create opportunities for special moments.

My life is less hectic in Switzerland, and I deliberately focus on just enjoying the everyday moments. I have to be present to observe. My time together with Zander as our youngest is rapidly diminishing. This realisation encourages me to focus on being present and enjoy it when we drink our morning coffee in bed.

I have started to observe activities in the area and changes in nature more consciously when I walk to the store. I make eye contact and smile when I greet the people I pass by. It turns into an enjoyable shared moment that forms part of each other’s day.

We need to allow each other memorable moments

As my sons grow up and start living their own lives, I am more aware of the importance of allowing each other memorable moments. Within a family, individuals have different passions, favourite places and people.

Kahlil Gibran expresses it so beautifully in the following piece he wrote with a marital relationship in mind, but it is just as valid with other close relationships:

Shared moments despite the distances between us

Covid times force us to be creative in our efforts to at least be together in spirit. As family and friends around the world, we embarked on various creative projects. The projects included paint-by-numbers, diamond-dot-painting, acrylic paint on canvas and Lego and other building projects.

We excitedly shared our progress with pictures and thus experienced togetherness.

Regards

Emsia

Words have become my lifeline

25/07/2021 emsia.kruger

I have never been one for many words. I enjoy deep and informative conversations but tend to listen better than talk. For the past two years, however, words have been my only contact with other people.

The words that I speak and hear

Phone conversations have made me anxious before. Nowadays, a phone call has become my new gift. I look forward to hearing someone’s voice. My weekly call with my mother is like a constant to which I cling. I am grateful for the privilege of hearing her voice. After we shared information about the well-being of family and friends, we discussed our passions and interests. We also delight in the precious moments and positive memories of the past. It is always special to hear my mother laugh.

My boys do not like phone calls either. However, these days we talk on the phone for hours. We have previously expressed our love for each other by spending time and doing activities together. Often, it happened in silence because each other’s presence was enough. We helped each other with tasks or enjoyed little surprise gifts. Touch, as an expression of caring, happened in passing. Words are now all we have.

The words that we write and read

I experience writing as a valuable way to get rid of the emotions that want to overwhelm me. It helps me make sense of how I feel. The paper does not give advice, listens patiently, and gives me perspective. During my divorce, I pinned down my emotions in poetic form. With us moving to Switzerland, my regular letters help me to make sense of events, keep in touch and keep memories alive on paper.

I like to read and often find answers to my questions in written form. Often, I even find encouragement in written pieces, poems, and wise words of people on social media. I have learned to be selective with the type and the source of the information I read. Words have a significant impact on my mind, my feelings, and my actions.

Words are powerful

Words are a carrier of information and emotions. It has an impact on other people. If words become one’s only form of connection, you must choose them carefully. It is vital for the one who speaks it but also for the one who hears it. Words can build, inspire, motivate, acknowledge, and convey love. However, it can demean, discourage, and sow doubt and uncertainty.

Our words are a confirmation to the world of how we see others, our lives and ourselves. When we say something out loud, these words become the truth for ourselves but also for all who hear them. We must select our words carefully to ensure they are positive and convey the truth. We cannot retract our words.

The pen is mightier than the sword

I appreciate the idiom that says, “The pen is mightier than the sword.” Written words can convince, educate, enlighten others, and bring about more change than violence or abuse of power can ever do. It allows others to reflect on the words, experience emotional responses, and take action of their own free will.

Words have become my lifeline, and I am grateful to everyone who helps me keep my head above water with the exchange of words.

Kind regards

Emsia

Braai is a South African tradition

24/06/2021 emsia.kruger

The love for braai is one of the few things South Africans share, regardless of race, language, or culture. Braai is a South African tradition. Therefore, Heritage Day in South Africa is also known as Braai Day.

Braai and BBQ are not the same

If I must explain braai to my non-South African friends, I will do it as follows. Although braai loosely means cooking food over the coals, braaiing is not synonymous with barbeque. Braaiing can take place at any time of the day and in any season. South Africans even make coffee and breakfast on a braai when we camp. It is normal to braai during the week to prepare meals. Braai is even sometimes done after a night out since it is a way of being social.

Switzerland has a BBQ season

In Switzerland, there is a definite BBQ season during the summer. During May, the stores start unpacking accessories and food items that are marked BBQ. BBQ items are only available until after the summer holidays. During September, all the BBQ items make way again for Fondue and Raclette cheese which is the Swiss’ traditional way of hanging out with friends and family.

Here abroad, we look at a braai with new eyes. It is like an umbilical cord that binds you to your people, culture, and tradition. With Charl as a vegetarian, we did not braai in South Africa as often as most other people. In Switzerland, we have rectified the situation and braaiing is now high on our agenda.

BBQ options in Switzerland

Compared to South Africa, the meat options for braai are limited and incredibly expensive. Options consist mainly of pork sausage, marinated pork, chicken, and hamburger patties. Fortunately, there is a large variety of vegetarian barbecue options. There are different types of cheeses as well as other vegetarian substitutes for meat. We are now systematically trying out exciting products.

We have inaugurated our braai tradition in Switzerland with a disposable braai, a popular form of braai in the summer along the lake. For the first time, we tried out the disposable braai on the table on the porch of our apartment. The smell and taste and Zander’s excitement were enough motivations to buy a weber braai that works with charcoal.

It took us a while to get up to speed. For example, there are no fire lighters here, but we found substitutes and, in the process, discovered new Weber-related products.

Our braai was causing problems

One Sunday afternoon, someone rang our front doorbell. It was our Swiss neighbour in her wheelchair. Luckily Charl opened the door, and I listened from the room. When she started her sentence with, “I do not like complaining, but …” I held my breath. She complained about the braai and the smoke coming into her house. She also brought along the apartment complex’s lease agreement to show that only gas grills are allowed. We have never read the fine print in German before.

We searched again for the lease on the computer, translating the rules from German only to see that she was right. It was a bitter pill, but we were obliged to return with our hat in our hand. An apology letter and South African rooibos tea had to put the awkward situation behind us.

In South Africa braai on a gas grill is not considered a braai

In South Africa, braai on a gas grill is not considered a braai. We realised that “beggars cannot be choosers”, and Charl ordered a gas grill. Putting the Weber gas grill together was a whole Saturday project. Fortunately, Charl already has good experience with these types of construction projects.

We have tried our new gas grill a few times now. It works very well and allows us to experiment with different items. We tried homemade pizzas, but it still needs process improvement.

Regards

Emsia

My husband enjoys his e-bike more than walking

22/06/2021 emsia.kruger

My husband does not like walking. He made this fact very clear to me while we were still dating. He lost a few points in my books because I love walking. However, Charl’s recent electric bike proposal earned him a few bonus points.
Zander is now at that age where he prefers his friends’ company and activities over his parents. His parents, therefore, had to find something to keep themselves busy during weekends.

E-bikes are popular in Switzerland

E-bikes are becoming more and more popular in Switzerland, with one in seven bikes being electric bikes. The e-bike enables cyclists to tackle more demanding routes and greater distances on their bikes than they would be able to do on a road bike.

It is a bonus when the bike’s electric motor kicks in and you have assistance with getting up a hill. The cyclists who ride ordinary bicycles get irritated when an e-bike passes them. We learned to be more respectful and remain behind them on the uphill sections.

Switzerland caters well for cyclists

Switzerland caters very well for cyclists. There are dedicated bike paths, as well as bike stands available everywhere. The Kamoot App on my cell phone shows all the cycling and hiking trails. These bike routes take cyclists through the most beautiful rural parts and ensure they stay off the main roads.

Charl rides his bike to work

The traffic in Zurich is heavy, like in most cities. Cycling is one of the best ways to get through the city. Charl started riding the bike to work and forms part of a weekly exercise routine. Cycling is a great way to travel in an environmentally conscious country.

We explore the countryside over weekends

Cycling is a fun way to experience Switzerland’s beautiful landscapes and enjoy the tranquillity of the countryside. Our favourite is the road to Rapperswil, a medieval town at the bottom of Lake Zurich. We enjoy driving through the forest all along the lake to get there. On our journey, we see and smell the horses, cattle, and canola. At Rapperswil, we spoil ourselves with an Egg McMuffin and coffee by the lake. This way, we gather strength for the steep hill back home.

Cycling tourism

Bicycle tourism is a popular way to spend a holiday these days. It involves exploring the area by cycling from one town to the next. Alternatively, you can stay in one place and make day trips with your bike. There is a cycling route around Lake Constance that we would very much like to do. The road takes you through Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, with breathtaking views of the lake and the Alps.

I love speed and have already reached 60km/h on my bike. However, Charl warned me that if I fell or got a speeding ticket, I would lose a few points in his books!

Regards

Emsia

Unexpected people who become like family

03/06/2021 emsia.kruger

Family is not always blood. Family represent those people who choose to have you in their lives. They accept you just the way you are. These people will do anything to see you smile and stand by you through thick and thin. Sometimes they cross our paths in unexpected ways. They are gifts from Above.

Bettie taught me to cook traditional Cape food

As a young married woman with limited cooking skills and time, Bettie crossed my path as a domestic worker. Bettie took care of our household and cooked the most delicious meals. Easter weekends, Bettie spoiled us with a traditional Cape Easter speciality, pickled curried fish from Cape Malay cuisine. She and Abraham worked on a wine farm all their lives, and Abraham later became our gardener.

Our families got to know each other well and had a lot of mutual respect. We supported Bettie after Abraham’s death and during the drug addiction of a family member. She helped me through my divorce and sat at the main table at Charl and my wedding. When she died of cancer, my grief was the same as that of a family member. She was like a mother to me and an inspiration in many ways.

Au pairs that have enriched my children’s lives

With Zander’s birth, I could no longer keep all the balls in the air. I decided to enlist the help of an au pair. Inspirational young women crossed my path. Each of them was unique with unique interests and contributed to us in different ways. Their skills also complemented my skills and creativity where it was lacking, as with cake and party decorations. Many of them are now moms blessed with their children.

Their farewell letters confirmed the shared time with us was also meaningful to them. Within a week of our last au pair joining us, her long-standing love affair with her boyfriend, also with name Zander, ended. She utilised her passion for technology to play her hurt away with video games with little Zander. She was his computer gamer friend. She wrote in her farewell letter, “One Zander broke my heart, but another little Zander was sent across my path to heal it.”

Grandpa Frikkie, my husband’s ex-father-in-law

Grandpa Frikkie crossed my path through Charl. He is Charl’s father-in-law from his first marriage. Their bond was extraordinary, and both decided that their relationship would continue after Charl’s divorce. Grandpa Frikkie attended our wedding despite his own emotions.

His role in our lives has slowly but surely taken shape. With Zander’s birth, we agreed that he could be Zander’s Grandpa Frikkie. Grandpa Frikkie was at Zander’s christening and attended every birthday party. Once a month, he came to play with Zander on a Saturday morning so that Charl and I could have breakfast together. We were amazed at the projects they embarked on and the games they played.

It was hard to say farewell to Grandpa Frikkie when we moved to Switzerland. He keeps in touch with each of us and shares news from South Africa. He also calls Zander regularly to connect and better understand his world.

Even though Grandpa Frikkie is already 74, he is up-to-date with technology. They live in a retirement village, and he uses all his knowledge and skills to help others. He played a cardinal role in assisting the residents with online Covid vaccination registrations. He invited me to join an online bible study, which I experienced as positive and informative. I enjoy the wisdom and stories that he shares.

My father went to heaven shortly after my thirtieth birthday. Grandpa Frikkie is the closest to an earthly father I have. I am grateful for having someone who feels like a father, even though he is my husband’s ex-father-in-law.

Our angels here on earth

People who feel like family are those people who will support us, help us grow, encourage us and be there for us when we need it. God selected them carefully to be our angels here on earth.

Kind regards

Emsia

Cheese is part of the Swiss culture

25/05/2021 emsia.kruger

Food and drink form a critical part of any culture and heritage. When people share their food with you, they share their culture and a piece of their heart.

Western Cape, South Africa

When I moved to the Western Cape, my Stellenbosch friends introduced me to wine. Wine knowledge forms an essential part of any student’s informal training. The various wine estates in the Western Cape offer many wine-tasting opportunities. The Western Cape added seafood and Cape Malay cuisine to my favourite food list. We inherited Cape Malay cooking from the slaves from Malaysia, Indonesia, and East Africa brought to Cape Town during the 17th and 18th centuries.

Swiss cheese

We are expanding our Swiss cheese knowledge. There are numerous Swiss cheese varieties and different regional specialities. Just like wine, cheese-making is an art form. The Swiss take pride in their cheese made with local milk and excellent craftsmanship.

There are more than 450 different cheese varieties in Switzerland. Cheese-making consumes almost half of the milk produced in Switzerland. The top-produced Swiss cheese is Le Gruyère. Emmentaler cheese, with its distinctive holes, is the variety of cheese most exported.

Both Gruyère and Emmentaller cheeses are marked as fromage d’alpage / Alpkäse. This badge means that the cheesemakers produce the cheeses during the summer when the cows graze in the mountains. Many Swiss farmers take their cows to the pastures in the spring and bring them back in the autumn. The herbs and flowers the cows eat where they graze give the cheese a specific character and flavour.

Gruyère

We recently had the privilege of visiting a cheese factory, La Maison du Gruyère, in the medieval town of Gruyère in the Alps, close to the French border. The farmers in the village have been making this cheese since the 12th century to survive the winter months. They later started exporting some of the cheese to France and Italy, but the world only officially recognized the name during the 17th century.

We have seen them heat the unpasteurized cow’s milk in copper pots and add enzymes to thicken it. The ageing of Gruyère cheese lasts between 3 and 10 months. Like wine, the cheese gets better with time. We grew up with Heidi and Peter’s stories. I now realize that they ate Fondue cheese every night with Grandpa in the winter, just like the people still do.

In Gruyère, we visited the old castle built on a hill in the 13th century. The white landscape, caused by the previous night’s snowfall, took us back in imagination to those times. The walls are thick, the windows few, and the giant fireplace in each room had to keep the people warm and cosy. They socialized around long tables while drinking wine and eating their melted Gruyère cheese and bread. In the dark winter evenings, they enjoyed music together in the music room.

ICS International Festival

The families at Zander’s international school are from all over the world. Every year the International Community School (ICS Zurich) Parent Association organises an international festival during which everyone can see and taste each other’s traditional food of their country of origin. As social contact is still limited, they will release an ICS international cookbook this year. I submitted our Cape Malay curry and rice recipe as a South African contribution to the Cookbook.

Kind regards

Emsia