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Munich – much more than Oktoberfest

Munich – much more than Oktoberfest

Since my birthday is in October, I get to choose our fall getaway destination each year. I usually pick countries east of Switzerland because the autumn colours are stunning. In the past, I’ve chosen Budapest in Hungary and Tyrol in Austria, and this year, I’ve set my sights on Munich, Germany.

Munich, the capital of Bavaria, is famous for its exceptional beer. While many people know it as the home of Oktoberfest, the world’s largest beer festival, our visit was just after the festivities. We quickly discovered that Munich offers much more than beer and celebrations. The city has beautiful parks, a rich history, and engaging experiences.

Hometown of BMW

Munich is the hometown of my favourite car brand, BMW. It stands for Bavarian Motor Works. During our visit, we delved into BMW’s history and saw how it evolved from its humble beginnings into the automotive giant.

The impressive architecture of the BMW Welt buildings reflects the brand’s innovation and elegance. Inside, we explored various areas, including the reception facilities and the space where they hand over the keys of brand-new vehicles to their excited owners.

My dad was passionate about mechanical engineering and joined me when I test-drove my first BMW. I wish I could share this BMW experience in Munich with him. It would have meant so much to both of us!

Science and Technology Museum

Germany has long been a hub of scientific brilliance, producing some of the most influential minds in physics, mathematics, chemistry, and engineering. So, visiting the iconic Deutsches Museum felt like a perfect choice. It is one of the largest museums in the world, dedicated to technology and science.

The variety of exhibits was truly staggering. Friends had advised us to focus on a few themes since the museum is far too big to explore everything in one day. We decided to concentrate on Optics, Electronics, and Mathematics. Later, we also checked out the model train and bridge-building exhibitions.

The exhibits are interactive, inviting visitors to engage and explore with their senses. With its vast layout, the museum is enormous, and it is easy to lose track of time in its seemingly endless corridors!

German Culture and the Old Town

Marienplatz has been the heart of Munich for centuries. Once, it was bustling with merchants selling eggs, flour, wine, and fish. Today, it’s a vibrant gathering place for locals and tourists, especially during events like the Christmas market, which fills the square with festive cheer every winter.

Glockenspiel

Dominating the northern side of the square is the New City Hall, known for its impressive Gothic architecture. The main attraction here is the historic chime that rings twice a day. With 43 bells, it’s one of the largest in Europe. As the clock chimes, delightful figurines come to life, reenacting scenes from Munich’s vibrant history.

Viktualienmarkt

We also visited Viktualienmarkt, which started as a farmer’s market. Today, it boasts around 100 stalls selling everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to fish, meat, bread, spices, and lovely gifts and souvenirs.

People gather to chat and watch the bustling activity in the large beer garden. In Switzerland and Germany, it is legal to drink beer from the age of 16, and they serve it in pints. We embraced true German tradition with a beer and a Bratwurst topped with sauerkraut.

Bavarian Spirit at Hofbräuhaus

For my birthday, I wanted to experience authentic Bavarian food and spirit. Our initial plan was to visit the legendary Hofbräuhaus. The atmosphere was festive and inviting, but it was so crowded that we decided to find a smaller, less touristy spot.

The German music and the decor created a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for enjoying traditional German dishes. We sat back and watched as they brought new beer kegs to refill glasses, immersing ourselves in the experience!

Nymphenburg Palace

Nymphenburg Palace served as the summer residence for Bavarian rulers during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. I especially loved the palace gardens, beautifully adorned in autumn colours. They were well-maintained and provided a stunning backdrop for wedding photos.

Munich: The River Surfing Capital of the World

We also discovered that Munich is home to the ultimate urban surf spot. The Eisbach River has a two-kilometre stretch of waves attracting surfers from around the globe. Eisbach means ice creek and is quite fitting. Locals and tourists gather to watch daring surfers navigate the river’s rising tides.

With its rich culture, fascinating history, and hearty food, Munich makes for an excellent autumn weekend getaway!

Kind regards

Emsia

We discovered a beach escape in Croatia

We discovered a beach escape in Croatia

Oceans surround South Africa. We, therefore, associate summer holidays with white beaches and crashing waves. While Switzerland offers stunning natural beauty, we sometimes long for the sea. We miss walking barefoot on the sand, building sandcastles, and playing in the waves. Our family loves the water, and the beach is our idea of a Happy Place.

For a long time, we’ve searched for a beach holiday destination in Europe. Availability and affordability of the beautiful locations along the Mediterranean Sea have posed challenges. After a long and harsh winter, people across Europe also yearn for sun and sea.

When Zander had to select a location for his exchange experience, his top priority was a country with a coastline and waves. His dream came true when he found an exchange opportunity in Perth. They could head to the beach after school, and despite the winter in Australia, they spent a lot of time in the ocean, enjoying various activities. He even had the chance to learn how to surf.

Campsite in Croatia

In our search, we focused on Croatia and discovered a campsite called Mont Perin, located by the sea near Rovinj in the Istria region of northern Croatia. It turned out to be the perfect choice for us. The campsite provides a range of accommodation options, such as campsites, mobile homes, and villas.

We stayed in a house near the sea and enjoyed morning swims in the ocean. The pebbly beaches led us to buy water shoes for comfort, but one benefit of sandy beaches was that the house remained sand-free. The calm, turquoise-blue water was so clear that we could see to the bottom

Entertainment

The campground provided a variety of entertainment options for families. The bay area had designated spots for swimming, rowing, or paddleboarding (SUPs). Other areas were more rocky, perfect for exploring the underwater wonderland with diving goggles. During the day, families enjoyed the inflatable play area in the sea. In the evening, they showed animation films on a big screen erected in the seawater.

The campground also featured tennis, volleyball, and soccer courts and a dinosaur-themed water park for families with younger children.

Transport

The campground is quite large, so to make it easy for everyone to get around, they offer a little train that runs throughout the site. For those who didn’t bring their own, bicycles are also available for rent. We were delighted to discover that each villa had a small electric or golf cart.

Our villa’s Twingo made a driving lesson in Croatia for Zander possible. We played tennis a few times, and afterwards, Zander drove us back home. Charl gave instructions from the front while I sat in the back, nervously watching. Fortunately, he managed very well. It’s much easier to learn to drive an electric car. His older brothers had to learn on a manual one.

Bakery and fresh garden vegetables

The campsite features a bakery, where people eagerly line up early in the morning to grab a fresh bun or croissant to enjoy with their coffee. Every morning, after Zander and I took a quick swim in the sea, Charl would treat us to warm, freshly baked croissants.

We were delighted to discover that Mont Perin has vegetable gardens. The campsite provides guests with a complimentary bag of fresh Mediterranean vegetables twice a week. The bag included giant tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, eggplants, and marrow pumpkins. Along with the vegetables, we also received a melon and watermelon.  We used the fruit and vegetables in our salads, pasta sauces, and prepared ratatouille.

As evening approached, delicious cooking aromas filled the campsite. Campers prepared their meals on gas grills since open fires were not allowed.

Dinosaur bones found in the area

We noticed that many water parks in the Istria region had a dinosaur theme. It made perfect sense when we learned that Istria is the only region in the Mediterranean where divers found dinosaur bones. In 1992, a diver discovered a site with bones on the seabed near Bale-Valle, marking the first discovery of dinosaur remains in the Mediterranean.

The bones revealed the existence of at least ten groups of dinosaurs, including the plant-eating Brachiosaurus, one of the largest and heaviest dinosaurs ever. This massive creature was 20 to 25 meters long, with a neck about 10 meters long.

We all agreed that this was one of our most enjoyable holidays in Europe. We lost track of time, indulged in good food, stayed healthy, and slept well. Mother Nature took good care of us.

Our memories in a video:

Regards

Emsia

Venice took my breath away

Venice took my breath away

My loved ones describe me as practical and realistic. I view places and situations through this lens, often leading to many how and why questions. My camera lens, however, helps me see and enjoy the beautiful, the old, the funny, and the different. In Venice, there was much to enjoy, appreciate, ponder, and wonder about. Known as the “City of Canals” or the “Floating City,” Venice is picturesque and fascinating.

Tourism in Venice

The canals of Venice’s historic quarter make it one of the most visited places in Europe. Last year, 20 million travellers visited Venice, which has only 50,000 inhabitants. To mitigate the impact of overtourism, city officials have implemented several measures. In 2021, they banned cruise ships from docking, limited tour group sizes to 25 people, and introduced a fee for day visitors.

We ended our holiday with a short visit to this beautiful historical city. We arrived at St. Lucia Venice train station on a hot Sunday afternoon. Our accommodation was about 2 kilometres away, and although I love walking, this walk was almost too much for me. Tourists crowded the streets, and we had to navigate through the masses with our luggage, sweat streaming down my back. Carrying my packed suitcase and backpack over the many canal bridges, each with numerous steps was particularly challenging. I was grateful that Charl handled the navigation.

Venice start preparing for the tourists in the early morning

Waking up early in the morning as a city awakens, excites me. In Venice, the inhabitants had prepared everything very early for the new day. The aroma of freshly ground coffee and pastries hung in the air. Seabirds screamed excitedly at the fish market. Traders unpacked supplies from their mobile stalls. Boats on the canals brought in goods for shops and restaurants while removing rubbish. All this must happen in the early hours because, during the day, tourists on gondolas fill the canals.

Gondolas on the canals

Gondolas are a historic and traditional part of Venice, offering an iconic way to explore the city. In the 17th and 18th centuries, gondolas peaked in popularity, with an estimated 10,000 in Venice. In contrast, only about 400 are primarily used for tourism these days.

Early in the morning, we saw gondoliers preparing the boats for the day. Becoming a gondolier requires over 400 hours of training over six months. Besides mastering gondola manoeuvring and lifesaving skills, they also learn foreign languages and Venetian history and culture.

St. Mark’s Basilica

The Basilica di San Marco (St. Mark’s Basilica) is the cathedral church of Venice and, along with its square, is the most famous and beautiful landmark in the city.

According to tradition, Mark founded the church in Egypt and was appointed bishop of Alexandria after serving with Peter in Rome. People believed he died there as a martyr. Eight centuries after he died in AD 68, the Venetians brought his body to Venice. The city’s ruling class wanted St. Mark as the patron saint of their economic status, so they arranged to smuggle his body out of Egypt.

Murano die glass island

We visited Murano, the glass island, by taxi boat. Glasswork is an ancient art form, and it was one of the most significant commercial industries of the Venetian Republic for centuries. In 1291, city authorities moved the glass furnaces to Murano to protect the city centre from fire risks and to safeguard trade secrets about the production process. This relocation also allowed the glass masters to exchange skills and techniques, elevating the art form to new heights.

We attended a demonstration where we saw artists working and blowing glass using centuries-old techniques to create beautiful ornaments. Afterwards, we visited an exhibition showcasing the most stunning works of art.

The Venice Carnaval

Vendors sold masks for the Venice Carnival at most stalls and markets. This event is renowned worldwide for its beautiful costumes and masks. The celebration lasts ten days in February, during which people dress up and participate in organised parades or simple processions on the streets.

The Carnival traces its origins to the Middle Ages and continued for several centuries. People abolished the tradition in 1797 but revived it in 1979. It attracts around 3 million visitors annually.

Venice is one of Italy’s most beautiful cities

The Floating City, with its winding canals, striking architecture, and beautiful bridges, is undoubtedly one of Italy’s most stunning cities. The statue of the white hands in Venice left me with a message. They symbolise the need to build bridges and overcome differences. Each set of hands represents a different human value like love or wisdom.

If you enjoy travel, Venice is worth visiting and experiencing. However, I recommend choosing the time of year for your visit with care and travelling as lightly as possible.

Regards

Emsia

Zander’s Australian exchange experience

Zander’s Australian exchange experience

We were very relieved when we received photos of an Emirates plane with a beautiful orange sunset as a background from Australia. Zander and Campbell were safely in Perth after the 24-hour flight and Cambell’s six weeks of exchange experience in Switzerland.

The time difference made calls difficult, but Zander promised to send me a voicemail every day before he went to bed. Each day’s message began with. “I had a very nice day. It was amazing.”

 “The exchange has been going great so far! I like Campbell’s family. They are nice and kind people.”

Arrival

On Sunday, the Grieves family showed Zander Scotch College and its surroundings and then walked on the beach and swam in the sea. After lunch, they wakeboarded behind a boat and dove from high rocks into the water. The day ended with a lamb roast for dinner, and I can’t imagine how the day could have been any better!

Scotch College

Campbell’s mother had a Scotch College uniform ready for Zander in advance, and on Monday morning, I saw both young men proudly dressed in their school uniforms. The Senior School has 10 Houses (pastoral groups), each with a distinct tartan tie reflecting Scottish heritage. Campbell and Zander are in St. Andrews House.

“The Uniforms were a bit of an adjustment to make, it is a lot more work putting on a button-up shirt and a tie every morning as well as every time after we have PE. However, I am finding some aspects of wearing a uniform nice though like I don’t have to constantly think about what I wear the next day. It is an easy system.”

Chapel service

Monday morning began with a service in the school’s chapel, adorned with beautiful stained glass. Afterwards, the school provided Zander with a MacBook during his stay. He was very excited about his Photography and Digital Design class, where the teacher tasked them to create an album cover.

Academy

Zander also has Economics as a subject, which he has never had before. He agreed to write an Economics test consisting of three long questions along with all the other students on the second day. According to him, he used his general knowledge to explain how business and economic cycles work.

Marching and Community Service

On Friday, Zander participated in the school’s marching competition between the different Houses. He was nervous because he didn’t want to be the reason for the House losing points. His feedback was that he found it difficult to march if he was thinking about what he was doing. It was best not to think at all.

They finished the week with community service at the Salvation Army, helping to prepare food packages and put out trash cans.

Sun and sea

Zander was in seventh heaven when they went to the beach after school. They swam in the sea and enjoyed chips and calamari while watching the golden orange sunset over the ocean. The Grieves family signed them up for surf lessons. However, the waves have been too big and unsafe over weekends.

Sport

The Grieves family belongs to a Uni Hockey club, and Zander enjoyed the activity and camaraderie, accompanied by good music.

Scotch College require the students to participate in at least one sport. Zander played football with Campbell and even participated in weekend games. He found football to be less competitive than in Europe.

They ended the first week with an Australian rules football match, also known as Australian football or just “footy.” I learned it is a contact sport played by two teams, consisting of eighteen players each on an oval-shaped field, often a modified cricket field. It was exciting and ended with a surprisingly tied final score. During the weekend, Zander watched a netball match, surfed, and played darts for the first time.

They ended the second week and the month of May with a soccer match between AC Milan and AS Roma at the Opus Stadium. It was the first time these A-League teams played head-to-head on Australian soil, and it was an incredible experience for him.

Food

“I also discovered that many of the products I miss from South Africa are available here. This is probably because both countries are part of the Commonwealth. I bought myself a large Cadbury Top Deck chocolate. I’ll bring you an AERO Peppermint Chocolate.”

Campbell and Zander in the news

The Grieves family had long planned to show Zander Sydney during the long weekend at the beginning of June. However, they were very disappointed when Virgin Airlines cancelled the flight. Campbell and Zander appeared in the media after reporters interviewed them about the situation. I could only smile when I received a video clip of Campbell and Zander on the 7 pm news bulletin on Australian television.

Attached is an excerpt from the news report: “Flights Cancelled at Perth Airport.”

Kind regards

Emsia

An Aussie’s Swiss exchange experience

An Aussie’s Swiss exchange experience

We had the chance to see Switzerland afresh through the eyes of someone discovering it for the first time.

Campbell’s parents informed us of their departure to the airport. It was their turn as parents to let go and the message stirred deep empathy within us. Campbell faced a lengthy journey from Perth to Dubai and onward to Zurich, where he would spend six weeks as part of the exchange program.

The 15-year-old Scotch College Perth student embarked on a 24-hour journey from Perth to Zurich via Dubai. Customs in Perth contacted Campbell’s father as a precautionary measure to verify his awareness of his son’s departure from his home country.

Flight from Perth to Zurich

On early Saturday morning, we learned from his mother that travel sickness had made the first part of Campbell’s flight challenging. It was reassuring to hear about the attentive care the Emirates flight crew provided throughout the journey. Upon arrival in Dubai, a medical doctor was waiting to assist him, providing suitable medication for the onward flight to Zurich.

After arriving in Zurich, he retired to bed early that night. However, due to the time difference, he was wide awake at four o’clock the following morning, needing time to acclimate. On Sunday, we strolled through the forest, and Zander guided him through our village and showed him the school.

Part of our family

Campbell quickly endeared himself to us. He effortlessly found common ground and connected with each of us. His curiosity was evident in his questions, seeking to understand his new environment. His interactions were respectful, and it was clear that he had a loving upbringing. Since their exchange was approved, he and Zander had already begun communicating, so they were not strangers to each other. They discussed their observations, comparing infrastructure, legislation, and landscapes between their countries.

Campbell had three wishes during his time in Switzerland as part of an exchange – to experience snow, savour cheese fondue, and immerse himself in the sounds of French spoken by native speakers.

We indulged in cheese fondue for Sunday lunch, fulfilling one of his desires. Despite finding the cheese stronger than anticipated, he still relished the experience. The following weekend, we introduced him to Raclette, which he thoroughly enjoyed, eagerly asking if we could repeat the experience.

Lake Zurich

One of Zander’s big wishes was to show Campbell Zurich city and to swim in the lake with him. I could only laugh at the two 15-year-olds shivering from the cold as they had to pull themselves together to brave the 12-degree lake water. A hot chocolate drink by the lake helped warm them up afterwards.

ICSZ school

Campbell is accustomed to wearing a school uniform and was thrilled to attend school in regular clothes for six weeks. I believe the presence of the exchange teacher and the principal, originally from Australia, added an extra positive touch to his welcoming experience.

Since he is in a boys’ school, having the girls in the class with them was also a new experience. He experienced the other students as welcoming. Campbell is very good at Maths, and we were grateful that he and Zander could prepare for their Maths test together and got good marks.

During his time in Switzerland, the school also presented a TEDx Youth event with ICS students as speakers. It was the first time we attended such an event in person.

Snow experience

Campbell’s greatest wish was to witness snow for the first time. However, the weather warmed quickly after his arrival. Determined to fulfil his dream, we took him to the mountains on the first weekend. Thankfully, Arosa still boasted plenty of snow, allowing Campbell and Zander to ride the ski lifts into the Alps and sledge back down. Campbell’s sheer excitement at the sight of snow made the excursion immensely gratifying for us.

His enthusiasm soared to new heights when snow unexpectedly began to fall in April. Eager to immerse himself in the wintry wonderland, he couldn’t wait to step outside. Some of his teachers even permitted him to venture outdoors during class to enjoy the snow. He engaged in spirited snowball fights with his classmates during lunchtime.

Swiss cultural experience

During Campbell’s time in Switzerland, the spring festival took place. It is a centuries-old tradition that is a vivid cultural experience. People in historical costumes, musical ensembles and horses decorated with flowers and flags gather around the Böögg, which looks like a snowman and symbolizes winter. They lit the pyre carrying the Böögg on top At 18:00.

According to folklore, the speed at which the fire engulfs the snowman figure and explodes his head, filled with crackers, foretells the quality of the approaching summer. Due to a gale-force wind, they could not set the snowman on fire for the first time in history.

The French region in Switzerland

Campbell, who studies French as a second language at school, was eager to put his language skills to the test in a French-speaking region. Thus, we embarked on a train journey to the Romandie region, a three-hour trip that condensed our day. Although time was limited, we made the most of our visit, exploring highlights such as the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, strolling along the lake from Montreux to the Chateau de Chillon, and indulging in chocolate crepes in Vevey.

Campbell was thrilled that he could understand the language, eagerly translating signs and conversing with locals in French. His excitement was contagious, sparking joy in our hearts. We have planned a trip to Paris together to experience more French culture during the long weekend in May.

Here is a music video featuring additional photos from the first two weeks of experiences.

There is still so much more we are excited to show and experiences we want to share with Campbell during the remainder of his time in Switzerland before he and Zander fly to Perth.

Kind regards

Emsia

Our first ski holiday in Livigno, Italy

Our first ski holiday in Livigno, Italy

This winter is our fifth one in Switzerland, and we still can’t ski. We have long since come to terms with the fact that we can enjoy the snow in ways other than skiing. Since all of Zander’s friends ski during the winter months, we needed to create an opportunity for him to learn.

Livigno, little Tibet of the Alps

We settled on Livigno in Italy, a location conveniently accessible to us, especially with the train that transports cars through the Alps. Often referred to as the Tibet of the Alps, Livigno earns this nickname primarily due to its high altitude and climate. The region experiences lengthy and chilly winters characterised by substantial snowfall. During this season, the valley’s streams and lakes freeze, adding to the picturesque winter landscape.

The region provides numerous opportunities to revel in the snow. On both sides of the town are mountains boasting ski slopes and exquisitely crafted snow parks. During our visit, it was evident that preparations were underway in Livigno for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. They will host the snowboard and freestyle competitions. During our visit, we never used our car. The central area in town is car-free, and in the ski season, free bus transport is available for visitors.

The town, decorated in festive colours, offered excellent opportunities for duty-free shopping. In addition, the Christmas village with charming wooden stalls had an array of handmade gifts. We stayed close to a bakery, and I relished the simple pleasure of strolling through the snow each morning for freshly baked Italian bread.

Livigno is popular among South Africans

Livigno enjoys popularity among South Africans, evident in the many Afrikaans conversations overheard on the streets. Charl and I smiled when a man admitted to his wife in Afrikaans, “I now realise that I am far too overweight and unfit for this type of activity.”

I visited Livigno as a young adult with a group of South Africans for a ski holiday. Progress was slow for me. It took me until the fourth day to navigate on skis, execute turns, and stop without tumbling. Nevertheless, the satisfaction of mastering a new skill left a lasting impression.

Zander learned to ski

Zander thoroughly enjoyed his mornings at ski school and quickly mastered the skills. At age 15, Zander was the youngest in the group. At this age, only your parents worry about risks. I was amazed at how rapidly the ski instructors taught the young children to ski. They were fearless and could ski down the slopes with excellent technique within a day or two.

After lunch, Zander practised his newfound skills on the ski slopes near our house. Charl and I took different cable cars up the mountains, exploring various routes. There’s a satisfying feeling when your boots crunch on the freshly groomed snow, and you can gaze down at the village with its snow-covered roofs and frozen lake from the heights above.

Every sport has its share of injuries. We have, unfortunately, witnessed several skiing accidents. However, the well-trained emergency services responded promptly to aid the injured. My heart almost stopped beating when, on the third day, Zander mentioned attempting a black route.

A friend cautioned, “In the fine print of travel insurance, they state that they do not cover accidents on black routes. If you get injured, they transport you to the nearest hospital in St. Moritz, Switzerland. It is one of the oldest and most expensive ski resorts in Switzerland. We used to jest that if you get hurt on a black route, you better hope someone tows you to a blue or red route. Otherwise, you might need to sell your house to pay the medical bill!”

Centrale ski school

On Tuesday evening, the ski instructors from the Central Ski School, where Zander was enrolled, hosted a show on the slopes. I, too, attended the same school 25 years ago. I can vividly recall the New Year’s Eve show with the gentle falling snow. In their recent presentation, they delved into the history of skiing and demonstrated various snow activities. In addition, they acknowledged the countries of origin of the course participants. Our excitement soared when they acknowledged South Africa We enthusiastically joined fellow South Africans in cheering for our home country.

Lots of snow

We experienced beautiful sunshine for most of our holiday. However, a few days before Christmas, it started to snow, creating a picturesque snow basin that draped the entire town.

Fortunately, the municipality was well-prepared, deploying bulldozers to clear the streets and trucks to remove substantial snow masses.

Aware of the hazards posed by melting and freezing snow in the cold weather, they diligently covered the roads with salt to prevent slippery conditions. Concerns about the journey back arose as we lacked chains for our car tires, making snow driving perilous. To mitigate the risk, we opted to return home a day earlier. It was a wise decision. The drive back through the Alps was already challenging.

Livigno guarantees an exceptional experience that I wholeheartedly recommend. Zander is delighted that he acquired a new skill and looks forward to future skiing adventures with his friends.

Regards

Emsia

Autumn Reflections in Tyrol

Autumn Reflections in Tyrol

We celebrated my recent birthday in Tyrol, Austria, near Innsbruck. Our accommodation was on a dairy and guest farm, Edenhauserhof, near Natters Lake. The beautiful crystal displays at Swarovski Crystal World fascinated me. I contemplated the symbolic meaning of both reflection and refraction of light.

Family life on the dairy and guest farm

The farmhouse took my breath away. It is a beautiful wooden house decorated with vibrant pink petunias on the windowsills. In the backdrop were lush green pastures, accompanied by the melodic tinkling of cowbells. At sunset, the cows leisurely walked to the barn for their evening milking. We observed how the farmer diligently recorded each cow’s milk production alongside their respective names.

The children played outside with toys and the kittens and dogs. They are the tenth generation on this farm. The grandmother was responsible for breakfast. She offered a spread of farm-fresh and homemade products. We experienced her warm hospitality when she patiently conversed with us in German, ensuring we could understand her every word.

There is a quant chapel where the young couple, managing the farm, exchanged wedding vows and baptized their baby girl during Covid-19. Witnessing their collaborative and close-knit family dynamics left us deeply touched.

Close to the farmhouse are camping facilities, nestled beside Natters Lake. A sunny autumn glow in the air and the reflections of the warm colours on the lake’s surface created a tranquil atmosphere. Everyone relished and revelled in nature’s grand spectacle.

Innsbruck

Innsbruck, the capital of the Tyrol region, is a beautiful town nestled in the Inn River valley, embraced by towering mountains. The name “Innsbruck” translates to “Bridge over the Inn.”

Internationally acclaimed as a hub for winter sports, Innsbruck has hosted the Winter Olympics twice. The modern Bergisel ski jump, with its breathtaking view over Innsbruck, bears witness to this.

We strolled through the enchanting old town area. The most iconic landmark in Innsbruck is the Golden Roof, completed in 1500. We had the privilege of witnessing a couple celebrating their wedding in front of this historic edifice.

Swarovski

The Swarovski Crystal World in Wattens, just a short distance from Innsbruck, was a highlight for me.

It is a family-owned business managed by the fifth generation. It is renowned for its exquisite ornaments and jewellery. However, they also have an Optics division specializing in lenses and telescopes.

The Crystal World consists of a Giant Cave with 18 Rooms full of Wonders and an enchanting Garden. Within the Chambers of Wonder, globally acclaimed artists, designers, and architects have crafted diverse experiences to showcase the multifaceted beauty of crystal. The exhibits provided interactive, immersive experiences.

Our journey began in the Silent Lightroom, an enchanting winter wonderland featuring falling snow and temperatures as low as minus ten degrees. The following room, the Crystal Dome, comprised 595 mirrors, producing a mesmerizing depth effect that made me feel like I had stepped inside a giant crystal.

The “Heroes of Peace” exhibition left the most profound impact on me. Innovative projection technology allowed life-size holograms of Nobel Peace Prize laureates to come to life. These “Heroes of Peace” engaged with visitors, offering inspiration and sharing the wisdom they’ve gleaned from their extraordinary lives.

In the Garden, I felt like a child. I was mesmerized by the crystal clouds reflecting in the crystal-clear pool below. When the sun emerged from behind the clouds, the crystals shimmered like Christmas lights adorning a tree.

Light refraction and reflection

Amidst all our experiences, light refraction and reflection resonated as symbols.

Refraction is light bending as it transitions from one transparent substance to another. It plays a vital role in various optical instruments, from lenses to magnifying glasses, prisms, and rainbows. Even our eyes rely on the bending of light. Like crystals, we allow God’s light to pass through us, each of us uniquely bending it to contribute to a more beautiful and colourful world.

Reflection, on the other hand, involves the rebound of light without absorption. Surfaces serve as mirrors, reflecting the image. In the same way, other people and challenging situations can serve as mirrors, allowing us to see ourselves more clearly. Subsequently, we require reflection time to make sense of what we observe and to decide what we want to do with this newfound awareness. Our reflections are instrumental in helping us comprehend our identity and aspirations.

Within families, both light refractions and reflections occur. Each member interprets the light in their unique hues and shades. Family members’ reflections serve as mirrors that aid us in gaining a clearer understanding of ourselves. Occasionally, these reflections inspire and motivate us to further develop ourselves.

My recent gift, “Letters to Emsia,” was a mirror, reflecting the perspectives of friends and family and offering valuable insights.

In the video below, I provide a visual reflection of our weekend.

Regards

Emsia

Various jewels of the Baltic Sea

Various jewels of the Baltic Sea

It is fascinating as well as enriching to learn more about other cultures. There are so many aspects that have had an impact on the development of cultures all over the world.

The opportunity to live in Europe for a few years makes certain countries and cultures more accessible to us. We decided to spend the summer vacation exploring parts of Northern Europe around the Baltic Sea with a ship.

Zander practised his German

I shared in a previous letter that our family has a long journey with MSC cruises. The Baltic Sea cruise departed from Kiel, and most passengers were German.

The use of German on the ship was an advantage for Zander. He joined the teen group and was brave enough to try to speak German, forming precious friendships with German boys in the process. They were very patient with him and helped him improve his German vocabulary and pronunciation. They even agreed to meet again sometime in the coming year in a German city.

During this Baltic Sea cruise, I learned more about certain Northern European countries that I knew very little about.

Copenhagen, Denemarke

Arriving in Copenhagen’s harbour, I immediately noticed the rows of windmills in the sea. Denmark is a leader in wind power innovation.

After our visit, my image of Copenhagen is the rows of coloured buildings like Lego houses.

Lego originated in Denmark when a carpenter started making toys to supplement his income. Charl and Zander like to build Lego and really enjoyed the oldest Legoland store with many displays.

We grew up with the stories of Hans Christian Anderson, a Danish author of fairy tales. A statue of the Little Mermaid that forms part of these stories was the first attraction we saw in Copenhagen.

Tallinn, Estonia

When we walked into the old town through two city towers in Tallinn, it felt like we were leaving the 21st century behind and were back in the Middle Ages. Flower sellers created a welcoming and fragrant atmosphere.

We enjoyed the handmade items the owners proudly displayed in the tourist shops. The woollen sweaters, hats and socks made me realize how cold it must get here in the winter. There were also many products carved from wood. I assume that creating handcrafts is a way to get through the long cold winters.

I loved the beautiful jewellery made from Baltic amber, which they source from the sea. It is a gemstone that evolved over 45 million years ago from fossilised resin from pine trees.

The Russian architecture of some buildings reminded us that we are very close to Russia. In front of the restaurant, where we enjoyed a beer, was a poster indicating their dissatisfaction with Putin.

Helsinki, Finland

In contrast to Estonia, Helsinki, known for its architecture and design, has a tremendously modern and minimalist feel. Zander loved Helsinki.

I wanted to see the Sibelius monument in honour of a world-famous composer. This monument consists of 600 organ pipes. It was a little way out of the city and with some time to spare we decided to go for a walk in a modern shopping centre afterwards.

Construction work close to the centre meant that the buses no longer stopped at the places indicated on the road map and caused us great difficulty getting back to the ship in time. Fortunately, my experienced map readers came to our rescue.

Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm took my breath away, and I would love to return because I didn’t have enough time to see everything on my wish list. The city stretches over 14 islands, and I loved the city with all its water and well-maintained parks.

We visited the Palace, the official residence of the king, who has been in power for 50 years. I was amazed to see how accessible they made the Palace to visitors. It is classy and beautiful.

Spending a day in Stockholm’s subway is like visiting an art exhibition. Artists decorated a hundred stations with unique art on their platforms, walls or waiting halls. It was also interesting to be able to understand the written language because there are many words that are close to Afrikaans.

If I had more time, I would have liked to visit the Nobel Prize Museum, ABBA Museum and the parks.

Our visit to Northern Europe and the Baltic Sea was an enriching experience. I share photos below.

Kind regards

Emsia

Beauty and tranquillity on Lake Garda

Beauty and tranquillity on Lake Garda

We live in a busy world full of challenges and change. Our body and soul need silence and tranquillity. We need time to catch our breath, make sense of everything, switch off and be present to enjoy the beauty around us. A change in our environment often does wonders.

When we stopped in front of our holiday home near Lake Garda in Northern Italy, it looked like just the right place to quiet the mind.

The accommodation had a large porch surrounded by purple bougainvillaea. The cicadas in the surrounding olive groves provided background music. Early morning and evening, the church bell played the most beautiful tune, encouraging the local donkey and peacock to add their musical contributions.

Lake Garda

Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy, located between the Alps and the Po Valley. The high mountains, picturesque villages and lush nature contribute to a beautiful picture. I admired the well-tended gardens, lawns and many historic stone buildings that adorn the shores of the lake.

Swimming in the lake was a tranquil experience. The water is silvery clean and very refreshing. Families played in the water with a ball or rowed on a SUP or kayak. The sun sparkled on the water, and we could see the pebbles on the bottom.

We explored the area and visited the different villages by the lake.

Toscolano Moderno

The village closest to our accommodation was Toscolano Moderno. This village dates to Roman times and was an essential centre of paper production. It has a port from where boats took the paper to Venice. In the past, noble families lived here. Remains of beautiful villas surrounded by numerous lemon groves and lushes gardens full of purple bougainvillaeas testify to this.

Limone

The most beautiful village for me was Limone. Limone still has the atmosphere of a village, whose main activities until the last century were fishing and olive and lemon cultivation. We visited Limone on market day and were able to experience first-hand the sale of lemons and other local and handmade products.

The town of Limone stretches along the shores of Lake Garda and has stone houses tucked into the mountain slopes and decorated with plants and flowers. Many places overlook the lake, and you can enjoy beautiful views of Lake Garda if you are prepared to climb the stairs leading to the terraces.

Salo

Our last visit was to Salo, the largest city on the western shore of Lake Garda. I read that Salo has the longest promenade in Italy, and we joined the other visitors in going for a walk.

There are numerous cafes and restaurants, and we just sat down for a while and watched the world go by.

The narrow roads in Italy

The narrow roads in Italy challenged us. With a stone wall on both sides of the road to town, we just hoped for no traffic in our direction. Sometimes we were lucky, but other times Charl had to drive for long distances in reverse to make way for workers rushing to get to work on time. We have concluded that there is a huge difference between Italian and Swiss drivers!

One of these paths that passed close to our accommodation forms part of a Camino path. The many walkers encouraged Zander and me to venture part of the road between two churches. The views over the lake and many shade trees on the route created a pleasant experience.

Thunderstorm

One night a thunderstorm caused a spectacle in the sky above the lake. It was stormy, we heard glass breaking, and the wind turned over the potted plants on the porch. The sunbeds and umbrellas ended up in the pool. A dad tried in vain to find his children’s toys that they have left outside. He commented with a smile that they would have to do a treasure hunt the following day.

The next morning, a calm descended, and the sun shone brightly on the lake as a sign that the storm was over. I am sharing our holiday photos below.

I am grateful that we could experience the tranquillity of Lake Garda. As children, our family went to Hartenbos during our summer holidays to experience peace and a change in environment. For me, Lake Garda is the European form of a Hartenbos holiday.

regards

Emsia

Additions to my London memory box

Additions to my London memory box

I had mixed feelings about Charl’s suggestion to visit London during the Christmas holiday week. There are so many places I would like to show Zander. However, this would mean that I would have to open the London memory box that I have stored very deep away for the past 25 years. It was time.

London was a period of growth (1995 -1997)

My two years in London in my early twenties were a period of growth. This Afrikaans-speaking Kalahari girl had to learn to speak proper English and adapt to a global city with grey and cold weather. Sometimes I stood under the SA flag on Trafalgar square and prayed for strength for the day while the tears ran down my cheeks. I found solace in the Kiosk owner across the office’s “Good morning my, Love.”

It is clear how my London experience was a preparation for my life path. In London, I really got to know myself and my Creator. I learned that we have much more inner strength and perseverance than we think. The experience ignited my flame for my travelling, interest in other cultures, and writing passions. I learned the necessity to get involved and be open to new things to integrate into a new environment. The experience allowed me to perform in a London theatre as part of a charity Pantomime production.

Returning to South Africa after London

Our period in London concluded in September 1997, shortly after Lady Diana’s tragic death. Full of hope and dreams, we boarded the plane back to South Africa. However, the adjustment back in South Africa was much more complicated than we expected. We, and many things in South Africa, have changed significantly in these two years. We were gifted two beautiful little boys, but our marriage began to show significant cracks and ended in 2005.

God blessed me with a new life partner and a third son Zander. Zander also enjoys exploring new places and cultures, and the prospect of a London visit during Christmas and New Year’s celebrations at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay excited him.

London Christmas break (2022)

In Switzerland, we watch British television, and the language, culture and humour are familiar. We watched the entire Crown series and other British Netflix series like Outlander. Britain has a significant impact and influence on South Africa and consequently feels like a family member.

London and I have changed a lot in the last 25 years, but there was a familiarity in our reunion. The grey weather and famous historical landmarks brought fond memories. All the Christmas lights in Oxford Street and Covent Garden created excitement. We bought an English Scrabble in Hamley’s toy store, which Zander used to show off. Charl and I still tend to think in Afrikaans.

We experienced a typical British comedy theatre production in the West End and ate traditional fish and chips with plenty of salt, vinegar, and tomato sauce. The Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park was a spectacle. We visited Buckingham Palace to see the Changing of the Guards. However, officials cancelled it due to the rain. We also spent a day with friends of Charl whom we had not seen in South Africa for twenty years.

However, the day after Christmas, Charl had flu symptoms. After serious consideration, we decided to come home. Zander and I were sick with flu before our holiday, and we understood how bad and fragile a person feels. We were disappointed to miss the ABBA concert and the Edinburgh Hogmanay but had compassion with him.

We brought British traditions home with us

When we got home, Zander suggested we make the English tradition of a High Afternoon Tea part of our holiday routine. I decided it was time for him to learn some cooking and baking skills, especially since he is permanently hungry. As a result, we spent the rest of the holiday eating tea and scones, while playing Scrabble.

I am grateful for the opportunity that forced me to open my London memory box again and build new memories with Charl and Zander.

Kind regards

Emsia