I was so excited to have all my children under my roof again. January was consequently a joyful 2023 kick-off. They had to adapt from extreme summer temperatures in South Africa to extreme winter temperatures in Switzerland within one day. However, a fairy-tale snow experience made the icy weather worth it.

Jacques

Jacques arrived in early January. His bakery, The Cinnamon Club, has had a wonderful but busy year. He, therefore, looked forward to relaxation time in nature and inspiration for new ideas and creativity. Just like the Swiss, Jacques also believes in the positive effects of cold winter baths on the body, soul, and spirit. He enjoyed the beautiful natural places in the forest where he could take his winter bath.

He follows a vegan and gluten-free diet. The situation encouraged me to expand my dietary knowledge before his visit. His visit coincided nicely with Veganuary, which aims to raise awareness about, the health and environmental benefits of plant-based diets. We had fun cooking together and exchanging food ideas. I shared in a previous letter more about how Jacques inspired my cooking.

All my children together

Christo and his girlfriend, Simone, arrived a week later. The teenage antics of my adult boys came out the moment they were together. Zander enjoyed his silly brothers. I could only smile at the locals’ reaction as they stared with question marks at their bare feet and crocks in below-freezing temperatures.

It was precious to spend family time around our wooden table again. We exposed them to the Swiss winter food specialities, Raclette and Fondue. The different forms of Swiss cheese create a cosy conviviality around the table in the icy winter months.

House of Lindt was first on our Zurich itinerary, and we reached our destination by boat on lake Zurich. Jacques makes his vegan chocolate himself and found the information about the cocoa production process and history of chocolate consumption very interesting. The rest of us focused more on Lindt’s many opportunities to try out the different chocolates. It was also the perfect place for a gift for Simone’s family in South Africa.

The snow started falling a day before Jacques’ departure, and I was grateful to be able to share the magic of the first soft, white snow with them.

Christo en Simone

While the snow was falling lightly, we drove to Flumserberg with Christo and Simone. It is our nearest ski resort, which also provides various opportunities for walking in the snow. When we arrived, it was minus 9 degrees. We went higher up the mountain with a ski lift and walked down in the snow while watching families skiing, snowboarding or sledging down the slopes.

Due to the extreme cold, we chose indoor activities for the rest of the week. We visited Zurich’s art museum and admired original works by Van Gogh, Monet and Picasso. I enjoyed a modern exhibition by Pipilotti Rist. It is a pixel forest that changes colour with the most beautiful, dreamy music in the background. The creativity inspired us to stay home for a day and paint while listening to relaxing music.

On the last day before their departure back to South Africa, we drove to Konstanz, just on the other side of the German border. I wanted to share a European spa experience with them. We went to Konstanz Therme with a view of Lake Constance to relax in the warm water. Simone`s wish to eat a German sausage inspired our lunch in the harbour.

My heart was aching but satisfied when I had to see them off at the airport. Everyone has renewed energy for the year ahead. Jacques has many ideas for his bakery, and Christo must focus on the final year and thesis of his engineering studies and decisions about the future.

I am grateful for precious memories!

Kind regards

Emsia