Family time in Hemel Hempstead and visits to friends in Reigate Surrey

After a wonderful week with Trudi and other friends in Russikon and Zurich Oberland , it was time to pack for another long period away, in fact 24 Augut till 10 October. The next weeks will be a great mixture of family and friends, some not seen for many many years, visits to places last visited decades ago, and lots of new places, particularly in Scotland.

I was hugely impressed by my Easyjet flight. Cheap, comfortable, punctual and with such friendly staff. I haven't flown wilth them for years, so was really pleasantly surprised. The fabulous weather also meant really wonderful flight conditions.

I have to admit to being rather shocked and far less impressed by the traffic in England. I thought Swiss roads were bad enough, but the number of cars and trucks on the English  roads, at off peak times, is really scary! I cannot imagine driving here. 

It was good to reach Hemel Hempstead, where my sister and brother in law, Lyn and Norman, live in a large home with spacious garden with views only of trees, bush and fields. The crowded motorways were soon forgotten as we sat outside listening only to the gentle, yet constant cooing of the wood pigeons!

What weather we had for the entire weekend. It was the warmest Bank Holiday weekend on record! To be searching out shade in England is something which rarely happens, but I certainly struggled with the heat!

I had a wonderful reunion with Natalie, from Zurich/Zuoz, on Friday. We found such a lovely pub not far from the hustle and bustle of Euston Station, and chatted the day away. So much to catch up on. It was super. Sadly, no photos, not even a selfie!

Annie, my sister , arrived from Wales in the  evening and the next day we had a fantastic pub lunch next to the Grand union Canal. We had two delicious platters of food and I so enjoyed watching the canal boats go by. It is something I would love to do. I just need someone to travel with either in England or better still France.

It appears to be a great lifestyle and very cheap. We chatted to the owner of the boat pictured above and he told us he pays only about 3000 pounds a year to live in his boat. Of course, you have to be flexible and ready to move on every fortnight, but I could certainly imagine doing it for a while.

The pubs and the pretty canals are very inviting.  This was a clever piece of advertising!

The house at HH steadily filled up. Saturday evening came Claire, my middle niece and Glaswegian husband Tony, centre left, and their two girls. With temperatures  still in the upper 20s we enjoyed dinner in the garden.

Sunday was Norman's 82nd birthday and the family numbers swelled again with the addition of Becky, closest to camera left, and her two children. What a feast we had, and what weather. We were fighting over the shade, and sun umbrellas which had been stashed away for years, unused, were dusted off and desperately needed.  A very memorable day in so many ways. 

The paddling pool was still so popular despite the age of my great nephews and nieces. Even the dog was happy to cool off!

 Just as quickly as the house had filled, so it emptied again and it was time to pack again , and after a very pleasant morning sitting under the trees in the garden, I set off to Surrey, where we had grown up. It is a beautiful English county with so much open space, hills, farms with their lush green fields, forests and picturesque wee villages, mostly with the village green and cricket pitch in the centre of the village, surrounded by pretty little homes with fabulous gardens, and of course numerous quaint pubs with beer gardens. I so love the villages here.

It was great to catch up with old school friends Di and Ian and to meet their new pride and joy, this absolutely immaculate 83 year-old Rolls Royce!

Even if you are not a vintage car enthusiast, it would be hard not to enthuse at such a work of art. I guess that if I had such a car, I might clean and polish it a lot more than I do my Mazda!

Although Di had said we would not have a full programme on the first afternoon, she had managed to conjure up a brilliant afternoon of restful activities which all brought back floods of marvelous memories.

We lived in Brockham for the first four years of our married life. It was one of the loveliest Surrey villages, in my opinion, so it was great to sit in the churchyard overlooking the village green, enjoying afternoon tea, whilst supporting one of my favourite charities, the Cats' Protection League. What a great start to the visit.

I would like a bench like this placed near Lake Wanaka, when I can no longer be around 'to watch the world go by'.

I had quite honestly forgotten how gorgeous the cottages/houses in this village are. The upkeep costs must be incredible but thankfully there are still enough people with the desire and means to pay these.

Di very kindly drove us to the top of Box Hill, the highest point in the area, from which there was a super view over Brockham, where we had just had tea, and the Surrey countryside. Being a sunny Bank Holiday weekend, the hill was covered with families enjoying the views, fresh air and good company. I had never seen it so busy! But then, I had rarely gone up there on a holiday weekend

A visit to Surrey is not complete without a visit to Mum and Dad's grave. I love that churchyard with its shady trees. It is a haven in the heat of the day. 

We had so much to catch up on, Di and I, and then we were joined by Nicky, who Was my doubles tennis partner throughout school , and arch rival in singles. 😀never quite got the better of her in singles,  but it is really great to spend time with both Di and Nicky, currently on an almost annual basis. This year sadly no tennis to watch, but we made a visit to Chartwell Estate, home of Sir Winston Churchill and his family for decades. Not only was it wonderful to learn so much about this brilliant politician, writer and artist, but the house has been very well maintained, as have the gardens, allowing an insight into his life there. Dennis would have so loved the books there I am sure. 4000 of his collection remain there, some his own books and thousands of others. Apparently some were empty, allowing him a secret place for small whisky bottles it seems!

I loved this notice board! Too late for me but I really like the three quarters element. Perhaps I will need to produce something similar for 'things to do before you are 69 and three quarters!

It is hard to believe that Churchill's wife did not like Chartwell. I guess it was rather remote and required a lot of cleaning, but for him a fabulous retreat from the stresses and strains of government, giving Churchill the inspiration required to lead the country, to write and paint. I loved everything about the place and can understand Churchill' comment , "a day away from Chartwell is a day wasted".

I only found out half way round the house that photography was not permitted.,I had only taken two photos, one of the books and this one of the sitting room, which was ornate and yet still quite homely. It was a pity I did not have a photo of the dining room which was very special due to the furnishings, green and cream floral chairs and cushions, complementing so well  the magnificent the gardens and forests seen through the huge windows on all sides of the room.

The flower and vegetable gardens reminded me of the gardens I had recently visited in Ireland. It is rather incredible to think that Churchill actually helped to build a substantial area of the wall which encloses the garden area. I wonder if Trump will help out with his wall!

Thanks Nicky and Di for a brilliant day. 

After a delicious meal in a huge pub garden in an adjacent village, Brasted, we headed home.. In the evening it was fantastic to catch up with an old friend , Carol, from my hotel days 35 years ago! Such moments are truly special and I am sure we will not leave it long before we meet again! 

I had such a great time over the 5 days with such a perfect mix of fruends, family and fond memories.

Now I am on the teain racing through the lovely English countryside towards Devon and Vornwall, where Annie and I will enjoy the next week together.

Wonderful weekend with friends, delicious food and excellent entertainment

What an amazing weekend I have had. It all started with the great news that Mark and Emma had got engaged. What a super couple!

I will be heading back at the end of the summer camps next year for  the wedding in August and can enjoy the first spring in New Zealand for years!

Before leaving for my weekend of socialising, I caught up with Nik and Irene in Pfaeffikon. It was so nice to be back  sitting on their balcony with them again.

Next highlight was my annual visit to Canton Uri to my friends of many years, Mario and Bernadette. I just love going there to such a warm welcome on the top floor of the  most beautiful ,old , but immaculate, wooden chalet imagineable. With two creative people living there, it is no wonder that it feels as if you have entered a scene from a fairy tale. Not only that, the meals and accompanying food are just delicious,followed by tea and coffee under the overhanging eaves of the chalet, with views of Bernadette's wonderfully secluded little garden in the background .

Then back on the train to cross inner Switzerland to Thun, close to my very first home in Switzerland, Interlaken. It was an incredible evening, starting with being met at the station by Marlis and Urs, both of whom I have known for 25 years now! 

It is hard to believe that I taught Marlis English in NZ so many years ago. Where did those years go?

And here I was  in Thun, at yet another musical, this time Cats. Only one week ago I had been at Walenstadt watching Saturday Night Fever with Dennis. What an incredible number of amazing events in such a short time!

I have to say that this version of Cats was undoubtedly the best of the four I have seen, with its spectacular setting on a stage on the Lake of Thun, mountains all around us, its lovely set, colourful costumes and make up, brilliant singing and dancing, plus some truly breathtaking acrobatics. 

The weather also played its part. The night before there had been some most impressive storms in many parts of Switzerland, but tonight it was calm and also a pleasant temperature. So fortunate!

It was great to be back in Tafers once again staying with Marlis and Urs. I have to say that the clothes drier  reminded me of the hundreds of pairs of socks I used to wash, though I have to admit that they were never so white and never so perfectly hung up! I need to take a few lessons I think!

 

After a leisurely brunch with the family (I have enjoyed watching Larissa, Andrin and Kai growing up , as I have visited Tafers virtually every year for two decades! ) we set off for The Schwarzsee, a very picturesque and very popular lake, tucked in amongst the surrounding mountains. There were so many people out enjoying the walk around the lake, barbequing, SUP and paragliding even though this photo below would lead one to believe there was nobody ekse there!

The last time I was there was in mid winter when the walk around the lake was treacherously icy. I have to admit that I enjoyed our stroll today much more and also enjoyed the wonderful green hillsides of summer much more. 

Once more a fabulous meal in the evening, accompanied by a great wine. Wow, I was being really spoilt!

Then today I visited yet two more friends near Bern, Beatrice and Andy. I thought I had met them only five years ago, but it turns out it was 10 years ago! Unbelievable. We sat in Andy's recently finished garden hut (he is a very talented builder) and enjoyed a scrumptious meal, with this fabulous , though a little hazy, view of the Berner Oberland, my home for four years when I was in my early twenties. Little did I know then that I would still be visiting Switzerland forty years later!

It was a fantastic weekend in every possible way. A trip down memory lane as well as fine dining and a marvelous musical, then hone to Russikon and a lovely meal and evening chatting with Trudi in her garden till late. It is so marvelous to have all these good friends here in Switzerland as well as back home.

Another Fantastic Summer in Zuoz

11 months of planning, 4 weeks of hectic coordinating combined with fabulous walks and evenings spent with colleagues and close friends, and then suddenly it is nearly over!

Time for the last supper! A fantastic pizza in a rather noisy room filled with language teachers, renowned for projecting their voices.

Great to sit with Dennis, Tom my wonderful assistant and second brain at times, and Tine, from the beautiful West Coast of New Zealand.

With the last of a total of 341 reports signed, I could breathe a sigh of relief, but at the same time a sigh of sadness. Soon we would be leaving this gorgeous place we had called home for the past weeks. But, not before a final snowfall on the last night we were there. I just love waking up and looking out at this sight !

I was happy to stay till Saturday this year and to cook dinner with Dennis and other friends on the last evening.  It was a really relaxed evening and helped us to get over the fact that we had already said 'farewell' to two thirds of our brilliant team.

The last day is horrible. I feel as if I am stepping out into a huge chasm, there is a massive hole in my life. Luckily, I had Dennis there still and we had a great day planned with a visit to the musical 'Saturday Night Fever ' at the walensee. Very high on my bucket list!

Before that, we took the Julier Pass towards Lenzerheide. I had never been there before and from what I saw, I really want to return. However, at the top of the pass we were plunged into thick fog which gave this rugged pass a really mystical touch. As we stood at the summit, the fog rolled in, sometimes completely blocking any views, but then just as quickly clearing to unveil the awesome mountains and stunning valley below us. Really spectacular, but freezing!

There was little sign of life up there apart from a few cows with their bells clanging through the fog. It was quite surreal.

Once down the pass, the fog lifted and by the time we reached the lake at Lenzerheide, Heidensee, the air temperature had warmed slightly and we had a short, but refreshing walk round the lake. It was pretty, with its large nature reserve and of course a backdrop of mountains.

The cow parsley at the lakeshore was taller than me. I have never seen such huge plants before.

There were some very late chicks on the lake- very cute and very hungry it seemed!

After a fabulous afternoon and delicious bbq with my friend Alex and family in Vilters, it was time for the musical. The Walensee is an extremely pretty lake with a dramatic backdrop of sheer cliffs rising sharply from the water. It was a pity that we could not see the mountains through the set, but at least the lake was visible and the set was very clever indeed with the containers opening up to show different scenes. 

We were wo lucky with the weather too. It was not at all cold and was the first dry evening they had had for a week! Brilliant show and music. As you can imagine Dennis and I really enjoyed ourselves.

It was time to say 'bye' to Dennis after the musical and to catch the train with my long-time friend, Ruth, to St Gallen. My sadness and all the farewells seemed so long ago. It had been a wonderful day.

What a restful weekend with my friends and their family in the picturesque village of Raemsen, near Stein. It was so nice to sit in the garden looking over the fields towards Saentis. Everything is so lush here and so wide. No more narrow Engadine valleys!

We had a great walk down to the Bodensee today. Perfect weather and a complete change of scenery.

Now it is time to get back to Russikon and to finish my planning for a busy weekend coming up and my trip to England. What a fantastic year once again.

Final Engadine weekend this summer

I can hardly believe that we are now three quarters through the camps. So much planning and then suddenly it is nearly over. Lots of hard work but well combined with incredible excursions and lovely hours spent with close friends.

With just one real weekend per camp we really use this wonderful opportunity to explore, some further afield in Italy and a half of us closer to home, enjoying this truly special Engadine valley.

With fine weather forecast for Friday evening, most of those remaining at the camp headed off to the picturesque Stazersee, tucked in to the mountains and forests by St Moritz and Pontresina. After several failed attempts at barbecues over the past years, fire ban once, thunderstorms and lightning another, we were lucky and had a really fantastic evening there, with good food, fine company and spectacular scenery! 

Too many cooks perhaps! No, it was fine and we enjoyed a delicious feast. We had a lot of vegetarians amongst us, so it looked and was extremely healthy and colourful. Of course, with a setting like this, it doesn't really matter anyway.

As the sun started to sink below the peaks, it was time for the cyclists  to depart. What a shame to have to leave such a paradise!

Four of us went by train and walked up to the lake, and luckily we could savour a few more minutes  there, admiring the sunset over the lake, where just a few hours before we had had such a refreshing swim. The temperature was perfect both in and out of the water. It is rare to spend an entire evening at the Stazersee without warm clothes. Marvelous.

Even the walk back to the station was fun and then we sat on the balcony at the school chatting till 11 pm when the forecasted thunderstorms came just a bit too close for comfort! Great timing.

Saturday was just brilliant. It is always a joy to spend the day with Dennis and today was no exception, especially as we were both trying a walk up the Val Minor to Lej Minor  for the first time.

Of course, the Bernina Pass with its breathtaking views of Morteratsch are nothing new for us, but still just as captivating as they were 12 years ago! 

Sadly, we were both convinced that the glacier had receeded quite a bit since last year.

Val Minor is an incredible v- shaped valley circling the Piz  Lagalp ski area, just half way up the Bernina Pass. It was a relatively gentle climb up to Lej, lake Minor, and a couple of other smaller tarns. It was a spectacular walk with the steep sides of the valley descending to a small stream. We loved it because unlike many other walks in the area, there are few signs of civilisation apart from at the start. You get the feeling of wilderness and freedom, just like in NZ, and there were really very few people on the track. Surrounded by alpine flowers, particularly silver thistles at this point, it was really a fantastic experience.

Whether looking up the valley, as in the photo above, or looking down the valley, it was all breathtakingly beautiful.

Throughout the hike, we knew we were being watched! I occasionally spotted a marmot up in the hills, standing outside his burrow, whistling an alarm to the others! It is so frustrating to know they are there, but too shy to come out.

After a couple of hours climb, we reached our destination, Lej Minor. It was fabulous with its treeless slopes covered in alpine flowers, marmot burrows and lichen covered stones.

I love the grasses and these particularly pretty fluffy plants. Help! I don't know their name?

The path continues around Piz Lagalp to the top of the Bernina Pass, but as we needed to be back at Zuoz to pick up Guto, we decided to return the same route. Thanks Dennis for adding colour to this shot of Lej Minor. We had such a wonderful time there.

What magical landscape! I can't wait to go back next year despite being totally exhausted by the time we got down to the road. 

The brilliant day was not yet over! The temperature was perfect for us to have dinner on the balcony of Chesa Arpiglia, our Zuoz home. I cannot understand why it has taken me twelve years to do this. I so enjoyed cooking a red curry  in the little kitchen, and to be honest, you could never find a restaurant with a more spectacular view! It was also incredibly quiet because the 120 children were all inside doing a quiz😀

It was super to share this moment with Dennis and Guto, then later with all the team who had stayed here. Linguistically it was incredible - German, English, Portuguese, Spanish and French. For most of us, heaven on earth!

As the almost full moon rose over the hills on the far side of the valley, we enjoyed the company of Germans, swiss French, Brazilian, Kiwi and Welsh. Once again we only moved inside as the clouds opened. 

With poor weather forecast for Sunday, we were thrilled to wake to blue skies, with clouds in the valley, such a common, yet magnificent sight in the mornings. Breakfast outside started off perfectly, but the forecasted rain and thunderstorm approached more quickly than anticipated and we ended up having a wonderful breakfast with our huge sun umbrella protecting us from the rain. It was quite surreal really.

After a couple of hours in St Moritz, once more sheltering under sun umbrellas from the rain, listening to a fantastic jazz quartet from Prague, we set off up the Bernina Pass. How different it looked today cloaked in low cloud, the glaciers virtually hidden! It was still really beautiful though, especially the descent towards Italy - really mystical. Fortunately as we turned off on to the narrow winding road to Livigno, the weather started to clear and we were really able to appreciate this amazing valley.

In all these years, I have never been to Livigno, prefering to enjoy the lovely Engadine Valley. Most of my team has been there and I got the picture of a crowded resort, packed with duty free shops and restaurants. The centre of it certainly is like this, but where we had lunch was still very pretty, with some very attractive older wooden homes, with themost incredibly colourful window boxes. How do they manage to produce such lush- looking flowers?

We didn't go to any bars, but this one caught my eye 😀

Now back on the balcony. Temperatures have dropped about 15 degrees, but it is still really pleasant here, watching the clouds enveloping the forest clad hills and the valley. As Dennis says, it has a hint of tropical rainforests about it, apart from the temperature!

What a wonderful place to work and enjoy.

Back to reality now and a busy week ahead.