Switzerland: Why are we going?

A couple of years ago, Roselie and I decided we wanted to ‘gift’ an experience to our grandchildren. The ‘gift’ would be a two-week trip or adventure, with us – to anywhere in the world, of their choosing. The goal was to have them experience something memorable which would be with them their entire lives. To provide the opportunity to broaden and internationalize their view, and hopefully change their horizon of the world, the future, and what is possible. It would also serve as a learning experience for us, as we build our relationship with them, and ‘see’ these trips through their eyes.

To implement this, we would take the group of grandchildren [2 or 3] from each of the five families. Timing wise, they would need to be old enough to take care of and manage themselves. [And NO, their parents cannot tag along….even if they pay their own way.]

Last year, prior to my starting this blog, our first experience was with Nicholas [25 yrs. old] and Jackson [16 yrs. old], who decided they wanted to experience Japan. Their interests in animation, high technology, Anime, and art were the driving forces behind their choice. We started with several days in Tokyo and then traveled throughout Japan via Shinkansen and local trains. It included a private samurai sword-fighting lesson from one of the top teachers in the world, and a stay at a traditional Japanese Royokan. The whole trip was such a treat! It was FABULOUS and far exceeded all our expectations. It was a joy to get to know both boys better and to experience Japan from their perspective. I had been to Japan many times for business, but have never ‘seen’ it this way. We learned so much from them. We acquired a new perspective and appreciation for video games, animated movies, modern Japanese art, Japanese culture, the consequences of the atomic bombs we dropped, etc.   We learned about the ‘lonely boys’ in Tokyo, and survived the Maid Café. Who said we’re too old for this kind of stuff?

This year, it is Gregory’s [20 yrs. old] and Mitchell’s [18 yrs. old] turn. They selected Switzerland as their destination. Their goal is to understand their Swiss roots. I was born there,  and consequently, their father [Brent} is a Swiss citizen. They want to experience our family history, to see where I lived, and to understand what happened before I immigrated to America. They want to understand Switzerland’s internal dynamics as well its relationships to other countries in Europe. Towards the end of the trip, we will visit one of my Aunts, Uncle, and a cousin.

Greg and Mitchell are both very outdoors oriented with a passion for skiing, snowboarding, backpacking, rafting, etc. So our itinerary includes lots of [scary/exhilarating] adventures. Fortunately, at their age, they are fearless and game to try anything. Fortunately, Roselie and I have a residual level of judgment, which prevents us from participating – ok, we may cave in at the last-minute and go for it. Otherwise, we’ll experience it vicariously through them. Go guys!! Tasting traditional Swiss food, including chocolate, is high on their list. Mitchell is so excited, he is packing an empty duffel bag that he intends to fill with Swiss chocolate to bring back. We’ll let him discover that the $cost$ of chocolate will be the limitation, not the size of the duffel bag.

We leave this Friday afternoon! Hopp Schwiz, Hopp!