Early Summer (yeah right) Update

Well from the title you may think perhaps I don't know the date being that July will be upon us on Sunday...oh I know the date! Unfortunately, no one has told the weather in Scotland that we're not supposed to be freezing our butts off at the end of June. I know it's probably good for the skin and it's what keeps the Scottish so glowing white, but COME ON! I guess it doesn't help that we just got back from Switzerland where we were warned of the cold in the mountain towns yet enjoyed a sunny and warm holiday minus one day of rain!

To catch you up on me and Andy from mid April...I enjoy two weeks at home in April. Unfortunately, the hols started with a funeral for my Uncle Alan (aka Whitey and Big Al). I only have fond memories of Uncle Alan. He was always joking around and I really enjoyed the closeness that he and my dad had in the years they both retired. It was like they were becoming best friends all over again.

We love you Uncle Alan!

After that it was Easter and a few days of leisure where I caught up with some friends which is what I cherish about my trips home. Then the Boston Marathon frenzy began and I moved into the Fairmont Copley for about 5 days. It was an interesting year with threats of cancellation due to extreme weather and the missing leadership and straight talking of Marja who passed away from cancer not too long before the marathon. Even with all that, the marathon was a success (for some reason Eric - our friend- seems to be thanked for it all, or at least that is what the Race director seemed to be saying...or Eric wanted to think...you decide.)

The rest of the holiday FLEW by in record time and I was home in Edinburgh before I knew it. Andy got a promotion in work as a Personal Trainer Trainer (no, I didn't studder that is his title) and has enjoyed the new challenge. My work continues to be enjoyable as Head of Training at bigmouthmedia as I am setting up the department with guidance from an experienced consultant. My studies are good as well. My last class for my first year is July 15th. Two days before my birthday...so some celebration will be in order. Of course, writing my final paper and taking the final exam will come first, but I like to look to the future. :)

So, yes that bring me to today....I just got back from Switzerland, although saying that it is already starting to seem like a long time ago! The trip started out in Luzern, a beautiful city that seemed more like a Mediterranean harbor. We were there for three days, but I think I could have stayed forever. We enjoyed walks along the beautiful lake side which has been nicely developed for everyone to enjoy. On the first day we got side swiped at the casino outdoor sitting area where Lisa (my sis), Eric Gilbert (fellow traveller and friend), Andy and I enjoy Lowenweiss beers for a couple of hours in the warm sun. The following day was filled with fun as we toured around Luzern learning about it's history. Of course, after being on our feet we needed a beer. Then we went up to Mt. Pilatus (with a pit stop at the alpine slide which was cool and reminiscent of the Attitash one)...the views were amazing I think. Trouble is the mountain was topped with clouds while down below was nice and sunny but we came down on the world's steepest cog railway which more than made up for the clouds on top. When we got down we needed a beer! At this point we started to have a favourite place...If I remember the name I'll let you know. If you go to my facebook page you'll see a picture of the beer glass...again a beautiful large glass of Weiss beer.

I won't give too many details about the next days as I'm sure you don't have days to read this, but all of Switzerland was amazing. I do need to point out Zermatt...said to be the ski capital of Switzerland. I don't know much about that as we were there in the summer but I can say that I really enjoyed it. A highlight was taking another railway up to the top for Gorgamott (that is completely wrong I think, but I'm at the gym on the computer there right now so we'll call it that for now.) We had an awe struck view of the alps with the Mattehorn as the mother peak. It was amazing and finally the cold weather they mentioned we may have was upon us. Of course, we were at over 10,000 feet and the tops of the peaks were snow capped so I kind of expected it.

There is another highlight of our time in Zermatt that I have to point out and have to recommend if you ever go there, The Pipe. It's a tiny restaurant in the village. We had the BEST food ever along with EXTREMELY friendly chef and staff. (only four people in total I think...maybe 5.) I'll post a picture of it when I get a chance. We went there two nights in a row and didn't regret a second of it. The chef/owner also was generous with these caramel vodka shots. Shots are something I normally don't do, but there were delicious and the second night we were matched for the last three rounds of beers with one. Oddly enough there was no real hangover. Yippee!

Anyway, we ended the trip in Zurich. A great city from what I can tell of the 24 hours we had there, but a place that I am definitely planning on visiting for a long weekend in the not too distant future. I'd recommend having a couple of days there at least if you plan a trip to Switzerland. It was a diverse city with lots of shopping yet lots of history. A perfect combination if you ask me.

So, that will be the end of this rambling entry. Thanks for reading and I hope you're enjoying your summer!

Peace out