On the first sunny weekend of summer, Greg and I had the pleasure of travelling to Frisbourg, Switzerland to visit our fellow Canadian friends Andrew and Carey, along their two lovely girls. Andrew and Greg served in the military together, and Greg has known Carey for oh, way too long....yes there are a lot of stories there! Andrew is now a prof at UVic, and has taken a year's sabbatical in Frisbourg, providing us the perfect excuse for a visit.
We took the three hour trip to Frisbourg by train, a trip that was a visual treat. The terrain gradually became more hilly with goats appeared in the hills and the houses transforming from the traditional low-slung French farmhouses to Swiss style gingerbreaded homes. For some reason the Swiss tend to build two storey homes, which makes them look like children stretching on tippy toe to peek over the mountain tops.
Andrew picked us up at the station and we were able to walk the 10 minutes to his place. We all agreed we love the European lifestyle of being able to walk everywhere! Their home is located in the old part of town in a deep valley; we were delighted by the view of orange roofs, church steeples, abbeys and the river: it was right out of a picture book.
It was an idyllic country weekend, a perfect antidote to the press of Paris. We took long walks, played with the kids, went swimming and ate delicious meals both at home and out. The most notable meal was taken at the swimming pool canteen where Meg, Greg and Carey dined on entrecote du cheval....yup, horse steak! (it's a lot like beef). Greg and Carey climbed 300 plus stairs for a stunning view from the Cathedral's spire while Meg admired the stained glass from terra firma. Later we walked by the river for a peek over the fence at an ages old, but still functional abbey. Then the two engineers investigated the hydro dam which you'll be pleased to know it is in fine working condition:)
Too soon, it was time to come home, but we are already planning our return to Switzerland. And best of luck to the Nicker-Rowe's on their return home!
