Ironman Zurich

This post is long overdue. We had the true pleasure of witnessing the Ironman on

June 24, 2007 in Zurich.

Ironman in one word....ROCKS!

Barb and Frank - we wish you were there!

As people who enjoy a good tri or for Robert du (though we haven’t done one this year) we had to take full advantageous of the Ironman in Zurich. So with the ability to quickly access Zurich, we spent the day in the beautiful city watching people swim (2.4 miles), bike (112 miles) and run (26.2 miles).

It really was quite the experience, from the sheer intensity of the sport, to the awesome energy of the crowds; to the pure shock of the transition area…(if you ask Robert about this you might get an ear full) we had a fabulous day. We have come to truly appreciate the sport and admire anyone who participates in such an intense and often time, agonizing event.

It is truly incredible to see the sport up close and personal...

As only the Swiss can do...celebrating with the cow bells.

Biking - Jacques...notice the blue trams.

The Runners...only 24.2 more miles to go!

The transition area...

This guy was tearing off his UPenn Jersey... Small world!

Does he look familiar Frank, Dom, Lou or Matt?

The first male finisher...he looks great!

The first male finisher having a beer!

Boats in Zurich

If you look really close, you can see the Alps in the distance...

More photos of Zurich...it really is a lovely city!

More scenic photos of the city....

Zurich

Hiking in Wasserfallen

It is obvious from our blog that we spend a good amount of time hiking, but we have to say, hiking in Switzerland is rather epic. Whether we are trekking through the villages close to Basel or deep in the Alps, the views, fresh air and array of farm animals (yesterday alone we saw Llama, horse, sheep and cows) simply can’t be beat.

When hiking in Switzerland, it is not uncommon…for me at least - to stop frequently, look around and wonder if this entire experience is actually real.

Well, the whole incredible life we are living is indeed real and the photos from my hike yesterday are proof that Switzerland is rather amazing!

With the hiking group in tow (poor Robert stuck once again in Luton, couldn’t make the trek, but did enjoy a good swim), we made our way (thanks to Anne – I simply follow along and enjoy the scenery!) through the Wasserfallen region.

We took a train, a bus and a gondola up to the top, hiked around for a few hours and made our way to the most exciting part of the hike...the scooter bikes. Frank, you would love these sweet rides, outfitted with shocks and handle breaks, this is the perfect piece of machinery for all those tri's you are doing!

I quickly found myself flying down the mountain at speeds I was never intended to go. I am the kind of girl who prefers to ride up hill and not down hill, if you know what I mean. Speed is simply not my thing (maybe I am still recovering from my tragic bike accident at the age of 4 that left me with a face only a mother could love! Thank God for surgeons!), the entire time down the hill, I kept thinking – shouldn’t I be wearing a mouth guard???…What if my breaks give out (and with the noises they were making, it was quite possible that they could have)…or sweet Lord, please let me take that turn or else this whole day will really be something to talk about, that is if I am still able to speak or have any teeth left!

Safely at the bottom and quite proud of my courage (maybe courage comes at the ripe old age of 30 - or maybe you just start to think you are brave ) we all smiled at each other and had another great day hiking and biking through Switzerland! I love this place!

Does it get better than this?

Should we take the long way back...or the short way?

Switzerland....got to love it!

Hiking with the horses.

Me on the scooter bike...it may not look fast, but believe me it felt like it had a motor!

The Berkshires

One of our favorite places is the Berkshire Mountains in Massachusetts. We have been visiting the area for a few years and continue to go each summer. This year, we took my Mom with us for a long weekend of rest and relaxation.

The Berkshires are really a magical place. The rolling green mountains, the slow pace, beautiful flowers, wonderful spas, the culture, Tangelwood, and great organic food. There is nothing as incredible as picnicking on the lawn at Tanglewood, only to fall asleep under a blanket of stars as you listen to the Boston Symphony Orchestra play the most enchanting music.

The trip was filled with nice walks, slow hikes, tennis, swimming, and of course, the day spa. What a fabulous place to make wonderful memories and to celebrate 32nd birthdays!

Early morning hike - Monument Mountain

Mom and Melinda at Tanglewood

Robert and Melinda at Tanglewood

Views from Tanglewood...

The Williamsville Inn's Organic Garden

The Inn

Front of the Williamsville Inn

Stockbridge Bowl

More lake...

Housatonic River Walk

Mom at the Red Lion Inn

Happy 32nd Birthday Robert!

Returning Home

We just returned from our first visit home since our move. It felt great to speak the language and immerse ourselves in the familiarity of being surrounded by family and friends. It was also nice to eat some of our favorite foods and stock up on our favorite groceries! The best part though, was spending time with family.

Living abroad is an amazing experience, one that we will forever be grateful for, but one aspect of living 6,000 miles away (and that is from the East Coast) is that the "hello's" are so sweet and the "goodbyes" can break your heart.

Auntie M and Sean

Nana Mae and Sean watching Uncle Robert draw... What a precious face!
Amanda and Stan

Uncle Robert, Sean and Nana Mae

High 5's...

Here are a few photos of family...

Botanischer Garten in Brüglingen

We went for a walk the other night to a botanical garden about 20 minutes from our casa. We brought the camera because Melinda was there the other day and said there were tiny birds that flew over and land on you... Kind of sounds a little Snow-White-ish... We did see the birds, but Melinda is convinced that they didn't land on us because I kept making bird noises. Oh well, no pictures of the cute little birds, but instead we managed to capture some great images of nature. I was going to title this post something other than what it is, and yes, it was the correct spelling of the place we visited. Anyway, here are some of the pictures we took. If you would like reprints, framed enlargements, just let us know...