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Karl and Lucie von Allmen. Karl is my first cousin and I had visited with them 10 years ago. They live in Aeugst am Albis, a small town southwest of Zurich. Karl grew up in Zurich and loves the city. They have a beautiful home and garden and a 180 degree view of the Alps! One could stand for hours and just stare at the view and the changing clouds.
Karl is a retired school teacher and Lucie is a homemaker. She loves animals, flowers, quilting, cooking, makes teddy bears, and keeps Karl in line. Sven is still living at home and he works for a Fluid Control System company, as a product manager. His job has taken him all the way to China! Their daughter Kirsten has moved into an apartment in the town where Karl taught school. It's just a few minutes away. Unfortunately, I didn't get to see Kirsten this time.
I stayed at the Ibis Hotel in Baar. Baar is a small town between Zurich and Zug. Everything was within easy walking distance and I enjoyed it very much. I took the train from Germany, down along the French border and the scenery was wonderful. Lots and lots of farm land. There was a mix-up on the train reservation (wouldn't you know)and I ended up riding in first class for the price of second class. But I had to lug all my suitcases through five train cars to get to it!! But it was very nice.
On my first evening there, I planned to crash. I called Karl to let them know I was there and then settled down for the night. About 7:30 pm comes a knock on the door and there is my wonderful cousin Karl! He said it was the most beautiful night of the year so far and we must go out! So he took me for a long ride up to a new view point restaurant and we watched the lights come on in Zug and Cham, down below. And of course, the Zugersee. And we had Nussgipfel, a flaky pastry filled with hazelnut cream. Mmmmmmmm.....
What a wonderful welcome to Switzerland!
Karl also took me sightseeing in Zurich and in Zug. Both cities are beautiful, especially along the Zugersee. We stopped in to visit with another von Allmen who owns an Australian import shop. Very interesting. |
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On the Rhinefall boat. 
Left to right, Martha Bachler, Roland Bachler, Margrit Griesser, Werner Griesser, Lucie von Allmen and Karl von Allmen. Also on this visit, I met my cousin Margrit and her husband Werner Griesser. I was just delighted to meet these folks after so many years. On Friday, I think it was, my niece and Swiss nephew from Portland drove north from their relatives home, to visit with Karl and Lucie. We all had dinner and then Margrit and Werner came for desert. They only speak German and a little English but we got on just fine.
On my last afternoon there we all went to Margrit and Werner's for dinner. They have a beautiful four story condo and a lovely garden. Margrit also enjoys handcrafts and collects thimbles. Since my visit, I have been in touch by E-mail and am learning a lot more German. Unfortunately, Werner had a bicycle accident recently and has been laid up with broken ribs. I think he is mending well. |
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On my second day there, Karl came to fetch me and we went for a long drive to the Rhinefall, near Schauffhausen. The weather was a bit rainy but cleared up by the time we arrived at the falls.
At the Rhinefall, the Rhine River comes over a group of falls with such force that it is impossible to describe. Someone has tried to go over it in a craft and did not live. The water just roars through. Above is a castle, made into a gift shop and restaurant. Down at the bottom of the falls is the lower river and one can take a boat ride just across or into the falls. It was all very exciting and a bit damp. The Swiss flag flies overall.
Karl kept reminding me that if I went down I had to haul my "arse" back up but I made it with just a few stops. Thank the Good Lord my hip has held up for the trip. I love being active again.
On the way back home we were discussing ages and Karl threatened to put me out on the Autobahn if I thought that 65 years was too old! We had an excellant supper that evening at their house. 
Clockwise; Lucie, Margrit, Jean,Martha, Roland, and Werner 
Jean, Karl, Roland, Sven von Allmen, Martha |
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