Greetings from the unpacking jungle!
Our two-girl strong, diamond bright travel team with Lotta was at it again; this time exploring the wonders of Zürich. This self-organized relaxation retreat was long overdue and much needed. Our Mallorca trip in August was, as Trump would put it, a huge success, and this was about to become one too.
Apart from being a two-girl travel team, Lotta and I make up for a blind-leading-a-blind themed emotional support group. This fall had sprinkled all sorts of poo-poo situations upon our lives, which we usually handled by crying each in our turn over the nonstop stress limbo. It was definitely time to break the habit and bring something positive to the table. And so, in a blink of an eye, a travel plan was designed. The solution had been in front of us the whole time! Lotta's mom has recently become a resident of the idyllic alpine town of Oberrieden, located in the hills surrounding the mesmerising lake Zürich. So it was settled: in no time the serene village of Oberriden would receive a couple of bubbly blondies from the North!
It was my first time visiting Switzerland, and I swear on the holy Birkin, it was marvelous. The brilliant host that Lotta's mother is, she had all sorts of wellness related fun planned ready for us before we'd even departed from Arlanda! For Friday and Saturday she'd arranged us a 48hrs Gym & Spa treat at a local wellness sanctuary down by the lake. These Days got spent literally sweating our butts off in various activities from pilates to HIIT training (The latter resulting in a hilariously stiff walking style in the following days). After the training sessions, remaining true to our nature, we made sure to spend a small eternity enjoying the spa section. Winding down in various Saunas combined with occasional dips to a jacuzzi worked wonders. All the stress we'd carried during the latest months suddenly felt a lifetime away.
Thursday and Saturday, then again, became dedicated to strolling around the neighborhoods of Zürich city. We had luck on our side, as a myriad of Christmas lights cloaking the streets were turned on at the day of our arrival. The Town was at it's most beautiful, as after the sun set the streets became alive with all decorations imaginable. Every corner and avenue was covered in lights of all shapes and colors of the spectrum. Even though it was Black Friday weekend, the shopping from our part was left at a minimum. Instead our focus lied in eating well and admiring the distinctive alpine architecture meanwhile breathing in the city's unique "traditional meets urban" vibes.
Still, if I were to choose, my favorite moments would be the evenings spent in the family home up the hills of Oberrieden. Every night we gathered to the family room, lighted up some candles, and reviewed the past days events. These moments felt just so peaceful and natural. In the tranquility we prepared traditional dinners, tasted some excellent Italian red wines, and more often than not, nibbled on the delicious Swiss chocolate. As both my own as well as Lotta's family are living abroad, it's specially these family moments that get cherished long after.
Unfortunately it's true what they say, all good things come to an end.
The time has now come to redirect focus back to the ordinary. But not for too long! The Christmas holidays are right around the corner, forecasting plenties more relaxed family moments to come.
Hertta
