A time just before parenthood and I was sat in Departure Lounge at Zurich Airport, waiting for a plane back to England. Opposite was a young couple clearly waiting for the same plane. As we chatted they excitedly described their first venture into this wonderful land called Switzerland. I remember them saying that they had found a wonderland. They told a story about being caught out in heavy rain while walking and a local farmer brought them into his house for a warm drink. When the rain didn’t pass he drove them to the nearest train station.
Here’s the irony. Probably during the very same rainstorm, we were walking through beautiful Gstaad and guess what, yes the heavens truly opened. Proper RAIN. We tried to take shelter in the nearest doorway. Quickly the door opened and we were beckoned inside. In Swiss German we were told to ‘come inside before we got soaked’. We were treated to Italian coffee and cake as the storm passed over. Our hosts being truly kind and nice. I remember joking that if this had been England, the door would have been quickly bolted shut with us still outside. The smiling response said it all..
“Probably, but this is Switzerland and it’s just different here…”
It so is…..
And to be fair to Gstaad, every other time we have been there the weather has been perfect. Plus they do a mighty fine watermelon….



HAPPY NEW YEAR. WE CAN DO THIS. ❤️







What a great story!! Thx for sharing!
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Thank you 🙏
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Loved the story and the stunning photos. Happiness & Health in The New Year! 🙅😴🛌🕛
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Happy New Year 🙏
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Happiest of new year to you and Hawklad. May those doors open wide for you through every rainfall this year. Take good care, Gary.
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Let’s hope it’s more steps forward, happy new year my friend
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What a lovely experience. Blessed 2023.
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Happy New Year 😊
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Happy New Year. Wishing you and your family health and happiness.🤗🙏🏽
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Happy New Year 🙏
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Happy 2023!!
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Happy New Year
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Your pictures always take my breath away!!! And it seems the Swiss people know the true meaning and value of humanity. You said that in England, the door would have been barred … well, here in the U.S., someone would have likely come out with a gun and told you to leave now or suffer the consequences. People in Switzerland … ahhhhh, someday I hope to meet them, to sip coffee in one of those cafes, to walk through the villages … someday, my friend. Someday.
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You would love it there. And here’s the thing, the Swiss allow gun ownership but it’s so different to the US.
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I didn’t realize that they allowed private gun ownership! How do they manage to keep gun violence away, to keep their populace safe? They must have some strict regulations? Sigh. I hate guns. I still love Switzerland, though!
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Personal and civic responsibility. It’s not seen as a fashion accessory.
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Here, I think it’s used largely as a prop for those who feel they are not ‘manly’ enough! 🤣
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That is so true 🤣
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That’s a big watermelon! Why can’t people just be like that everywhere?!
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It would be a much better world, wouldn’t it just. Never has so much watermelon been absorbed permanently into one T-shirt 🤣🤣🤣🤣
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lol, as long as he enjoyed it =D
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How fitting was this to read at this moment? Because as I woke, all I could hear was raindrops hitting my window. Yes it’s soaking rain .so thank you. Your story made the rain a bit more bearable .such ” wonderland” it is. And I don’t believe doors would open up here .lol! One more thing. What is an Italian cake? Happy New Year ❤️
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I would move there if I could. Happy New Year ❤️
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You never know . nothing is impossible .❤️
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That’s true ❤️
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Well, that’s what I like to believe☺️
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❤️
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❤️
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❤️
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❤️
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Fabulous pictures
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Thanks Di
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You’re welcome Gary. Hope you’re both feeling better now
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Slowly getting there
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Good to hear
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🙏
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Happy New Year Gary! Wishing you and Hawklad all the best! 💚
Wonderful story to start the New Year off with, warm fuzzies. 😊 The watermelon looks delicious.
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I didn’t find out, he had the lot, well most actually found it’s way onto his shirt 🤣🤣🤣 Happy New Year, I hope you smile so much ❤️
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What a lovely coincidence! It says a lot about the place you love so much. Yes, you can do it!
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It does, it’s a special place.
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A beautiful place and wonderful people
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It really is
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🤩🥹😍
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Happy 2023 Gary Kermit Superdad!
I’m glad 2022 is over! It was a bumpy year at Casa Cuckoo🤪 But as Sir Elton sings 🎶 I’m still standin’…🎶 😂😂
💌💌💌💌💌
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You are. So hope smiles are coming your way ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
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A happy new year!
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Happy new year
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Oh the fine balance between being hospitable and being taken in.
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That’s true 🤣🤣🤣
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What a beautiful place, happy 2023 to you and your youngin. Cheers!
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Thank you. Happy 2023.
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😋
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🙏
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