The speciality drink of Switzerland is Rivella, a bubbly, carbonated drink made from milk serum. Yes, MILK SERUM. It tastes really great, and is just another reason to love Switerland. Somehow, everything here is a little nicer than anywhere else. So, when Swiss kids need to drink their milk, they actually get a great tasting soda. Perhaps Willy Wonka did not give up the store: he just moved it here.
Allie, my 7 year old, loves Switzerland. She finds it cozy and managable, and "super duper clean." No wonder: today we went to a children's playground where there was not one bit of trash anywhere, and all the equiptment sat on lush, green, soft, grass. Rachie even crawled around on the ground as the kids played. The Swiss kids playing there were quiet and respectful, taking turns and mindful of their voices. The equiptment itself was a dream: challenging and fun for the kids and clean and safe for the parents. I am happy Allie loves it here, but I fear for her in Italy a little bit. The last playground I went to Italy, the equipment was covered in gum and graffitti, and all the playstructures sat on top of cracked asphalt. A different kind of fun, for sure.
Of course, the best fun comes at unexpected times. Last night, the whole famly was up and starving a 2 a.m., so we pitched a picinic in Michael's parents' laundry room, and gobbled up a dinner's worth of food, telling jokes, sharing stories, and laughing at the craziness of the moment. By 5 a.m. we all felt sleepy, and with hugs and thank-yous from the kids, plopped back into our beds, and slept until 11:00. Tonight it's just Michael and me -and occasionally Rachel --enjoying the early morning hours. I miss last night's moment already.
Camas says that he misses Maddie already. "The class is so quiet without her!" he said.
ReplyDeleteOh it sounds like you are living in a utopia for a few weeks. And the family bonding at 2am is completely you guys. Miss you all already! :)
ReplyDeleteSimon wants to know more precisely what this milk serum soda tastes like. Any descriptors?
ReplyDeleteIt's strange to think about school goin gon -- you all must be ready for the field trips! How's the weather?
ReplyDeleteJanelle, let me tell you, I wish YOU were here! Heeeeelp.
Well, Simon, it's super hard to describe. I will try and remember to bring some back for you and Zoe to try. It's a little like 7-UP on your tounge, a strong syrup like sweetness, and no aftertaste. i have seen as many adults as children drink it -- it's not really just a kids' drink.
Thanks. That helps. And Simon says, "Sounds a lot nicer than cow milk."
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