My Mom and I journey through the scenic Swiss countryside for the third and final leg of our European adventure.
By James C. Hawkins | June 15, 2024 | 6-minute read
Our whirlwind escapade through the enchanting realms of Switzerland and its diminutive neighbor Liechtenstein was a delightful cocktail of jaw-dropping scenery, mom-centric jabs, and memories we’ll savor for years to come. Join my dear old Mutti and me as we stumble through some of Europe’s most picturesque landscapes, leaving a trail of laughter and shenanigans in our wake.
Zurich: A Postcard Perfect Start
We kicked off our Swiss sojourn in the storybook city of Zurich, where the fluttering Swiss flags welcomed us with a warm “willkommen” as we ambled along the cobblestone streets, our feet tap-dancing to the rhythm of our own excitement. The old town’s quaint charm immediately had us snapping photos like a pair of overzealous tourists, though my navigational ineptitude nearly landed us squarely in next week. Mom’s only regret? Not packing a filter to Insta-glam her selfies to high heavens, because apparently, even the most picture-perfect landscapes could use a little digital nip and tuck.
Scenic Views, Unstable Grounds
Speaking of views, the panoramic vistas overlooking Zurich’s melange of old and new left us appropriately gobsmacked, our jaws hanging open like a pair of cartoon characters. Well, once we oriented ourselves, that is—my compass proficiency rivals that of a slice of Swiss cheese, and I’m not talking about the holy variety. As for photo ops, Mom lamented her lack of Instagram face-tuning, but I assured her that her natural beauty (and our delightfully askew framing) would blend seamlessly with the breathtaking scenery, creating a masterpiece that even Picasso would envy.
Rapperswill
The delightfully named city of Rapperswil embraces an overly decorated, fairytale-like architectural style that veers towards the whimsical, as if the Brothers Grimm had gone on a design bender. In embracing this aesthetic, the city presents itself as a storybook destination, with its buildings adorned in an overly ornate, fanciful, and dare I say, slightly unhinged manner. Forgoing simplicity and minimalism, the city opted for an eye-catching, almost fantastical aesthetic that embraces ornate architectural flourishes and decorative elements, as if to say, “Subtlety? Never heard of her.” This whimsical style creates a fairytale-like ambiance that’s so over-the-top, you half-expect to see Cinderella’s pumpkin carriage parked on the curb.
The Tiny Country That Stole Our Hearts
You can’t say you’ve really done Switzerland without a cheeky side-trip to Liechtenstein, the country so small, you could probably walk across it in the time it takes to yodel “Ricola!” There we were, striking our best “world-traveler” poses in front of the quintessential roadside sign, when Mom got fanciful ideas about buying the country’s lone touristy train to solve our neighborhood’s subway woes. Ah, mothers—enforcing practicality one dream at a time, even in the face of Liechtenstein’s undeniable charm.
A Toast to the Good Life
Of course, no European jaunt is complete without whiling away an afternoon lakeside, beverages in hand, pretending we’re part of the glitterati. As Mom sipped her mojito with an unfamiliar air of relaxation (possibly induced by the Swiss altitude), I couldn’t help but imagine her conquering the world (or at least the hiking trail ahead) with her newfound zest for life. We raised our glasses to the journey thus far, the endless runway of memories to come, and the fact that we hadn’t yet tumbled down a mountain in pursuit of the perfect selfie.
Cultura-palooza
From historic churches indulging our spiritual side (and Mom’s fascination with ancient real estate ventures) to modern landmarks reminding us “you’re not in Kentucky anymore,” our tour doubled as an immersive cultural education. Although, Mom clearly struggled to see Switzerland’s grandiose cathedrals as anything but wildly successful property deals, marveling at the recovery construction loans that must’ve been required. Can’t say I disagree—those sky-high naves and ornate altars certainly didn’t come cheap!
The Most Important Souvenirs: Laughter and Love
At its core, this trip transcended mere sightseeing to celebrate the special bond between a mother and her rapscallion son. Traveling with my dear old Mutti meant every experience came infused with humor, affection, and just a dash of harmless ribbing, the way only a parent can lovingly dish out. As we bid “auf wiedersehen” to Switzerland’s splendor, the breathtaking vistas will undoubtedly stick with us, etched into our memories like a permanent postcard. But it’s the uninhibited laughter, the moments of shenanigan-fueled joy, and the shared wonder of discovering new horizons that made this crazy voyage uniquely ours—a testament to the unbreakable bond between a mother and her globetrotting offspring.
So raise a glass (or stein, if you’re so inclined) to the adventures that fortify our most cherished relationships, the laughter that shapes the journey’s tenor, and the incredible people who make even the most mundane miles feel extraordinary. After all, any destination is only as magical as the company you keep, and I couldn’t have asked for a better partner in crime than my beloved Mutti. Here’s to the next chapter in our never-ending escapade, wherever the wind (or our questionable sense of direction) may take us!
