Switzerland Final Thoughts

We have had fun enjoying the differences in the cultures.  One that has been completely embraced is the Europeans ability to create fun playgrounds for kids.  We always have to check out a "spielplatz" (German word for playground) when we see one on a map.  Switzerland did not disappoint.  Right in the heart of downtown is a huge park with a nice herd of Swiss cows with their cowbells on - kind of
an interesting phenomenon in the center of their city.  But, hey it's Switzerland!   And of course,  right next to the cows was an inventive spielplatz.  The girls had a ball on this "merry go round" type thing.   Actually I kind of had a little fun on it myself!  It seems that they really try to get kids to be active.  You'll see more photos of playgrounds in later blogs I'm sure.  Although Interlaken is considered "touristy" we spent a fair amount of time outside it and got to see where the "locals" live up in the mountains.  Interlaken itself is extremely expensive.  We thought Germany was expensive but nothing like Switzerland!!  The only thing less expensive than in Germany  was gas - it was only about $6.50 a gallon vs. $7.50 - woohoo we filled up before we left!!  We're not sure if it's because of taxes or what.  The European economy is hard to figure out!!  Nonetheless we managed to get this great apartment (see girls waving out the window and then another picture from our balcony) and ate most of our meals as a picnic or from the grocery since we had a full kitchen (much nicer than mine in Tübingen!).  The streets of Interlaken
are filled with expensive jewelry stores filled with watches and
souvenir shops filled with Swiss Army Knives, not to mention lots of
Japanese tourists! Our German friends kind of laughed when we said we
went to Interlaken - it has quite a reputation as a "tourist only" city where no real European would ever go!  It worked for us though!  We'd highly recommend it.  We had a great time but at the same time our hearts were still a little in Texas with our sweet little friend Matt Burpee who is battling brain cancer.  The girls made a sign for him from Switzerland and we plan to send him a special greeting from each country we visit as he faces this battle.  Pray for him if you will.