There was winter and suddenly it felt like spring. Time to leave my winter retreat. It was a good time in a warm place. In the mountains, in nature. Simple, refreshing. Sunny, snowy, stormy, grey and rainy days or the full program in just one day. Like weather. Constant is change. Change is constant.
A last few impressions from Aeschi b. Spiez
Whenever I come back to Switzerland, all those “very Swiss things” catch my attention and conjure a smile on my face. Signs of a well-organized and thought-through system, full of options and opportunities. With a little something for everyone. Full responsibility for and trust in each and everyone, even the dogs. For a harmonious together, side by side.
I walk. I stop. I look up at the house front. I read.
House inscriptions. In the canton of Berne still common. Particularly in reformed villages, I learn from Robert Tuor’s extracts available on the internet.
Some are painted while others are carved into wood. Some are in German while others in local dialect. Some aim to send out good wishes to those who pass by while others ask for protection and god’s blessings, or decorate with inspiring global wisdom or aphorisms and others reflect the owner’s love for the own country.
Maybe it’s also the altitude (around 900 metre over sealevel) – but I would say, a little closer to heaven.
House 1: A sunny spot, a cosy little home, a future in peace, this shall be our way.
House 2: For cheese and butter, thank God.
House 3: God and peace, the house’s decoration, only these bring you happiness and blessings.
House 4: Each and everyone who passes by is on the way to eternity. God bless you, stay well longtime, come by again.
House 5: On a beautiful spot of this world I’ve built this house, but never should it come out of my mind that I am only a pilgrim here.
House 6: God protects the house from storm and fire and everybody who goes in and out
House 7: We build here for this moment, but God for eternity.
Simply because it is so beautiful at the moment – let me share some winter impressions with you
Winter landscape – between silence and dramatic light
Trees in winter – undressed and firm
A new year, a new place.
Aeschi. A small village at the foot of the Alps. A terrace, panoramic views.
A new year, new opportunities.
Daily walks. Feeling nature; the cold, the rain, the snow, the mist, the sun, the fresh air.
Winter. Total contrast to the tropics. Fresh outside, warm inside.
I light a fire in the stove. And enjoy the difference.
These last couple of days of the year are always a good opportunity to look back before heading confidently into a new year.
I am most grateful for all the people who shared – in one or the other way – a part of my journey in 2015. THANK YOU!!!
A journey that took me from Czech Republic, to Laos, to Cambodia and Thailand, and via India back to Switzerland. The journey was rich in experience from a professional as well as from a personal and intercultural point of view. I learned a lot about the others but even more about myself.
I am very grateful for a dream come true with the project experience in Laos. When such a dream becomes reality its colour does not always remain rose, luckily, it takes all colours including sometimes the dark ones.
Last but not least, I am very grateful for a healthy year, something that cannot really be bought, something we may sometimes take for granted but suddenly we realize how vulnerable our body and mind can be.
I wish you a healthy, content and inspiring 2016!!!
From sunny Switzerland, Franziska
A last sunset on Phou Salao. The Golden Buddha sharing his beautiful view over the mighty Mekong River and Pakse town. An enriching 10 months in Southern Laos come to an end. Grateful for all the people I’ve met, all the things I’ve learned, the day-to-day experiences, adventures, moments of joy and also for the more difficult ones that pushed me forward. Every end a new beginning:
New – just published – Southern Laos Travel Guide : http://southern-laos.com/Southern-Laos-Travel-Guide
More reasons to come and experience the beauty of Southern Laos!
Thanks for following me on this journey. The journey goes on.
This beautifully decorated miniature temple is the house of the spirits. You can find it outside or inside almost every home and business in Laos. People belief that they share their space with the spirits and ancestors and that it is best to keep them happy by making daily offerings of incense, food or flowers to avoid troubles.
Hairdresser, beauty salon, barber shop…nine I counted along my street. And many more in town. They capture my attention. Doors are open all day long. While I ride on my bicycle, I look left and right and catch a glimpse. A glimpse of a colorful decoration. A smile of a friendly hairdresser when I ask if I may take a picture. And on a closer look the hair salon is also the hairdresser’s home. Mostly with Vietnamese roots, they built up their business in Pakse, Southern Laos.
viafranziska.com 