Aaaannnddd we're back!

A particularly lovely sunset from my bedroom window.

It's been a whirlwind the past two weeks as we left for Chicago on the 29th to get our visas. All we knew about the process was that it involved loads of paperwork, cash money, some poor quality Walgreen's headshots and could take anywhere from three days to a week. So, we packed our bags, bid our little apartment adieu (French!) and headed back to our former stomping grounds.

It was pretty strange being back in Chicago after a very definitive parting of the ways in December. In the span of six weeks, it seemed like everything had changed and yet our old haunts were comfortably unchanged. As we went to grab a bite to eat at a favorite restaurant it would hit me - I thought we already said goodbye to this place and yet...here we are. Then I came to my senses and decided to stop philosophizing about the delicious pizza that was awaiting my consumption. At times like this, it is helpful to have such an insistent stomach as it helps a girl keep her priorities in order.

It was all in all a busy but emotionally fulfilling ten days. Between work, I got to see these guys and watch a rehearsal for this as well as get a surprise visit from my family. I stored up a lot of good conversations and time well spent with all the people I love that will hopefully last until I see them next.

As our last day in Chicago drew to a close and we still had heard nothing regarding our visas, we began to get anxious about our chances of making our flight back that very night. At the last minute, they came through, we raced to the embassy and jumped on a plane.

Now we're back

(and legal)

. Let the adventures begin!

Remembrance

It's been rather quiet this past week on the blog as the living of life has taken precedent over the documentation of it. In the span of nine months, both members of the celebratory couple in the photo above have moved on from this world.

'Lost one's battle with cancer' implies a number of things that were not in Jean Dwaileebe's character, chief among them admitting defeat. I am not sure that stubbornness is technically on the list of cancer treatments, but I can't help but think that it might be now and should probably be studied for its surprising effectiveness. 

Stubbornness, a penchant for mischief and the ability to always appreciate a good joke are the characteristics that she had in spades. On my best days I like to think that I embody two of these traits. On the rest, the other one. We are, all of us, a mixed bag of personality from the various members of our family trees. I feel lucky that I was able to get to know and love the source of many of mine.

Unpacked

When moving into a Swiss apartment there is a formal meeting that takes place between the previous tenant, the leasing agent and the new tenant (and in our case our relocation agent). All parties meet at the apartment in question and the leasing agent goes through the entire residence inch by inch, noting anything that is damaged or irregular. During the inspection, the leasing agent who I will refer to as PF (for Perpetual Frown) took the better part of two hours to scribble endlessly on her notepad face like a thundercloud, muttering angrily in French while we looked on, completely perplexed.

It is expected that the outgoing tenant leave the residence in spotless condition. As in eat-off-the-toilet-seat spotless. Given the massive security deposits that are required to rent anything here, it's no wonder that most people hire a company to come in and scour the place.

After her inspection, the PF pointed out three things that were not cleaned to her satisfaction (one side of the door on the dishwasher, a 3''x 3'' spot on the gleaming tub and some spots on the bathroom grout) and listed the total fine if the areas in question were not cleaned by the end of the week (500 CF...seriously). After we all shook hands and went our separate ways, I made a mental note to cover the entire apartment in Clorox-soaked bubble wrap during our stay to avoid getting nailed when it is time for us to leave.

We were able to pick up the keys a few days later and set a move-in date for Friday. Setting a date was exciting not just because we were finally moving into our home for the foreseeable future, but also because it meant that our belongings had made it to dry land and were not, in fact, sitting on the floor of the Atlantic.

As someone who's idea of moving, (until now) has involved bribing various less-than-enthused friends and family members, carrying absurdly large items on public transportation and filling garbage bags with everything within arms reach, just the idea of having movers still blows my mind. When they actually showed up on time (!), were insanely nice(!!) and had our things off the truck and unpacked within a matter of hours (!!!) I was pretty sure I was in some sort of dream and would soon awaken to reality (which in this case would involve all our furniture tossed in a heap at the bottom of the staircase and some little imp laughing at me as I tried to lug it upstairs while crying)

The fact that the moving crew were not just smiling, but singing after carrying my monstrous black cabinet up five flights of stairs was more than I could handle. For I have had to move that cabinet less than fifty yards and the words that came out of my mouth while doing so were along the lines of "I'm dead now! My back is broken! Leave me - save yourselves!" etc.

After the Jolly Movers had left and the dust settled, we began the arduous task of Putting Everything in Its Place. Anthony was a hero and rewired all our lamps while I set about the  (equally demanding) task of making things look pretty. We started on Friday afternoon and did not stop moving until Saturday night when our legs gave out and we had to start self medicating with wine.

It is very surreal to be rearranging one's possessions on a new continent. Every time I put something away, my brain would say ''my electric toothbrush! The last time I saw this I was in Chicago! I can't believe it's here! How cool!'' Contrary to popular belief, this did not get old.

And then, at some undefinable point, we stopped putting things away in a new apartment and started putting them away in our new apartment. We cooked a meal and ate it in our living room while watching a movie. Bliss.

It's good to be home.

Meandering

At the risk of sounding as though we have fallen into a rut after only two weeks of being here, we decided to walk into Lutry again this past weekend.

Do you guys remember the computer game Myst? Doesn't this little octagonal building remind you of one of the buildings in the game? We've walked by it several times but cannot figure out what it is for. I can only assume that it is a magical portal waiting to transport a stranger to another age.

The volume of birds that partake in Sunday relaxation is staggering. Herons, swans, seagulls, pigeons, mallards and a number of interesting varieties I can't even name. Coming from Chicago I am used to associating birds (pigeons specifically) with germs, disease, and all manner of deformities. I have to admit that the very cool Swiss-ness of these birds is warming my begrudging heart a bit.

(A very little bit).

The mountains were very hazy that morning. I tried to capture their shyness.

After a cozy little lunch, we wandered around Lutry and Anthony decided he wanted to make some beef stew for dinner. While he was procuring vegetables, I poked around the farmer's stalls with my camera.

Wee carrots about to be slaughtered and boiled. Tasty.

Exhibit A

While Anthony chopped and diced and browned and sauteed, I sat by and...watched. In a helpful way.

Exhibit B

The cheap tea selection here is great.

While dinner bubbled away on the stove, I kept up my strength with the above gift from the sugar gods.

Our things arrived yesterday, delivered by the most good-natured crew of movers I have ever met. Even after carrying my appallingly heavy black cabinet up five flights of stairs, they proceeded to set it up while laughing and I kid you not, singing. Unreal. (In a good way).

This weekend we will be busy setting everything up and making our new place feel like home. I am so excited.

Happy weekend!

Some photos from around the neighborhood

Here are a smattering of photos from around our temporary neighborhood. There are books, carbs, plants and great views all within reach. So, life is good.

We took a stroll through the botanical gardens that are a block down from our temp apartment. Even though it's currently overcast and not much is growing, we could see that come summer, the place will just be overwhelmed with greenery. The garden is designed so that as you walk, you spiral up a hill and presented with an incredible view upon reaching the top. Definitely a place to come back to in the summer.

Also, ALSO, you guys, WE FOUND AN APARTMENT. I didn't want to say anything until all the paperwork was processed and the money hemorrhaging begun for fear of jinxing it. But it is ours, a vintage beauty that is both in a good area, in our price range and within spitting distance

(as in, I could lean out my window and spit on it, but I won't because that would be sacrilege)

of a delicious Lebanese restaurant. Our things come on Friday. I cannot wait to set up our new home. Pictures will follow.

But for now, a happy Tuesday.