As I mentioned before, I spent two whole, lovely weeks in Minnesota (and Nebraska) around Christmas. My travel strategy has been to leave for home at least a week before Christmas, so that I have time for any delays that might happen and still get home for Christmas. It turns out that I had the same idea as many other ex–pats, since my flight from Zürich was absolutely full of Americans going home for Christmas! Luckily, my Amsterdam to Minneapolis flight was really empty, so I got a whole row to myself!
It was really lovely to be home for Christmas, sleeping in my own bed, seeing friends and family, playing with my parent's dog, shopping, and getting my semi–annual tune–up (haircut, dental appointment)!
We ended up spending Christmas in Nebraska with my grandparents and aunt (on my dad's side). It was fantastic to have the chance to spend some extra time with them! We hung out, enjoyed my grandmother's amazing cooking, played cards, drove around at night to see the Christmas lights, and did some shopping. We are often too busy during visits, so it was great to have some relaxed time together.
Although the drives down and back are long (9–ish hours), I enjoyed the time in the car. There is something about being in the Midwest with its big horizons, where you can really see sunsets, that makes me feel more at home, I think! (In the mountains, you lose the sun behind the mountains sometimes hours before it sets, so you never really get to see the sunset...)
Because we were down in Nebraska, we ended up opening our family presents the Saturday after Christmas. Riley was very helpful with the unwrapping bit, and tore all of the paper to shreds.
The day before I left, we went for a sister shoe–shopping trip (we each got at least one pair!). We also went to see The Hobbit, which I enjoyed more than I expected. The Hobbit has never been my favorite story, especially in comparison with The Lord of the Rings, but the movie, while over–long, still featured beautiful scenery, interesting (and quirky) characters, and lovely music. It was great to have some time girl time with my home fries!
On my way back to Zürich, I got upgraded to business class for the Minneapolis to Amsterdam flight! It was amazing! I have now been flying so much every year that I was upgraded for free, much to my delight. My seat totally reclined, and I was able to lay almost flat and sleep a little, which never happens for me. I did feel a little out of my league with the other travelers in business class, but it could be worse...
It was a wonderful visit home. As much as I love it here in Switzerland, there's no place like home!
It was really lovely to be home for Christmas, sleeping in my own bed, seeing friends and family, playing with my parent's dog, shopping, and getting my semi–annual tune–up (haircut, dental appointment)!
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| Snuggling with Riley. |
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| Truly the cutest dog, ever! |
Although the drives down and back are long (9–ish hours), I enjoyed the time in the car. There is something about being in the Midwest with its big horizons, where you can really see sunsets, that makes me feel more at home, I think! (In the mountains, you lose the sun behind the mountains sometimes hours before it sets, so you never really get to see the sunset...)
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| Shopping! |
Because we were down in Nebraska, we ended up opening our family presents the Saturday after Christmas. Riley was very helpful with the unwrapping bit, and tore all of the paper to shreds.
The day before I left, we went for a sister shoe–shopping trip (we each got at least one pair!). We also went to see The Hobbit, which I enjoyed more than I expected. The Hobbit has never been my favorite story, especially in comparison with The Lord of the Rings, but the movie, while over–long, still featured beautiful scenery, interesting (and quirky) characters, and lovely music. It was great to have some time girl time with my home fries!
On my way back to Zürich, I got upgraded to business class for the Minneapolis to Amsterdam flight! It was amazing! I have now been flying so much every year that I was upgraded for free, much to my delight. My seat totally reclined, and I was able to lay almost flat and sleep a little, which never happens for me. I did feel a little out of my league with the other travelers in business class, but it could be worse...
It was a wonderful visit home. As much as I love it here in Switzerland, there's no place like home!
