It's all BooMama's fault

It's all BooMama's fault that I met Linds via blogging and just had to go visit with her in Engelberg yesterday. Linds is from the UK (originally South Africa) and staying with her sister (who lives in Switz.) for Christmas.

To explain a bit to the family and friends scratching their heads right now thinking I've gone off my rocker: When you visit and read a Blog, you can leave comments in the comments section. Most of you don't. You are known as "lurkers." I say that in the nicest possible way - I love my lurkers. I'll occasionally leave a comment on someone else's Blog and because our Blog is not restricted (by email subscription), a person can click on the webname that pop's up (swissfamilyolson or susan) and read our Blog. That is how Linds found our Blog (via BooMama) and how we've come to know one another. Via the Internet. A modern day PenPal.

Of course, Rachel's first response when I told her what I did with my day was: "Mom, the internet can be a dangerous place and you shouldn't be meeting strangers from places off the computer." Yeah!! The warnings and education the school IT program gives the kids is working. I then had to justify why Mom "broke the rules" yesterday.

One of the best parts of living overseas has been the International group of people I've met along the way. Learning about different cultural traditions, different lifestyles, history which was not covered in World or American history classes, different vocabulary - this is what I find enjoyable about our experience here.

And as Linds would be in Engleberg - just over an hour away - it seemed like a perfect opportunity.

So off to Engelberg I went. As you can see, we've got a bit of white stuff to satisfy any White Christmas cravings. We weren't quite sure the visit would happen due to unexpected heavy snowfall on Wed. and roads were an absolute mess. Please note the turnout - I was not driving and taking a pic at the same time. That picture comes in another post. :)

We met at Linds' sister's house. From which you have a clear view of the ski jump ramp - Engelberg will be hosting the International Ski Jump competition this weekend. For myself - I had a great time and we looked in shock when the clock read 12:50. I had to get back to school for Kendra's class party (made it back with a few minutes to spare and did not exceed the legal limit).

We drank coffee and talked politics/economy, Switzerland, a bit of S. African history, kids and travel - I felt like we could have talked all day. She is even more intelligent and humorous in person than she comes across in her Blog. With a great smile. I'll be able to imagine her voice (a soft South African accent) and expressions now when I read her Blog. Her sister visiting with us was just as entertaining and served us coffee and apple cake - Thank You M.

We had a great setting to visit in as well. Her sister's house is over-the-top in Christmas decorations (which you can see more of on Linds blog) and make a very warm environment to be in.

I'll leave it to the reader to get to know Linds more via: http://www.lindslangdon.blogspot.com/ . Although I feel I want to say more, it was thoroughly fun and at some point I loose the words to express the delight of meeting someone who lives countries away but shares many of the same values, hobbies, aches (knees!) and interests.

What a fun day and lovely experience. Thank You Linds! Hope to do it again in warmer weather as well.

Another full day scheduled. Made a to-do list for myself and hope to get it all done!

And if you find yourself in Engelberg, visit Duke's (www.dukes-restaurant.ch) for some International cuisine - little plug for Linds bro-in-law's new restaurant.