Enchanting Swiss Journal: Part 6: All in the Family

 

Esther and her siblings 

“How long has it been since you last visited us?” was invariably the first question that we were asked when visiting Esther’s siblings and their spouses. That’s a lot of times to be asked since Esther has nine siblings and all are married. It had been five years. It was a longer period than usual, in their minds. “Why are you staying for such a short time?” was the question that followed. We had too little time to cram in all the family visits we wanted to make; let alone time to visit friends and do other things we like to do while in Switzerland. 

Sister Hanni and brother Fritz

Our “short” trip to Switzerland centered mostly on visiting family and friends. It was short because it was centered between important events on this side of the ocean. Because it was so short, and because Esther has so many siblings, we had to make the most of our time there. We ate 24 special meals (including 6 in restaurants) with family and friends. We met numerous times with others for coffee. Our schedule was so jam packed and intense, that it seemed like we were there more than our “short” visit. After our first week, I remarked to Esther that it seemed as if we were there a month already.

We got to see all of Esther’s siblings and spouses, and 21 of our 31 nieces and nephews, many of whom now have children. “Be fruitful and multiply” has been taken literally by the Reichenbach family! 

Yes, I confess that we were often exhausted, not only from jet lag, but also from constant travel and conversation. Yet, we are privileged to have so many resources to rely on during our visits. Few people who visit other countries have the same opportunities. We certainly didn’t go hungry! I particularly am privileged to delve deeply into the heart of another culture, learning valuable life lessons along the way.

Our stay in Switzerland was short but sweet. It was mostly all in the family. 

Informal Sunday afternoon family gathering

Brother Walter and wife Regina

Brother Fritz and wife Angela

Niece Solome, husband Reto and son

Sister Rosmarie and husband Rolf

Sister Elsbeth and husband Hans

Sister Lydia and husband Peter

Nephew Marco, wife Christa and son Vivian

Niece Tabea and daughters

Nieces Doris, Rahel and children

Niece Betina and children

Nephew Sandro and wife Fabia

Niece Manuela and her Godmother

Niece Jasmina

Nephew Patrick, wife Anja and children

Niece Doris, husband Timo and child

Niece Sabrina and husband Gabriel

Sister Ruth
and husband Andy

Niece Celine