Island Mainau

Insel Mainau is a small island (approx. 45 hectares) just north of Constance set in the Bodensee. It has a moderately interesting history having belonged to the Order of Teutonic Knights for centuries before being purchased by Grand Duke Federick I of Baden. In 1928, after the death of Grand Duke Federick II the island passed to Victoria of Baden who was the wife of King Gustav V of Sweden. It belonged to Victoria for the next two years until her death when it was passed along to Prince Wilhelm, Duke of Sodermandland and his decedents. While still in the care of Prince Wilhelm's line the property was ultimately transitioned to a family foundation and currently operates as an Arboretum and nature reserve.

Our visit to Insel Mainau was the result of a lazy Sunday at the end of a particularly rainy stretch of the summer and the prospect of trees, well manicured gardens, a childs play park and butterfly house seemed to be a good way to enjoy the return of the sun. And what's to follow is just a small collection of the 520 pictures we took of our visit.

Giant Sequoia

I'm a flower too Daddy!

It's impossible to keep Charlotte out of the water!

Charlotte found a petrified stump!

All in all I think we accomplished what we set out for!

Party 'til the cows come home

To suggest Alpine bovines are spoiled is an understatement of significant magnitude. In the winter months they spend their hours in cozy barns sheltered from the cold and sometimes wet winters, but in the spring the farmers haul them up to the alpine meadows where they while away the days munching on soft grass and enjoying the views of their winter homes far below.

But what goes up must, inevitably come down. Even, the cows. So in the fall local villages celebrate the return of their herds from the mountains with a parade. Having missed the opportunity to witness this spectacle last year Amanda was determined to make sure we could see it this year. So on Saturday morning we loaded the car with kids, snacks and cameras and made our way up the mountain to see if we could find the parade.

We found a good viewing spot ahead of the parade and let the girls out to wander while we waited.

And then came the cows, in full Alpine regalia sporting massive bells, head dresses and garland. The girls were completely fascinated.

To get the full experience you really had to hear and smell them. Thankfully for you, I can only provide half the experience digitally.

After the first herd went past Charlotte wanted to get a a picture of herself with a cow going past her in the background. Not sure this cow was pleased with not being the center of attention though.

sneaky cow

pay attention to me!

After the last of the cows went down we joined the parade to make our way down to the party.

some of the cows had a hard time keeping up with the herds blistering pace

wait for me!

We made it down to the holding area where the cows are corralled to wait for their trailers and ride the rest of the way down the mountain. Which provided the girls with an opportunity to pet and get a picture with their favorite cow of the day.

several thought they were in the running for favorite cow

Olivia was a bit indecisive

Charlotte picked hers straight away

Can I pet you?

Ja, bitte!

And with that a lasting friendship was formed. Can't wait to see if we find her again next year!

First Day of First Grade!

Today was a big day.

After about 3 years of planning and another 2 of building, Charlotte’s school got to open their new campus. It is a beautiful new, modern, three-story space – and a definite upgrade from the double-wide trailer kindergarten used last year! All the learning areas are adapted to the different age groups (the school has everyone from age 3 to grade 12 in one building!). I had gotten to take some tours of it while it was still under construction. I loved the high ceilings with light-flooded classrooms and access to the outdoors - every Pre-k - 5th grade classroom has a private door to the playground. There are 2 full-sized gymnasiums (one for “Swiss” standards and one for “International” standards - think of it like the different floor markings for college vs pro basketball). There's also a full-sized stage for assemblies and performances, specialist art and design studio, designated music, drama and practice rooms and over 40 classrooms and learning spaces. All the classrooms are set up with smartboard TVs and whiteboards along with huge amounts of open wall space to display artwork, upcoming assignments, and {most importantly in 1st grade} the line-leader for the week. It’s a pretty sweet set up for a campus with about 175 students on it!

We started our morning with the traditional at home first day of school pics.

(and sister had to join in)

We got to school and met the head teacher on our walk in. Everyone was excited to be back together and to be in the new building.

As soon as we got to the playground, we found our friends.

And then our teacher arrived and the real fun of the year began.

You might think that was enough excitement for one day, but the Swiss-Germans have a special tradition for 1st Graders on their first day of school. (As kindergarten is optional in Switzerland, many students don’t begin school until they are 6 and go straight to 1st Grade.) All students are given a Schultüte, or "school cone" by their families. It is a decorated cardboard cone of beautiful colors, and is basically filled with goodies, little bits of candies and stuff the kids need for school, like pencils, sharpeners. The hope is kids have a really fun memory of the first day of school, so they associate something beautiful with it. The tradition began in the early 19th century in Saxony and spread throughout Germany over the years. In talking with co-workers about it, many still remember their Schultüte and consider it a rite of passage from one generation to the next showing them that while they are moving on to a new part of their lives, the family is still with them on their new journey.

I was totally down to embrace a new tradition. Then they told us we had to make our child’s Schultüte. Okay, um, bring on the glue gun!

You could see the personalities of all the kids in the cones their parents had made for them.

Charlotte’s teacher and the lead Germany teacher said a few words to open the ceremony.

Then each child got to come up to receive their Schultüte from their parents.

We hope all these 1st graders have a great year in their new school!

Staatsfeiertag

Liechtenstein celebrates its national holiday on 15th August. The official name of the holiday is “Staatsfeiertag” of “State Holiday”. The national celebration was introduced in 1940 and is closely linked to the birthday of Prince Franz-Josef II on 16th August. When you don’t have independence to declare, I guess you just pick your national holiday?

The day starts at 9am with thousands of locals and tourists attending an official opening ceremony held on the lawn in front of Vaduz Castle during which the Prince and the president of the parliament make speeches - and more importantly, parade. The rest of the day is a celebration of all things Liechtenstein with a large fair held in the capital. Buses in the entire country are free for the day as the country is completely shut to any other road traffic to support the street parties taking place all over the country. The celebrations come to an end in the evening with a spectacular fireworks show at Vaduz Castle.

Charlotte & I started the morning at the parade then came back home to collect Adam & Olivia. We all headed back out for the afternoon and dinner, then Olivia & I came back around 8:30 - her bedtime is usually about 7:15, so she was exhausted! The party animals, however, braved the rain and crowds and stayed for the full fireworks show. It was 12:05 when they walked through the front door. To say Charlotte had the best day is the understatement of the century.

The Castle is under construction, so they hung the largest flag they could find on the scaffolding

waiting for the parade to begin

the Prince waved at us in the parade!

The speeches ended with the singing of the Liechtenstein National Anthem. I did not know before today that Liechtenstein used the melody of “God save the King” / “My county, ‘Tis of Thee” for their anthem. I also definitely didn’t know there were hand motions to it until today.

The words:

[0:09-0:42] Oben am jungen Rhein Lehnet sich Liechtenstein An Alpenhöh'n.
Dies liebe Heimatland, Das teure Vaterland Hat Gottes weise Hand Für uns erseh'n.

[0:43-1:14] Theilt nicht des Fürsten Herz Väterlich Freud' und Schmerz Mit Kindern hier?
Nicht ihn erhält das Land — So reichet ihm die Hand, In unserm Vaterland Vater und Zier!

[1:15-1:42] Hoch lebe Liechtenstein, Blühend am jungen Rhein, Glücklich und treu.
Hoch leb' der Fürst vom Land, Hoch unser Vaterland, Durch Bruderliebe Band Vereint und frei.

[1:43-2:06] Hoch leb' der Fürst vom Land, Hoch unser Vaterland, Durch Bruderliebe Band Vereint und frei.

And translated to English:
High on the young Rhine Lies Liechtenstein, resting On Alpine heights.
This beloved homeland The dear fatherland God's wise hand has Chosen for us.

Does the prince's heart not share Fatherly joy and pain With children here?
The country is not receiving him — So give him your hand In our fatherland father and ornament!

Long live Liechtenstein, Blossoming on the young Rhine, Fortunate and faithful!
Long live the Prince of the Land, Long live our fatherland, Through bonds of brotherly love
United and free!

Long live the Prince of the Land, Long live our fatherland, Through bonds of brotherly love
United and free!

After the speeches & singing, we walked from the castle down to the city center where we bounce-housed with friends.

And, of course, practiced our curtsies...

...rode the merry-go-round...

...and then night came and we got ready for fireworks