luzern

chance meetings with kindred spirits is high up on my list of favourite things. over four years ago, i'd the opportunity to be part of an amazing party in hoi ann, vietnam. didn't matter that i'd a "take home" final due the same week. figured i'd "take it to vietnam" and have absolutely no regrets, though it took every ounce of discipline to wake a little early to hammer away at my 5000 word paper before breakfast, and the day's festivities. self-indulgent nostalgia trip aside, it was at this party that i met the effervescent S. i cannot think of a better word to describe her, as she is goodness and light personified. we happened to be seated together during one of the meals, and i like to think we got along like a house on fire. after hoi ann, we kept in sporadic contact over fb, as you do, and she was very kind of invite us to visit if we were ever in switzerland.

fast forward to winter 2013 and the mister and i were indeed switzerland-bound. i was a little sheepish about visiting, because honestly, people don't always mean it when they invite you to stay. but S was so warm we felt most welcome. long story short, our time with S and her lovely family was sheer inspiration. her two teenager  are superstars, and i'd give an arm and a leg to raise babies like that. it's not often that we meet teens from privilege who are as driven and self-motivated as hers. they're unassuming, unaffected, and work part-time jobs on top of their demanding high school curriculum. mature beyond their years, they more than hold their own during table talk and have an amazing relationship with their parents that money cannot buy. while we are still far from having little of our own, S was kind to indulge my deluge of parenting questions. it's scary and exciting at the same time - to see the direct effect of good parenting. ohmymama, the responsibility! 

S was a real sweetheart and showed us around luzern one day, and brought us all the way to engelberg to visit glass and cheese factories (two separate places!) the next. she spoilt us with al fresco fondue (!!!) and we'd the most authentic italian (go figure!) at their local. what meant most to me was how the family was so giving of their precious pre-christmas time, and i felt incredibly lucky to be on the receiving end of such gracious hospitality.