It’s been a long while since I had an opportunity to spend summer time in my hometown of Belp. On my way to Genoa for Oceania’s newest ship Allura, I made a quick jaunt north of the alps for a couple of nights at my sisters. Stunning weather and perfect temperatures (much coooler than last month’s heatwave) made for two memorable days.
Our day trip to the lakes region took us to the town of Brienz where on 164 acres over 100 originally farm houses from all regions of Switzerland are on display. This outdoor museum is a “must visit” as it showcases not only the variations of architecture present across the country, it also brings to life 17th and 18th century trades and crafts with curated demonstrations.
Much of the crafts were side income for poor farmers that managed life stocks during the day, produced cheese, grew herbs and vegetables for consumption, and piece work at night. Everyone in the familily contributed to the output, from kids separating straw or wool, while teens and older folk weave or braid it and parents sew it into hats, fabric etc.
The entire visit was cathartic in many ways. It reminded me of the wonderful moments our childhood on my great grandmother’s farm in Safnern. It placed into focus the privilege and pride I carry in my heart of having made it in the “new world.” Yet, never losing sight of the hard work and perseverance that went into past generations’ livelihoods as much as into ours. The tools and methods changed, the worries and fears remaining the same.
No visit to Switzerland would be complete without two key elements. A traditional dessert of meringue, whipped cream and strawberries to replenish the lost calories from walking through this hilly outdoor museum and, a wood carved cow!
Conveniently located a short drive from the outdoor museum lies the workshop of the Traufer family which has been carving the iconic cows from local elm wood for centuries and by the millions. In their new lobby area of the Traufer Hotel, guests can follow the production process and even paint their own cow. My sister insisted that I apply my less than stellar artistic talents and paint one myself.
All in all a fantastic 24 hours which will come to an end early Sunday morning with a bus ride across the alps to Milan. Bus? You ask. Well, all of Switzerland seems to under renovation no trains cross the alps this summer for tunnel repairs. Bus is therefore the only way to reach Italy.
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