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Diana Naindenel
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Aug 10 2019
Stand Up Paddling & a Visit to the Theatre
Another week has gone (and our vacation is coming closer, hehe)!
Last Sunday Patrik and I tested our new stand up paddling boards. Around lunch time we drove to the Lake Constance and found our perfect parking spot! Half an hour later, our boards were inflated and we were ready to jump into the water!
The sun was shining and we had around 28 degrees C (the water was about 26 deg. C)! There were some small waves this time, which made it a bit tricky to stand up, so we were most of the time on our knees paddling, or just took a break sat on the boards, and enjoyed the view, sun and quietness!
After about two hours we slowly started to approach the shore again. Then, after the boards were dry we emptied them and packed everything together.
Since there was a very cozy bar just across the road, we decided to have a drink there, before driving home! It was a good decision and we declared this bar to one of our favorites!
It was almost five o’clock, when we came home – happy but pretty tired! Odin was there, greeting us with a huge yawn! =^.^=
Nothing exciting happened during this week actually…..On Monday night and on Tuesday the weather had changed: It rained a lot with quite heavy thunderstorms! Thor was sending his regards, apparently J
Then, yesterday evening, Patrik and I met my family in Winterthur. Our aim was the “Sommertheater” and to see a play called “Schiff über Bord” (Ship Overboard). It was a while ago that we decided to have a reunion, so why not in the theater? And it’s not just “a” theatre, the “Sommertheater” was established 1865 and its extraordinariness is that the scene is outside. Surrounded by trees and a circus tent is built around the whole setup. Inside it feels like being back in time, it’s a cozy atmosphere, with simple chairs, little tables and a bar.
The tickets were already bought (thanks again, mum, for organizing) and seats booked – 16 of them – so we just had to meet in time. Which we did at 19.45h at the entrance. Yes, my closest family is quite big (and loud), my parents, my two brothers with their wives and two and four kids and Patrik and me.
Yesterday, even my aunt and uncle joined us, which was a real highlight, because we don’t see each other so often!
After saying hello to everyone, with hugs and kisses (which took some time naturally *smile*), we went inside and took our seats. At eight o’clock the play started – which was a comedy by the way – and we did have a few good laughs! There was a 20 minute pause and people could go to the toilet or buy a drink or/and snack at the bar. Around ten the play was finished and we decided to go to a restaurant/bar, in order to end the evening in a suitably way!
All in all we spent a lovely evening together and everyone enjoyed each others company! We’ll do it again, for sure!
We wish you all a wonderful weekend – cheers!
Aug 03 2019
Happy Birthday Switzerland
This week was a short one – work related I mean!
The weather was nice and Patrik was lucky enough to capture some butterflies on camera!
On Thursday, 1st August was the Swiss National Day – which naturally is a holiday! And on Friday Patrik and I took the day off as well, as many others did!
Well, in the afternoon of 1st of August the sun was shining and my parents came for an aperitif and stayed until 4 p.m. After they have left, Patrik and I slowly started to prepare our dinner, which was a raclette (real cheese for Patrik, vegan version for me).
It was around eight when we ate and later on the fireworks started. It looked nice of course, and with our wonderful view, we truly had VIP standards. On the other hand it felt wrong, knowing so many animals get scared and injured, when running away in sheer panic… At least we never bought firecrackers!
On Friday morning our stand up paddle boards were delivered – already!
Yes, yes, after testing these things last week, we were so hooked that we decided to have our own ones. After a few hours research about different brands and reading countless reviews, we decided that AZTRON might do the trick for us.
So after we pumped them up in our garage. We decided to drive to the Lake Constance to search for an ideal spot to park our car and get into the water with our boards. Since it was quite cloudy we just wanted to have a look around. To be prepared for the big first day! It actually took us a while to find two or three places where it is legal to park and use the beach. Not easy here in Switzerland, since a lot of the waterfront is private and therefore trespassing signs are everywhere.
Friday evening was sunny again, and we decided to start our BBQ – mmhhh, yummy!
Today, Saturday, we are out, having our yearly reunion with my “old” boss and my former working colleague Susi. It was from 1994 until 2000 we worked in the same company. Although it was not always easy, somehow we kept in contact and try to meet once a year!
Tomorrow is Sunday and Patrik and I have planned to test our new stand up paddle boards! Let’s hope we don’t make to much of a fool of ourselves….
Enjoy your weekend, everyone!
Jul 27 2019
10th Wedding Anniversary
Congrats to us – on Wednesday, the 24th of July, Patrik and I celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary!
We, therefore, decided to take the week off (Patrik as from Wednesday) in order to enjoy a few days together! It was a wise choice, since the temperatures this week rose well over 30 deg. C! So, instead of being in a hot office, with people complaining about the heat, it was much nicer, to enjoy our garden and getting a few things done – celebrating our wedding day, for example!
Patrik had already booked a table at the restaurant at the Kartause Ittingen (an old monastery, which lies nearby) for the evening. So that part was settled.
For the day we wanted to do something special and drove to the Lake Constance. There we wanted to test/rent a stand up paddle board (SUP)! Why? Well, why not?! Lately, we became more and more interested in that kind of activity – not least did we fancy the idea, of having one in Italy, while sailing!
But first, after we arrived at the lake, we ate a small lunch in a lovely little restaurant by the waterfront, a fresh sallad suited us perfectly.
Afterwards, we strolled to the SUP shop close by, which sells and rents out all kind of boards and water sports equipment. The guy there was very helpful and answered patiently the many questions we had. Luckily, two boards were just available and after a short “dry introduction” on land, Patrik and I were off to the lake (100m from the shop).
Well, as mentioned, it was the first time for both of us and just getting into the water (without looking too silly) was a small challenge. But then we quickly adjusted to the new feeling and dared to stand up (aaahhh….therefore the name, haha!) – more or less successfully. The water temperature was around 23 deg. C and, compared to the air (approx 34 deg. C), it was a welcoming cooling down, voluntary or not!
We rented the boards for one hour only, so too soon the time was up and we had to return to the shop – together with a few more questions and a wide happy grin pinned on our faces!
All in all it was much more fun than we had expected and we came to the conclusion that we probably should buy our own ones….
But first, we had drink at the same little restaurant and discussed the new experience and how much fun we’ve had this afternoon!
Time went quick and suddenly we had to hurry, in order to get home and ourselves ready for the evening! With a delay of five minutes, we arrived at the restaurant and were seated at a table outside. It was a lovely spot, directly beside a little pond. Even a black cat visited – probably in the hope of getting some food.
Patrik and I spent a wonderful evening together, accompanied by a delicious dinner, nice wine and our mutual company!
The long day in the sun took it’s toll in the end and as soon as we were home again, yawning was unavoidable. We enjoyed a last glass of wine though, but then it was definitely bedtime…..
Good night, my darling, thanks for an amazing day and the 10 years being married!
Jul 13 2019
Planning Our Next Sailing Trip
Patrik and I have scheduled our big holidays for week 35-37! *YEAH*
Although, it still takes a while until then, Patrik (mostly him) has been looking for a suitable port for Luna Azzurra. We need to haul her out the water, in order to clean her hull and paint it with new antifouling.
So, sadly, we won’t have three joyous sailing weeks, but also some duty to fulfill.
At first we thought, we would sail her to Savona and do the job by ourselves. But since we have never done that before, we didn’t know exactly, how many days we needed to book. And every day on the dry dock costs money of course. Plus Savona itself (the harbour area at least) wasn’t very tempting to stay a week or so. There was no hotel nearby, nor a restaurant. Which means we would have needed a car there.
Therefore, we started to look around, which ports are offering to do this service and what does it cost. Loano itself would have been perfect, of course. We could have rented a lovely apartment or country house somewhere close, plus we would have our car.
The problem was that we didn’t get a clear reply about costs and the time they would need.
Meanwhile, we received an offer from the Marina di Scarlino, in Tuscany. A beautiful place and marina, which provides all kind of services – also the one we were looking for. It also lies very close to Elba, so even a trip to this island would have been possible (before or after the work done on Luna Azzurra).
But when we saw the prices, we quickly discarded this plan. Too expensive (for us at least)!
So in the end, we started to settle with the Marina Cala de’ Medici, in Rosignano Solvay, which also lies in Tuscany! The quotation is absolutely moderate and it specifies clearly the costs for each service. Another plus is that we always got a quick reply, when sending a question to the responsible person (and we had a few, believe me). Luckily, they still have capacity for our boat in week 35, which suits us perfectly.
The funny thing is that Patrik and I have been to this harbour in spring 2018, when we were looking for a sailing boat. We really much liked the marina with its wooden promenade, the nice little boutiques, cozy bars and nice restaurants. Not big, but comfy!
So this week we were checking the last details with the guy in Rosignano Solvay and figured out, what the costs for a rental car would be (absolutely OK).
So that’s our plan, so far: On Saturday, 24th August (when our vacation starts), we’ll drive to Loano. Then, on Sunday morning we shall leave the marina and head for Rosignano Solvay, the trip should take between 17-22 hours – depending on the weather of course. Naturally, we hope for fair winds and sunny summer weather (the average for this time of the year is around 30 deg. C and approx. 15 knots wind).
We agreed with the marina Cala de’ Medici, that on Monday morning (24th August) Luna Azzurra would be handed over. Patrik and I will grab our little bags, get our the rental car (a Fiat 500 maybe??) and head south, discovering the coast line, its surroundings and see how far we come. To see Naples would be nice of course…Or we stay in the area and travel around Tuscany. Visiting Florence and the Leaning Tower of Pisa….Well, we’ll see!
Hopefully our boat will be ready again until Saturday, 31st August. Then we need to buy all the needed groceries for our trip and enjoy (almost) two weeks of sailing, exploring Elba, maybe Corsica and heading back to Loano.
Well, that’s the plan so far….. We still have to find a competent cat sitter for our darling Odin. Sadly, Cony and her kids are moving away this summer, so she won’t be able to look after him. But we already have a possible successor.
We still have to plan some details and different possibilities about the sailing route, but so far it looks like a straight line from Loano to Rosignano Solvay. Wo-hoo, night sailing again J
For those who are having their vacation now or soon: Happy holidays everyone!
Jul 06 2019
Trunk Market – a Review
First of all, let me tell you, it was a VERY VERY hot day!
I, therefore (or more likely everyone), didn’t count on many visitors….who wanted to be in a sticky building, when you have the chance to cool down in a lake or river? Frankly, I would have chosen the latter….
Anyway, at 08.45h Patrik and I arrived at the Casino in Frauenfeld, where the market was. There we were friendly greeted by the organizers and they offered to help to find my table – which was upstairs. Lucky it was, cause there we had an AC running!
I started to set up my booth and arranged everything neatly, with the help of Patrik. It took a bit longer than I thought, but in the end I was happy with the result and he said good bye. He would be back around three, in order to pick me up again.
Still a bit shyly, me and my nearest neighbors introduced ourselves and admired each other’s work. During the day, we turned out to be a funny bunch and had a few good laughs!
Just before ten o’clock the doors opened and – surprise, surprise – we had visitors, despite the already built up heat outside! And they were even in a buying mood! A good friend of mine surprised me with her visit and an order for a necklace! Thank you, Sabine !
Suddenly, a newspaper guy introduced himself and wanted to do an interview with us and take some pics! Haha, it was quite funny (in the end, he almost didn’t want to leave again)!
My parents and my sister in law also came for a visit (thanks again for coming and for the purchase). I took the chance to buy some handmade soap for myself and had quick look around the other exhibitors, while my mum watched over my things ! I was very impressed again, about the hundreds of unique ideas and fondly produced items presented – awesome!
Lunch time came and it became a bit more quiet, and most of us thought, well, that’s probably it. The temperatures outside had risen to approx. 36 deg. C – CRAZY!
We “neighbours” took the chance to chat with each other, learned where we all came from and how businesses were! We also swapped cards…you never know!
Then, after two, a second wave of visitors had arrived and admired our crafted items. Only the last 40 minutes wouldn’t end – at four o’clock the market was supposed to be finished.
At least Patrik had already arrived and waited patiently. Then it was time, our organizer – Daria – said a few words and thanked everyone that we came, despite the temperatures!
Packing together went quite quick and so I said my good byes to the others and we left!
All in all it was a good day for me, the costs for the table (CHF 30.-) were earned and I’ve even made a nice profit!
For the evening I had booked a table in the restaurant in our village. So Patrik and I enjoyed a wonderful summer evening, sitting outside in their charming courtyard, eating a tasty summer salad! What else does one need?
Bye everyone and enjoy the sunny side of the year – I will definitely do so!
Jun 22 2019
A (Crazy) Weekend in Luxembourg
It was Friday, the 14th July, and finally the day had arrived, when my dear friend Pascale and I should meet again. We are not sure, but it must have been at least six months ago since last time….so yes, a get-together was more than overdue!
Since the journey by car would have taken between five and six hours, I decided to fly (that only takes approx. 45 minutes in the air!!). Yes, yes, I know, it’s absolutely not environment friendly and believe me, I felt guilty….but driving so many hours alone….I really didn’t dare to do so!
Travelling by train would have been another option (Patrik and I did that once), but that journey takes at least as long as by car – if not longer, plus it even costs a more than flying!
Anyway, the flight from Zurich Airport was scheduled for 13.15h – planned arrival in Luxembourg 14.20h. In the end, we had a delay of approx. 20 minutes, but nevertheless touched ground again on 14.15h – very impressive!
Luxembourg Airport is very sweet and well arranged, so it didn’t take long until I was through the customs. On the other side, Pascale was waiting and we had a hearty reunion, with hugs and kisses! The weather – and its forecast for the weekend – was OK, sunny and around 24 deg. C.
After paying for the parking at the ticket machine, we went to her car, threw my bag in the trunk and ourselves onto the seats and wanted to leave….BUT, where was the bloody ticket now? Unbelievable…the ticket machine was 50 meters away and we had already lost it? The searching started, through our handbags, the trunk, under the car…..until I went to the ticket machine and – ta-daaaaaa – there it sat, saying nothing! *Stinker*
Typical us, not even five minutes have gone and already chaos has taken over!
It took us about 20 minute to drive to her place, which was filled with laughter and talking. After the arrival, we had about two hours, until we should meet two friends in town – Philippe and Jessica! So we had a glass of Crémant (prosecco) and freshened ourselves up a little. Then it was time to leave.
At the beautiful “Chocolate House” we were supposed to meet Philippe, which we did. After saying hello, we finished our drinks and went to another place to meet Jessica. There was some kind of music festival going on (in the whole country apparently), stages with bands were everywhere, playing all kind of music, food- and drink trucks were available and people strolling around and enjoying themselves. Really cozy indeed!
Jessica arrived and after we were introduced (haven’t met each other before), we had a couple of drinks and then it was time for dinner. Pascale had booked a table at a vegetarian restaurant (I wonder whose “fault” that was…haha) and we looked forward to something to eat!
All in all we enjoyed a very tasty dinner with a nice bottle of wine. Sadly, there was no room left in our tummies for dessert, only an espresso could squeeze in. Afterwards we went to a pub and…. well, did what you usually do in a pub!
Later we made the fatal decision to visit another pub….We all had a blast, but around 3 a.m. we called it a day (night) and decided to go home! Everyone was ready I guess!
It must have been 4.30 a.m. until Pascale and I were in bed – absolutely battered! Gooooooooooooood niiiiiiiiiiiight my friend!!
The next day it was almost lunchtime when we got up! OMG – half the day had gone! In the evening we were invited to a BBQ party at a friend’s house of Philippe and Pascale. Apparently, it was just over the border to France and huge. The guy – Steve – living there had already sent pictures of the bar truck he had rented, the tents, parasols, couches, tables – it actually looked like a proper festival ground….CRAZY! Approx. 50 people were expected!
Well, Pascale and I spent the afternoon quiet (category: unusual), walking in the park close the her apartment, then went for a bite to eat. Soon it was time to return and getting ready for the evening (with jeans and warm clothes, since it was outside).
We drove to Philippe’s place which was approx. 40 minutes away and from there his daughter drove us to the place in France, about 15 minutes away.
Not only the entrance of his villa was impressive, the whole house was – including his garden of course. Many guests were already there, drinking prosecco and beer, scattered around on bar tables or couches, talking and laughing. Many dogs were also present, Steve’s beautiful big one (called Dayo), and some of the guests had brought their chihuahua, border collie and pomeranian. Luckily, the garden park was big enough, so the animals could run and play! Even Steven’s cat showed up, probably making sure who was the boss in the house!
It was a great party, but my stomach felt a bit….hmmm….sore. So – to everyone’s horror – I only drank water (except of one glass of red wine). I didn’t want to get wasted, since I had to fly home the next day (OK, in the evening, but nevertheless…)!
The “Grill Masters” succeeded not to burn my veggie steaks, although not being sober anymore and, accompanied by some salads, I’ve had a tasty dinner! *yummy* And hey, the water was veeeeery delicious, all right!
Around 1.30 a.m. Philippe’s son picked us up (what well-behaved kids he has!!!) and we drove to his place again. Wisely, Pascale and I had already earlier decided to spend the night at his place.
It was almost five again until we finally slept – Pascale just wouldn’t shut up and we were giggling around – like a couple of silly girls!
It was not even ten o’clock when we woke up – WHAT?! – and when we went downstairs, Philippe had already been at the Boulangerie (bakery), to buy croissants, different kind of pastries and some normal bread rolls. So we enjoyed some breakfast and around twelve o’clock, Pascale and I said our goodbyes and left. Thanks Philippe, for your kind hospitality!
It didn’t come as a surprise that Pascale felt a bit tired, after we came home. I started to get my stuff together, had a shower and slowly getting ready, while she was lying on the sofa, watching TV and reading some Whatsapp messages…Yeah well, understandable! Exactly THAT was the reason why I stayed with the water the night before! Lucky me!
There was short flaring up, whether we should do something, but since it became more and more cloudy outside, we decided to watch a movie. We arranged ourselves under a blanket, drunk some coffee and enjoyed doing nothing.
After five (evening this time) we were getting ready and she drove me to the airport. Amazing – it felt like she only just picked me up yesterday…..
Many hugs and kisses later we had said our goodbyes and I went through security. The plane was half an hours delayed (19.30 instead of 19.00), which was a bummer, because now I would miss the train to Frauenfeld by 30 minutes – where Patrik would be waiting for me.
Of course I called my beloved husband and told him that the train would be in Frauenfeld at 21.15h – no problem for him, he was there in time, giving me a big hug and a kiss!
I was glad that I took the day off on Monday….since I’m not 20 or 30 or even 40 anymore, such weekends take its toll! But it was worth it and that’s the main thing, isn’t it?!
Cheers and take care xxx
Jun 15 2019
Ready for the “Trunk Market”
About a month ago I’ve received the mail with the acceptance to the trunk market on the 29th of June *YEAH*!! Needless to say how happy and excited I was *unicorn-like*!
Luckily, I’ve been planning ahead and have been busy producing, plus created new things…so, thumbs went up when the message came, and I didn’t feel stressed. I was ready, with a certain selection of jewelry and new created key rings, in different colors and models.
It was also important to test my new booth, how to arrange everything. Questions about lighting (or better none?), is it too much decoration, where to put the price tags and how should they look? So to array the my little table was a bit of a challenge and it took more time as I expected.
Well, in the end it turned out beautiful and very stylish. Also thanks to my mum, who brushed aside my last doubts – thanks again for your time and opinion!
Anyway, now I’m ready for the big day, which is the 29th of June! I feel confident with my creations – a lot has changed since last time – and I look forward to the happening.
But now I have to go, sorry! This weekend Me, myself and I will go away, visiting a dear friend abroad… My next post might be about this trip. Or perhaps Odin will interfere and will write about some exciting stuff in his highly secret life!
So long and take care
Charter S/Y Luna Azzurra
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