We arrived in Zurich on Saturday. Switzerland is as beautiful as ever. We are hosted by a wonderful family... Suzanne, Roland, Nicholas, and Alex Schaer. They live in a small village outside of Zurich called Waedenswil. They have a great house that includes a small apartment. Last night after picking us up and all of our luggage and bikes from the airport.. (seriously, we had to take 2 cars to get all of us and our stuff back to their house), we ate dinner as we over looked Zurich Lake. They have a marvelous view from thier dining area and it was a nice way to wind down after the long flight.

Today was great. Suzanne and Nicholas took us on a long hike starting in a village called Brunner. The views were spectacular. Nicholas, who is 9, was a real trooper today on the 2 hour hike. Although, at the end of the hike he said something that made me laugh so hard and that I'll tell you all about -- his mother would probably wish I didn't. As we were making a long descent over rocky terrain, it was a bit difficult and he said "This is hell.. hell on earth" Really folks, it was so funny, I almost couldn't keep my footing...

Seriously though, Nicholas is the most amazing kid. He is smarter than me. He speaks both German and English. He's thoughtful and curious and really a great kid. It's been a real treat to talk and spend time with him and his family. They have been so gracious. When we arrived and they showed us to the apartment where we would be staying I found chocolates on my bed.... I can be won over pretty easily with chocolate :)

Tomorrow we meet up with Pete and Piper in Geneva and head into France and the biking begins. I am really excited to see them and will update you all soon.

The pics are of our hike, Nicholas showing Pete a good way to stretch, and a lovely picture from Brunner.

Stay tuned.