St. Antönien Reunion

We last saw Nico briefly in 2011, so we were very glad when he invited us to join him and his sister, Franzi, at their family vacation home in St. Antönien (rhymes with reunion).  Hildegard drove us from Stuttgart.

The chalet was purchased by his parents, Felix and Helmttaud, when the kids were quite young, and included the old (antique!) furnishings of previous owners.

It sits above a rushing, rocky stream and sheep are grazing within arms reach.

Nico is the consummate host and gives us a selection of beds to choose from, all cosy with down covers or wool blankets.

First we take a walk up through the tiny village.  Population about 270.

Avalanche fences crisscross the steep peaks looming above.  At this house, wooden stakes are hung (they are used to stack cut hay off the ground for drying).

Host Dad Ben walks along in deep conversation with our very first exchange student, Nico.  Nico's arrival in SLO in 2003 would really mark a huge change in our lives.  He became our third son that year and his peacemaking, positive approach to discovery had a profound influence on Garrett and Noah.  It also made us want to host again... And we did...four more times.

Hildegard cheerfully joined us, though she left many responsibilities at home.

The chalets are all charming and inviting.

The Swiss have such a knack for sweet tableaux.

We stop at a cafe and the owner takes a break from watching her kids to serve us beer...

and coffee.  Franzi makes everyone feel welcome and included by her easy grace and interest. 

The hills jangle with bells on every goat, cow and sheep.  Nico assures us that this bell collection is modest and that bells can be huge, especially for parades and such.

We head back to make dinner and I admire this evening view from the kitchen window.

Nico has fresh venison liver on the menu, but wisely asked us if we like it (no!!), so he got beef steaks and homemade cheese from the farmer up the hill.  He confidently whips up a delicious dinner while I tend the steaks and make a wine sauce.

This will be the first of great local food Nico will prepare.  It starts to thunder and rain and lightening flashes and rumbles the house.  We are snug inside.