...Chapter 3

Posted by Karina

It seems like so long ago now. Can't believe it was only two weeks ago we got home! Anyway, the drive to Switzerland took about 4hrs and we arrived to a warm (and noisy) reception from my Dad and his dog Barry! Dad had cooked us a great tea with salad and tofu and loads of other goodies. It wiz great. It was a very emotional part of the trip for me from start to finish cos I've not been over to Switzerland in 9 years! I was so excited about seeing my brothers and sister! After tea, everyone started arriving home and it was crazy! The kids are all beautiful gigantic grown ups! They're awesome! It was also great to see Franzi, my Dad's wife. She's great fun and helped us get settled into our wee house. That night we sat around a wee bonfire and sang songs (my Dad's a musician too!). It was really chilled, just what we needed after the madness of Stuttgart. I wondered if the kids thought I was a bit starnge cos I couldn't stop staring at them! They're gorgeous and related to me! Nuts!

The next day we went into town and bought copious amount of cheese, chocolate and beer and Dad bought food and booze for a party we'd planned for the evening. We eventually headed back up the hill and set up the gear in Dad's living room for what turned out to be a feckin' stonker of a party! We had BBQ's on the go outside with LOADS of food. All the neighbours came down to party and it was totally awesome! We smoked and drank the night away and it was great to get the chance to hang out with my Swiss family! The nights entertainment ended with my Dad joining O.S on stage and us both singing together...it was a beautiful moment dudes! Then we took the acoustic outside for a sing song before we reluctantly headed for bed in preperation for the long drive the next day. We had so much fun and it felt really amazing to get to spend time with my Dad, Franzi and the kids. It was a very special time for me...gnarly.

It was a bit of an emotional goodbye the next day as we packed up our gear and cheese : ) We had a coffee with Dad and then set out on the road to Amsterdam...

On arrival in Amsterdam, we got lost and couldn't find the campsite. We drove around for ages and eventually found it tucked away in a random spot. We were a bit knackered when we arrived and promptly got on with pitching the tents so we could go and get pissed. Tent building was made more difficult with the circle of stoners around us watching us do it! : ) Once the tents were up, we headed for the pub and had several beers and a good feed. We followed that up by sampling some of Amsterdams finest then had a great nights sleep. The next day was spent walking around a gloriously sunny city centre and taking in the sites. It was a really great day out, after which, we made our way to the ferry port.

We ate some Swiss cheese as we waited to board and then drank, ate and on-board entertained ourselves to sleep...

I had the best time of my life while we were away...It really couldn't have been any better.

Thank you so much to eveyone who made us feel so welcome and comfortable along the way.

Happy, happy days!

Speak soon,

Kazzalina xxxx