The Wheels on the Bus Go 'Round and Around

Here are some recent random shots, taken just before our 5 day bus tour of Strasbourg, Brussels, and Metz - kinda EU heavy as far as itinerary goes (official sites), but I'm more concerned about several hours with Michael and Jack in a bus! 4 hrs to Strasbourg, another 6 to B, 4 more to M, 7 more back to Lausanne. The city stops feature guided bus tours! Children aren't allowed in the EU meetings - pretty much the state of things around here - so they are spared.

Sadly, Michael's birthday will be spent for 7 hours on a bus this Sat. I would complain more, but I still have 5 days ahead of me, so weighing my options. Anyway, Debby and Udo Middelmann brought some gifts - a roll of IKEA drawing paper, coloring book, and fingerpaints. Perfect. (BTW, I read somewhere that the IKEA catalogue is the second more widely read "book" in the world, next to the Bible!)We all took stale bread and fed the swans after Sunday lunch.
Visited with Mrs. Schaeffer.
Jack rode on his favorite park toy. This bronco ride leans all the way forward or on its hind legs, too, until you bring it swinging again.
Last week, I couldn't help but notice how much things have changed, in terms of the public presence of children in Switzerland. 25 years ago they were invisible - like minorities in the '50s - or people were always scolding them in a public spectacle kind of way - didn't matter whose children they were - and there wasn't any equipment or parks for them.

Now, it's just the reverse. In fact, when they run with an idea, they seem to really go with it, like the Japanese do, too. There are supermarkets with little play areas in them. You even see out-of-control kids - just like in America! The group above was just too much and I found myself thinking, "Where are the parents!"
All this wonderful little market, little grocer, little, little this and that, is great, but every now and then you head for the wonders of the big box. We found a HUGE Migros supermarket, complete with antique merry go round and a fine little park. The cafeteria was pretty good, too, and there was a small mall of stores. I think this is the closest to the mall experience America experienced in the '70s.


The last three are of our first bus trip to the watch museum. Joanne has been a great friend to Michael. We leave tomorrow at 6:30 AM - all 42 students, two adults, and our family. How can I put it? We're all feeling a corporate crossing of fingers, hoping for the best. I'm most interested in Belgium and hope to experience SOMETHING of the Magritte painter, waffle, chocolate - and not just the European Parliament - Belgium. I think we're too early for the Christmas markets of Strasbourg.