Farewell to Switzerland

I didn't think "Packing" day would ever arrive. There was so much to do in the last few weeks. The hardest part was organizing what was going with us in our 14 suitcases :), air shipment (takes 3 weeks), sea shipment (2 months) and stuff to send back to the states. We also cut our physical assets in half. We sold almost all the furniture and I cleaned closets. We had a 40 ft container when we moved to Switzerland but only needed a 20 ft for China. Amazingly, they were able to squeeze everything in. I can't believe we still have that much stuff! We were very lucky that we packed on the day we did because the very next day we woke up to 6 inches of snow!
Kate's playground at school was so pretty!
On Friday the 17th of December, it was time to head to Zurich after the kids finished school. It was a good 2 hour drive and it gave us time to unwind and think about our 2 years in Switzerland. It was funny, the driver that drove us to Zurich was the first person we met when we arrived 2 years ago. He drove us to Neuchatel. He remembered all the luggage we had when we arrived plus a dog. Some things don't change:)

Our time in Switzerland was an experience that we will never forget. It enriched our lives in so many ways. The landscape in Switzerland is one of the most spectacular we have ever seen. It is a beautiful country! Thank you for following along and sharing your comments.

I thought it would be appropriate to end our final Switzerland post with an "Exit" Sign.

We have started a new blog - "Marchiondo Shanghai Surprise" at http://www.shanghaimarchiondos.blogspot.com/. We hope you join us on our adventures while living in China.

Friends

I think one of the hardest things about moving is saying "good bye" to our friends. We were very fortunate to have made some wonderful friendships during our time in Switzerland. We have come to realize that our world is actually small and that we will cross paths again someday!

Kate and I will miss our talks with Yolanda, Kate's phyical therapist. The Friends from England.

The Boehmers - our American Allies with a little bit of Swiss.

The Voillins - Our French Connection.

The Silvas - Conquering Switzerland.

Goodbye to all of our other friends that I forgot to take a picture of when they were treating us with wonderful hospitality - The Sparkes (England), The Schafhirts (Germany), The Hamoys (U.S.A & Phillipines), The Furlans (U.S.A & France), The Corti's (Switzerland), The Shepherds (Scotland & U.S.A), Marida (Italy), Marie-Antoinette(France), The Murphys (Ireland), The Lowes (England), The Beyers (U.S.A), The Dubuis (Switzerland) and all the wonderful families at St. George's and ISN. I can't forget the people from the business on the first floor of our building. They were always so nice and very helpful!

Something Pretty & Fun

SNOW!! Lucas, Katelyn and I have been having some fun and enjoying the snow!!!