WELCOME TO 2-2-2 TUESDAY
Here are 2 Cultural Highlights, 2 Quotes, and 2 Brief Stories for you to enjoy.
Inspired by Zermatt, Switzerland
2 CULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS
1.Udderly Fantastic:
In Switzerland, the hills are alive with the sound of… cow bells. It’s like nature’s very own jam session. The musical sounds enhance every countryside walk, and bike ride. The constant reminder us of their presence. And somehow, the sound is ridiculously soothing. You could say they play the role of community emotional support animals.
By that introduction, you can probably guess that cows are a pretty big deal in Switzerland.
What’s behind the hype?
Did you know these bovine beauties have their own beauty regimen? From fashionable floral headdresses during parades to those oh-so-trendy cowbells, Swiss cows are fashionistas. Moo-ve over Gucci.
But let’s not mistake them for yard art.
Switzerland’s lush green fields need constant grooming, and who better for the job than these four-legged grass enthusiasts? They are the OG eco-friendly lawnmowers. And they don’t just mow – they also provide top-tier organic fertilizer. Talk about multitasking!
So, there you have it! The next time you’re daydreaming about traveling, consider making Swiss cows your quirky companions. They’re stylish, musical, eco-conscious, and basically the celebrities of the Swiss countryside.
2.
Zermatt’s Matterhorn: More Than Just a Mountain:
If you despise traffic, you will love Zermatt, Switzerland.
Why? Because the village is a car-free zone. Visitors use trains, horse-drawn carriages, or hike.
It’s definitely worth the effort to visit Zermatt, because it’s truly a one-of-a-kind. The official language is German, but you’ll find that locals are also fluent in French, Italian, and English. It blew my mind to hear the waiters bounce back and forth between languages.
If that doesn’t impress you, let me draw your attention to one of the most iconic mountains on our planet: The Matterhorn!
The Matterhorn’s massive pyramid-shaped rock face is on the doorstep of Zermatt. The summit has beckoned advanced climbers for centuries, but many have tried and died. The first successfully climbing expedition was in 1865. Sadly, during that trip, four members of the party tragically fell to their deaths on the descent. Despite the risks, adventurers climb on.
On a lighter note, the summit is interesting very unique as it straddles the border of Switzerland and Italy.
On a more chocolaty note, Toblerone’s triangular chocolate sections were inspired by the Matterhorn’s shape. To celebrate this fact, I suggest you buy the next Toblerone chocolate bar you see in the store. Your taste buds will thank you.
Lastly, Zermatt is a skier’s paradise. Thanks to its sky-high altitude and glacier-covered playground, this alpine haven welcomes skiers and snowboarders with open arms…365 days a year.
2 QUOTES TO CONSIDER
1.
“Life is a bit like mountaineering. Never look down.” – Edmund Hillary (First to summit Everest)
2.
“Extraordinary results are directly determined by how narrow you can make your focus.“ – Richard Koch
2 BRIEF STORIES
Save The Dog Paws Project:
Today, I’m putting down my passport for a hot minute to give a heartfelt shoutout to two unsung heroes in my life – my incredible parents, Paul and Ann.
Why, you ask?
They’ve been nothing short of extraordinary when it comes to taking care of my furry best friend and daughter dog, Abigail, while I’ve been gallivanting around the world.
Leaving home and hitting the road for adventures afar is exhilarating, no doubt. But let me tell you, saying goodbye to my four-legged sidekick, Abby, is hands down the hardest part. She’s not just a dog – she’s my confidante, my partner in crime, and quite possibly the only being on this planet that’s genuinely thrilled to see me even if I’ve been gone for just five minutes.
Now, let’s talk about my parents, Ann and Paul. I’m convinced they could make bank teaching a “Dog Spoiling 101″ class. Abby hits the pavement for multiple walks a day – and we’re not just talking a quick lap around the block. I’m pretty sure Abby’s paws are on a first-name basis with every tree in the neighborhood by now.
And oh, the pictures and videos they send. They always have me smiling from ear to ear. Abby is featured lazing around, giving that adorable head tilt, or just generally looking like the queen she believes herself to be.
I’m most grateful for the way they care for Abby during the Arizona summers. The scorching pavement is hot enough to grill a pancake. So what do my parents do? They patiently dress Abby with booties to protect her precious paws from the sizzling sidewalks.
Thank you Mom and Dad for being incredible companions to Abby. She appreciates the endless belly rubs, and I will forever appreciate for your kindness and support.
2.
Folklore Festival Fun:
Have you ever wandered into a village where it feels like your GPS took a time-travel detour?
This was the vibe at a recent folklore festival in Zermatt.
Main Street was an explosion of color as banners and flags unfurled against the charming backdrop of wooden chalets (cabins).
Children in traditional costumes held wooden signs like they were trying out for the world’s friendliest protest march.
Men paraded liked school boys in intricately embroidered vests, lederhosen, and suspenders. Women twirled gracefully in dresses with aprons reminiscent of storybook characters, while their braided hair peeked out from under charming bonnets adorned with flowers.
There were plenty of great acts, but the elderly Swiss stole the show.
Picture four wily Swiss grandpas, each lugging a fourteen foot alpine horn. Picture a giant wooden trumpet. As the elderly men stopped to play a tune, the mountain goats themselves paused mid-climb to groove along. Even the Matterhorn seems to nod in rhythm. With each deep note, crowd gaped in awe, as if witnessing a symphony conducted by mischievous yet endearing wizards.
Then a squad of spirited Swiss grannies unleashed a yodeling extravaganza that could wake snoozing mountain bears. They looked like the world’s most unexpected choir. “yodelayheehooooo!” Their yodels echoed like joyful ricochets off the peaks, and their smiles radiated enough wattage to power a Swiss chalet. Even the cows started to question their career choices.
Lastly, the firemen brigade showed up. They were armed with historic water pumps and hoses. They sprayed water into the sidelines of observers with the precision of firefighters and the mischievousness of kids with super soakers. On their float was a prop fire hydrant with a tap. Instead pouring water, out came schnapps, which they gleefully handed out to the crowd.
You could say that Zermatt had transformed into a fairytale land.
Thanks for tuning in to 2-2-2 Tuesday!
If you have any feedback, comments, or suggestions, we’d love to hear from you. Have a wonderful week.
Thanks so much for your gracious and fun comments about our care for sweet Abigail! She paid us generously with her antics, kisses and tail wags! 🐾
I’ve LOVED this edition I’m so many ways! I’ve always wanted to hear the cow bells and see the parade- so glad you could have that experience!! 🐄❤️🏞️