D MJ Binkley's Guestbook



18th March 2016

Scenic Thoughts...
I had to stop half way through your blog to picture myself driving through the beautiful mountain roads in my shiny red Maserati. I stopped at my castle in the clouds and was brought my special wild garlic soup that I always have when I'm there....OK, that was fun. What a nice place that I have never thought to visit. Looks like another place to put on the wish list! Until we get our chance thanks for taking us along!
18th March 2016

Scenic thoughts
Small but mighty. Yes the drive would have been nicer in our Maserati but that is life. I'd go back just to have the garlic soup again. Thank you for your comments.
18th March 2016

Lichtenstein
Did you also know that you can make Lichtenstein your 'own' country for a large sum of money. They will rename all the streets to whatever you want for a day, or so I have heard. I have started saving :). And can't believe you had wild garlic soup, it has such a kick!
18th March 2016

Lichtenstein
No we had no idea we could own the country and change all the street names. That is wild but we love this little country the way it is. We were enchanted by it. The soup was simply amazing.
16th March 2016
Concert on the concrete

Happy Birthday in the Homeland
How great to fulfill a dream of visiting the land of Binkley ancestors and to do so for your birthday, Dave--well done! I was in France when I turned 55 and was thrilled to receive my first senior discount for a museum--woo hoo! Brilliant being there in the off-season, and how lovely to meet a sister TBer who could show you a charming Italian restaurant! Loved your fondue dinner with the future nurses, listening to lovely chorale music for vespers (always the best service--more music, less preaching), walking Lucerne's wall and your holiday from your holiday. Cheeses look delish!
17th March 2016
Concert on the concrete

55 again!
Hi Tara...Dave here. Thanks for the message. We're having a great time here. On to Zermatt today!
16th March 2016
Attractive Architecture in Lucerne

Switzerland - a hidden gem
I guess Switzerland is a bit of a hidden gem in the middle of Europe. I have very few friends who have gone there for sightseeing, probably because it is very expensive. But it sure is a country well worth visiting. It is a rich country with a long history and since they stayed clear of the WWII much of the cultural heritage was spared from destruction. I went to Geneva a few years ago and I absolutely loved it. I would love to travel around and see a bit more. /Ake
16th March 2016
Attractive Architecture in Lucerne

Switzerland - a hidden gem
It is expensive so does not lend itself to the backpacker group but is well worth visiting. As you say the history is fascinating. We hope you get a chance to come back as we are really enjoying our time here.
15th March 2016

Another Blogger
Nice to see you met another fellow blogger, you guys are still the only two I've met from TB. Btw an average haircut in the UK will cost you $15 so you didn't get too ripped off.
16th March 2016

Another blogger
You'll have to make an effort to meet a few more bloggers. Always fun. Things in Switzerland are a bit higher priced so we think it was ok.
15th March 2016

All change!
There can be no greater contrast than your transition from the mayhem of the Middle East to the highly disciplined and almost clinical life of Switzerland. What a fabulous journey! Best wishes for the rest of your trip. david and Janice
15th March 2016

Hello David and Janice,
Thank you for following along and commenting. Yes it is a change but a nice one. It is amazing how prompt and clean everything is. A nice transition....
15th March 2016

$20 haircut?, you were ripped off.
Just got myself a $6 haircut in Bishkek, and I bet I look better than you. Happy belated birthday. Isn't it a great feeling when you change country and it is dramatically different, we are doing it now and it is sort of exhilarating, or is just the cheap beer talking.
15th March 2016

$20
MJ here.... Dave got a haircut in Burma for $4 ...but the Swiss expect more and $20 ended up being a bargain....certainly better than $70. On our extended trips we try to go to a dramatically different culture so we feel the changes. Yes it is exhilarating.
15th March 2016

55th
Happy belated 55th, Dave. It looks like this visit to Switzerland is going to be all you hoped it would be. Party hearty!
15th March 2016

55th
Thanks Billie....it's been a grand voyage!
15th March 2016
Street musician

Drums and Bells
This is a Hang...the brilliant Swiss percussion instrument that beats like a drum, rings like a bell and rhythm that flows like the wind through trees when it is stroked. Does that remind you of the music it played? Dangerously brilliant when played by a Master!
15th March 2016
Street musician

Hanging out
We enjoyed the wonderful sounds that this instrument makes. We should have "hung" around longer to listen.....
15th March 2016

Agreed
As much as I love the Middle East there's also a sense of comfort sliding back into the efficiency of the Western World and you can't much more precise, neat and rational than Switzerland. Enjoy.
15th March 2016

Agreed Western World
Always good to have both experiences but we do like the ease and efficiency of the Western World. We certainly loved the Middle East but were ready to move on. Thanks for commenting.
15th March 2016

Better late than never...
Happy belated birthday trip Dave! Glad you made finally made it to Switzerland. I giggled at MJ's olfactory reaction to the incense...I personally love the smell, but as you said, I grew up with it. On reflection, I think I like it because it also signals the end of a usually very long Mass ;)
15th March 2016

Belated BD
Dave here....thanks for the BD wishes...having a grand time here. Might even snow today!
15th March 2016

Better late than never....
Dave is enjoying his two week birthday and the homeland. They used the incense at the very beginning and it was blowing right for us. It was an over whelming smell and the fresh air was welcome. Sorry we missed the mass but that's the way it goes.
14th March 2016
Swiss Fondue

Oh yes
Now you are just teasing us with food that looks so darn good. I licked my computer screen, but it didn't taste cheesy at all. Glad you are having a nice time. And happy early, but 2 year belated birthday Mr. Binkley!
15th March 2016
Swiss Fondue

Getting younger?
Thanks for the BD wishes, my friend! Having a great time.....have to wear layers of clothing now....might snow this afternoon!

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