Day 17--Switzerland (Ballenberg)

 We got up early and headed toward an open air museum known as Ballenberg. We had an any day family pass, but the week had gotten away from us between Elise’s symptoms and the increasingly hot and humid weather. So on Saturday morning, we got ourselves up and out the door so that we could be at the museum by opening. 

The drive was hilariously dangerous. Very narrow two lane roads—with space for only one car—down a steep mountain. So many hairpin turns, such gorgeous views. We listened to “The Sound of Music” movie soundtrack, laughed hysterically, and praised Donnie’s remarkable driving skills. I guess growing up a farm kid and learning to drive by age 7 has its advantages! 

Ballenberg  was incredible, but it also became unbearably hot and humid very quickly.  Arizona residents don’t have much of a humidity tolerance, sadly, and Elise continued to struggle. We were only able to be outside for a few hours before we had to head to lunch and then home again. But we really enjoyed those hours, and we felt like we learned a lot about Swiss culture and traditions.  

Watch part of our beautiful drive and listen to a little Julie Andrews:

https://share.icloud.com/photos/05eyI3uBuwKXVcNHng9rp6v0A



The views just won’t stop. Switzerland is the place to come if you love the mountains! 








Lovely replica of an industrialist’s villa. So much wood, so many floors, so many stairs. 





    Medicinal garden. How is everything so beautiful here? 



Family garden shot. This was my favorite place at the museum. 




Walking to lunch. Poor Elise! I was just trying to get a shot of the mountains. But she was suffering.



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