For as long as I can remember, the thing I looked forward to most was a visit to a beach. Growing up in bitter cold Wisconsin kept my dreams to a minimum, but every summer I managed to sneak away from my daily life. My beach of choice was a man made one, tons of sand, clear water, and of course cold drinks. When I dreamt about traveling or going on vacation, my only requirement was the beach. I didn't care where, just make it warm, sunny, and beachy. I had no concern with seeing other parts of the world, cities, or culture, at least not until I had my fill of beach time. My wish eventually came true, and I had the most incredible opportunity to live on three hundred and sixty degrees of shoreline on the island chain of Hawaii. After I was blessed with the world's most beautiful beaches on a daily basis, dreams for seeing other parts of the world began to bloom. I made it a new dream to visit Europe, I wasn't sure where but destiny would lead me to meet my sweetheart and take me where I needed to be, Switzerland.
I am currently living with my boyfriend and his brother in the town of Chur. I have been here for a month now, and the first few weeks were mostly rain and cold weather. Not easy for a sand loving mermaid like myself. I showed up to this beautiful country with only a few beachy clothes and my favorite accessory, bathing suits. The surfer girl look doesn't really go in Europe, it's more like skinny jeans, nice hair, shoes, scarves, etc. I quickly adjusted myself, got some hand me down clothes from my boyfriend's mother, and I can fit right in. I am quite proud of my adaptability in new places. Although I can dress the part, my heart still longs to wear my flip flops, beach tops, and let my blond locks dry naturally wavy in the sun, oh and to be crusted in salt water!
Today I cannot say that I dove into the Pacific ocean but I was taken to one of the most beautiful lakes I have ever encountered. A short drive through the majestic Swiss mountains over looking villages and valleys, leads you to a hidden taste of paradise, Lake Cauma. Water of my favorite teal, gorgeous rock formations, and the smell of pine trees. A quick ride in a mountain lift, takes you down to the water. OK so maybe there aren't any "beaches" or any sand, but there is sun, heat, and water, truly fit for this mermaid. All around me I see trees, water, and mountains. I see mother nature at her finest, she is a proud mother I guarantee it. I am here with my love and his brother. Every day we do a form of exercise, and although we already did cross fit this morning, we wanted to swim in this lake.
Before we jump in the fresh waters of this hidden treasure, we are warmed in the rays of the sun, spread out in the grass. I love the grass in Switzerland, it's full of flowers. We brought a little picnic of sorts, I brought quarter water melon and a store prepared veggie tray. I eat the juicy melon with a fork and knife, fancy I say, European style. I was quite shocked when I realized every meal here is eaten ever so skillfully with a knife and fork, even pizza, forget the slices. I myself am accustomed to eating with a fork and or my fingers, but have become quite acquainted with this etiquette. Accompanying my fresh veggies is what is called cocktail sauce. When I think of cocktail sauce, I think ketchup and horseradish, served along side fresh or fried shrimp, but here it is simply ketchup mixed with mayo. I would say it is the condiment of choice among the Swiss and is to them as ranch is to Americans.
After our snack it's time to test the crisp mountain water. In the distance snow can be seen on the mountain tops, I just imagine this snow melting and feeding in to this fresh lake, how healing and refreshing for my body it will be to swim in such virgin water. Like children we inch in the shore, giggling because it's cold, wondering who's going to make the first move towards going further. Peering out at our destination, a raft sits alone, waiting for us to swim to it. Tiny fish bite our toes encouraging us to swim with them. I took off first, it's better to get it over with, it's not to bad once you are submerged in the coolness of the water. We all swim together, the brother in the lead because he is much taller than both of us. We cheer as we make it to the raft, it's always an accomplishment swimming in the cold mountain water. I am especially proud of my sweetheart, who doesn't care for swimming much, but is every day challenging himself in some way. We are both growing together, working on our dreams, and empowering each other, I have something with him I have never experienced before. I have been working on myself in this way since the move to Hawaii, and he is the first person I get to share my true self with, he is my match. He too had a lot of self work before meeting me, as he was wheelchair ridden for six months prior to meeting me. I met him shortly after he had been to a healer in Maui, and he could walk again. The Universe sure can make the road to something beautiful, a painful one.
We jump back in the water shortly after we arrive to the raft, it's easier to get back in the water if you are still wet. We all swim back to the shore, to our grassy little resting spot, among the flowers and the trees. The boys are more comfortable laying in the grass, but for me, a flat rock facing the lake has my name all over it. I perch myself on the warm stone, arch my back, and point my face towards the sun. I am in my happy place, I am right where I need to be. I sit absorbing the glory of the sun, thinking about all of the things I am grateful for. Reflecting on my journey, what I am planning, wishing, and dreaming for. Breathing in the mountains, the trees, the water, the freshness of life. Soon my love comes to gather me, he misses me, and I miss him. We are inseparable. Hand in hand we make the trek back to the lift, leaving this serene place just for today.
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