Switzerland, Week 22

Summer Solstice, Lakes Swims, and Bees

I arrived in Switzerland a few days ago—more specifically, in a small village about 45 minutes outside of Zurich. Entering this country feels like stepping into a storybook: majestic Alps, clear lakes, and rolling fields dotted with sheep and cows that butt up against the mountains all welcome me. I fold into this landscape with ease… I’m laughing at myself after reading that sentence. Who wouldn’t fold into this landscape with ease? I’ve decided to leave it in this post—real life, real writing, real self-mockery.

I’m visiting my friend Nina, who has been inviting me to her Summer Solstice party for the last decade. Finally, I’m able to attend. A few of us have gathered at her house in the lead-up to the party. Four women from different parts of the world, with varying ages and life experiences—ranging from single and child-free to widowed, to growing up in East Berlin behind the wall—and me, the only American. Despite these differences, I’m struck by how naturally we come together.

Nina lives on Lake Walensee (also known as Lake Walen), which I’ve adopted as my pool for the week—crystal-clear water, refreshingly cold under the summer sun. After our morning swims, we pull together a simple European-style breakfast before setting up for the party. Nothing fancy, but full of flavor: local jams and yogurts, croissants with butter, and cappuccinos. Perfectly satisfying.

While setting up, I met the neighbor who was tending to his bees. I quickly abandoned my party duties—my friends understand how easily I get lost in learning about anything related to food and the Earth. The neighbor was checking to see if the combs were filled with honey. I don’t speak German, and he doesn’t speak English, but we connected through the language of Nature. He could feel my excitement and invited me to watch the process. Suited up, he gently opened the hives. His technique is old-school—he uses water to calm the bees instead of smoke, which he believes they dislike. He brushes the honeycombs with the utmost care, using a feather.

I stood nearby in my shorts and T-shirt, miraculously not getting stung—it didn’t even occur to me that it might happen because I was so mesmerized.

As the evening drew in, the party began. We celebrated the longest day of the year and the start of my favorite season—summer. Once again, people from all walks of life and various languages came together to celebrate the new season, one another, and to cheer for new beginnings. A rainbow formed over the Alps, and we were all riding the beauty of its colors.

My “pool” for the week. Lake Walensee (also known as Lake Walen)

A simple European breakfast on the terrace.

The magic bees and the beekeeper.

Rainbow over the Alps joins the Summer Solstice cheer.