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Having spent a week or so near moutains, on moutains, and occasionally in mountains, I've reached the conclusion that mountains are a good thing. Especially the high mountains -- the ones with glaciers and whatnot. In case you haven't seen that sort of mountain for a while, here's what one looks like:
Mountains.
There's lots to like about mountains:
- They put things in perspective (particularly size-wise).
- They break up the sky into interesting shapes.
- They're fantastic places for planting a flag and/or having a bowl of soup.
For all these reasons, I've decided that my hometown back in the SF Bay Area really ought to get a high moutain. Preferably by the time I get back.
At first I thought we should start a petition to have one made out of landfill. But now I'm thinking, hey, the Swiss have a lot of mountains (seriously -- I stopped counting at forty!). They probably have more than they need, if we're really honest about it. Can't they spare one?
So what say you, good Swiss-folks? Brother, can you spare an Alp?
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At least you can drive from the Bay Area to some snow-capped mountains in a couple hours. Imagine the sensory deprivation in having moved back to Kansas, after 12 years in Seattle?
My step-brother came out here years ago from Texas, and his brain blew a fuse when we took him to Mount Diablo. I went through my teenage years with the Devil's Mountain as a pivot around which our moves from house to house took place. It was a good thing. Now I see Mt. Tamalpais as I drive around. Also a good thing.
I can appreciate the love of mountains, and the idea of climbing slowly to the peak. I know we don't have alps, but I love what we have. Perhaps you can take an alp home in your heart, and climb it whenever you feel down.
BTW I've loved this series. Never having visited Switzerland, I love the place in my imagination. Perhaps one day I can not go there, and keep it perfect in my thoughts. (Ireland fulfilled the same purpose for my Father-in-law.) Congrats on the trip. I do hope the family got to go with you.
Thanks Cap'n -- glad you're enjoying it. Been fun to do a little writing most evenings. The family's here and the kids are having a splash war with a Danish girl in the pool right in front of me as I type. Uh oh. Some other kid just jumped in to even the odds.
Sounds like we now have three languages firing off between four kids. They've just managed to exchange names, with no help from any adults.
Do you remember that? Making pals for 30 minutes at a hotel? Or for one day at a Bar Mitzvah or communion or somesuch? Those short-term situational pals. Uncomplicated. Broad smiling. Pure play.
-Cecil