Life Stories

“The event that Americans commonly call the “First Thanksgiving” was celebrated by the Pilgrims after their first harvest in the New World in October 1621. This feast lasted three days, and—as accounted by attendee Edward Winslow—it was attended by 90 Native Americans and 53 Pilgrims.” (Wikipedia)

Whether this is the true story is controversial. Nevertheless, the idea of celebrating and giving thanks, I do like.… Read more

“Yes, and how many times can a man turn his head
and pretend that he just doesn’t see?
The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind.
The answer is blowin’ in the wind.“

This song by Bob Dylan from the early sixties is as meaningful now as it was then, if not even more. Well over 50 years later I ask myself the same questions.… Read more

Big crowds make me feel uncomfortable. I try to go to a shopping mall early in the morning, right after they open, when there are few people around. My feelings are the same when it comes to crowded restaurants. Some of my friends love to pick the loudest place to go to – and feel just great.… Read more

In early June roses bloom everywhere, in all colors and shapes. The church in my town organized an event on the art of folding roses with ribbons and cloth. I love to be creative in this way and went full of enthusiasm and anticipation. I was happy and felt great.

Those of us attending greeted each other and chatted for a while before the class started.… Read more

The food industry is probably one of the most thriving trades since most people agree that we all need to eat in order to survive. Cooking food can be considered a hobby or a necessity. Regardless, we all spend a lot of time preparing and eating food. Those who mostly go out to eat spend just as much time as those who cook.… Read more

In view of the fact that the world looks pretty somber, that so many political systems are corrupt or don’t seem to work well and the ecological system worldwide seems to be in a disastrous state, I sometimes I ask myself, What difference can I make? I am only one of 7.5 billion people. I try to recycle as much as I can.… Read more

When planning a trip, like most, I think about what to take and what to leave at home. I used to think I had to pack for all eventualities. However, how much I take determines whether I’ll need a large or a smaller suitcase.

Traveling from Switzerland to Maui/HI is at best a 25-hour trip. If that isn’t exhausting enough, customs regulations in the United States do not make it easy to enter the country.… Read more

Traveling to Maui/HI, I flew with American Airways. As usual, before take-off, the stewardess explained the safety procedures. These days this is accomplished by showing a video, which turns the worst-case scenarios into a harmless movie. I don’t know how often I have seen or heard these instructions but this time when the friendly female voice explained about the oxygen mask it caught my attention, and I listened carefully.… Read more