Over the years, my family has hosted 4 exchange students. 2 from Germany, 1 from Japan, and 1 from Switerland. Of the 4 we’ve kept in contact with 2, Kristian (from Germany, and my German big brother), and Salome (from Switzerland). Last year Salome and her boyfriend Beni were traveling through the US and Canada, and they stopped in Edmonton before heading to Vegreville to visit other families that Salome stayed with. I met up with then for a bit and caught up. It was then that they extended the invite to me to come visit them if I was ever in the neighbourhood. Well, having 2 days to kill before I met up with my friend Claire in the south of France, I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to take them up on their offer. 

Salome and Beni live in Olten, which is a small city just 30 mins away from what seems like everything. 30 mins from Bern, 30 mins from Basel and also close to Zurich. So I flew into Basel from Budapest to meet up with Salome. She met me at the train station and showed me around Basel before we caught the train to Olten. 

The following day, on recommendation from Salome and Beni, I took the train to Thun to explore while Salome was in class. What a beautiful little village on a river. It has so much character and I immediately knew my Mom would have loved it here. Following that I met Salome in Bern (her hometown) and she showed me around. It’s a smaller city with a homey feel like Edmonton. Had it not been so expensive, I probably would have stayed longer.

Salome and Beni, thank you so much for your hospitality and showing me around Switzerland. I truly wish I could have stayed longer, but as always, now I have an excuse to come back!

‘Till later…

Ciao!

-A<3