Green – our new website colour

Posted on by
Reply

If you read these lines, you will have already found our new website. Green, you might have wondered, why did the Hudson’s chose green?

I contemplated for a while about the choice colour and settled on green. As green is the colour most missing during a cold, gray-white Swiss winter, as green is the colour of hope (and the name Nadine means “hope”) and green stands for a healthy nature… and I like green! And we hope you like it too.

You will find all the old and new texts on the site and as a bonus we have put some of our best travel photos online. Just click on photos or films on the menu and dive into one of our adventures.

The challenge of being Swiss

Posted on by
Reply

My brother wished us a Happy New Year. I chuckled. It would probably be the most uneventful year since … hmm … my childhood (?) – so what could possibly go wrong?

But exactly for that reason, my thoughtful brother wished us luck. Because to be Swiss can be  challenging for globetrotters.

As far as I can remember, profound changes and fabulous events have topped the past years of our lives: Adventurous travels, exciting jobs in distant lands, countless moves and new beginnings, further education and exams, new work places and of course the birth of our children. Each of the last years has brought us much excitement. A life in a whirlpool. But what about 2012?
Continue reading →

The servant of Samichlaus

Posted on by
Reply

Eight years ago Michael became Swiss on paper, but his Swissness has also shown in his behaviour: If our phone rings after 9 p.m. he wonders what the emergency was, he never once starts a meal before everybody has sat down and wished each other an enjoyful meal and punctuality is his golden rule.

Last Monday, however, Michael became even more Swiss. He played the role of Samichlaus’ servant. Samichlaus (a bit like Father Christmas in other regions of the world) is an ancient tradition in Switzerland; the day of St. Nicklaus is celebrated on 6th December. Samichlaus, his Schmutzli and in this area even a servant go from house to house and bring joy to the children (in some cases it’s rather dread than joy). They announced themselves by the ringing of a bell or the blowing of a cow horn. Sometimes Samichlaus comes with a donkey, sometimes on foot or by car, if the distances are too great.
Continue reading →

Old thoughts

Posted on by
Reply

Nadine in India in 1998

During the last few days we spent a lot of time opening old, long stored boxes; a wonderful journey on Memory Lane.

In an old travel diary, I found a poem that I had written in India back in 1998 and that I’d love to share with you.

Restless

I’m travelling around the world to find peace
I’m looking everywhere, but still don’t feel at ease.

I know I can only find it deep inside
during times of rest
but whatever I do it’s not to my best.

When I’m busy I wish I had time to relax and stop
but whatever I do, I don’t feel on top.

When I have time to myself
I don’t know how to use it
and try to find things to do instead of sit.

I want to find the entrance to my inner world
I’m trying hard, but all the ways seem curled.

I want to find it, but I’m filled with fear
standing in front of a closed door fills my eyes with a tear.

I don’t know anymore what I’m looking for
and if my past believings are true,
but whatever happens I’ll have to get through.

I’m insecure as things have changed a lot
I’ve got the lid, but not the pot.

I’ve been at this point before, away from my track
doubts, no sense, but whatever happens I’ll find back.

Isn’t Switzerland beautiful…

Posted on by
Reply

The red cable car, which brings us to Stoos, is one of the steepest funicular railways in the world and the journey is accordingly spectacular. The car doesn’t just take us up the mountain though, no, at the same time, it also takes us from the thick fog to the bright sun. Looking back, our new home is covered in a foggy sea.

When buying the tickets we have to smile, because finally we also benefit from a “local” price. After all, tourist prices aren’t just a Chinese thing! Michael has a surprise planned for us… hence, when we bump into our friends up in Stoos, we are not only surprised, but also pleased. Together with them and other friends, we make a campfire and eat yummy risotto. Isn’t Switzerland beautiful?

Continue reading →

Parents as teachers – a good idea? When the kids want to settle down.

Posted on by
Reply

School in China

We slowly begin to understand that we are settling down. The last products from abroad have been used up: the facial soap from Malaysia, the toothpaste from Mexico, the deodorant from the U.S.. The first visitors have come and gone and made our temporary apartment a home. Our children start to lose their excitement about the fact that they can actually drink the water from every tap.

And though our hearts still every now and then reach out to Asia and the Middle East, we arrive more and more here in Switzerland. People around us are wonderful. Michael has been working for more than a month now and our boys have settled into their new school incredibly well. It all runs like clockwork.

It’s time to bring a little order into the chaos in our minds. The eight months of camper travel brought countless hours in which I had to just sit and watch a barren landscape go by. And during those seemingly endless moments many questions were answered and new impulses given. Somehow I have the feeling that I have made a big step in my personal development through this passive processing.
Continue reading →

(Good-bye) holiday in Asia

Posted on by
Reply

After the hand over of the camper and before settling in Switzerland we had a holiday in Asia (where else…?). Upon arrival in Kuala Lumpur, we were reminded of how much we missed Asia and how attached we are to this part of the world.

With pleasure we would like to share a few holiday pictures:

Continue reading →

Our 9 tips for successful (long term) camper travel with children

Posted on by
Reply

We travelled in a small camper with our two boys for eight months and hardly ever argued with each other. We laughed a lot and enjoyed it equally as much and were asked again and again: How do you manage in such a small space?

We are happy to pass on some tips:

  • Travel slowly, have few plans and no expectations. That way, spontaneous and short-term decisions can be adapted to the mood of the family. If it was too hot, we drove into the mountains or to the coast. If the family needed to relax, we stayed in a restful place a bit longer, if we felt like peace and quiet, we searched an exciting nature trail.
  • Although spontaneity is great, a daily routine for the family is as important in a camper as it is at home. Or perhaps even more important. The size of the camper space seems to increase the more a routine sets in. Cooking your own meals and eating “in” can also help keep a routine.
    Continue reading →