On Saturday, our last full day in Italy, we packed three historical sites into our itinerary.  In the morning we visited an ancient Roman amphitheater and a volcanic crater called Solfatara, both in Pozzouli. In the afternoon Sam went to the airport to pick up his now finacee (congratulations!!) Marianne, while the rest of us found our … Continue reading Naples, Italy – Day 3, June 20th →

On Friday our tour guide, Sam, had to go to work, so Melissa and I, and Jim and Lee were left to fend for ourselves.  Our sightseeing plan for the day was to check out the Island of Ischia, located an hour ferry ride away from Pozzouli.  The night before Sam had shown us the … Continue reading Naples, Italy – Day 2 June 19th →

After visiting five different European countries Melissa and I were just starting to feel like confident, experienced, European travelers.  Then, from June 18th to 21st, we visited southern Italy.  Even though the Italian border at Mont Blanc is visible from Lausanne on a clear day, we soon found out Italian culture is much different than … Continue reading Naples, Italy – Day 1, June 18th →

Traveling to a foreign country is both fascinating and terrifying in one aspect – all of the communication is done in a foreign language! When the Olsons traveled to Switzerland to visit Phillip and Melissa, we knew we would be communicating in a different language.  As you are aware if you have read Phillip’s blog, … Continue reading Sprechen ze Francais? →

Will America be delighted with the antics of “Keeping up with the Olsons”?  Will casual acquaintances drop their jaws in shock when seeing our pictures in supermarket tabloids? Maybe someday… but the dream is on hold for now.  For the last few months Melissa and I have been in the interview process for House Hunters International. … Continue reading Reality TV Stars? →

This weekend there was a music festival just a short walk from our apartment, in the town of Renens.  It was called Festimixx, and it took place both Friday and Saturday.  There were many art vendors and food booths, as well as three stages of music. The best part though was that entrance was free, so on Saturday Melissa … Continue reading 14 June 2015 Update – Festimixx →

This week has been hot.  Our highs have been in the 80’s (Fahrenheit) everyday since Tuesday, and we broke into a new decade of Celsius degrees on Friday, when the high was 86°F (30° C).  I don’t remember 80’s feeling this hot in Minnesota, and part of that might be because we don’t have air conditioning in … Continue reading 7 June 2015 Update →

I’m happy to report that our guest bedroom saw some use again last weekend!  My cousin Sam Diedrick, who’s been working for the Navy in Naples since the start May, decided to fly up to see the Swiss life firsthand.  We visited Geneva, Lausanne, the north shore of Lake Geneva, and the town of Sion; in the evenings we … Continue reading Sam’s Visit – May 29-31 →