I Swear You Will Be Fine

Dear Josh,

I’ve landed in Switzerland. Maybe it’s because I haven’t been to many places yet, but I haven’t seen the pretty sights you were so excited about. Or maybe that’s because I’m not in a great mood. I know that Switzerland is one of the places you wanted to visit, so being here without your physical presence is quite difficult. Actually, being anywhere is quite difficult. I’ve devised a nice little idea to cope with this trip, and I’m quite sure you’d like it.

This idea was inspired by what your friend, your mum, and your sister did for you when they went overseas. Your friend, S, carved your name into ice, and your mum and sister wrote your name in snow. When I saw the pictures of their little ways of honouring you, I knew I wanted to do the same. Although Switzerland and Italy are relatively cold, I wasn’t completely sure that it would snow daily, or I’d have opportunities to write your name on things. And anyway, I don’t think I could carve your name into ice… that must have taken very long and a lot of strength I may not have. So, I bought purple ribbons, and I plan to tie a little ribbon to each location I visit (like, on a pole or something) – that way, you and I will be everywhere I go, with or without snow or ice. On each ribbon, I’ll write “Josh and Sha were here!” Because we were. I believe that everywhere I visit, you are with me.

But, my girlfriend brain failed me again. Days before I left, I packed a little pencil case with several pens that allow nicer handwriting on these ribbons, a ruler to measure an appropriate length for each ribbon, and a pair of scissors. When I got to my hotel on my first day in Zurich, I could not find the pair of scissors I packed! I was actually so disappointed in myself I wanted to cry. Thankfully, Switzerland is known for chocolate, cheese, and Swiss Army knives. I told my family about my little purple ribbon plan, and they suggested looking around for a good knife instead of just buying the first one I saw. The only reason I agreed to hold off on buying the first knife I saw was because in my little pencil case, I had also packed purple (Kuromi) post-its, just in case I ran out of ribbons.

For our first day in Switzerland, we went to a Christmas market, Lake Zurich, and Lindt Home of Chocolate. I think you would have liked them all. Though the Christmas market was mostly food you wouldn’t have enjoyed. Plus, everything was unnecessarily pricey! I could hear you holding me back, telling me I don’t really need another ring or Uggs.

Oh, before I forget, thank you for the purple and yellow Christmas tree in my hotel! I would not have noticed it if I didn’t turn around right before entering the lobby. Very cute sign, please keep ‘em coming, if that’s okay!

Here are some pictures of the post-its I put up for today! I can’t wait for us to continue exploring Switzerland. Hope you’re also hanging out with your mum, sister, grandparents, Tun, and the boys.

Love always,
Sha