From the Archives: The Swiss Family
"One of my earliest memories is of sitting on my father’s lap looking at a geography book. Learning about people and places, near and far, has continued to be one of the greatest pleasures of my life.
Elderhostel has provided me with the opportunity for traveling with interesting people and enjoying programs that give special meaning to each locality. My 23 Elderhostel programs have been to all parts of the United States and to 10 foreign countries.
A three-week Elderhostel program in Switzerland had special meaning for me because all four of my grandparents were born in Switzerland. For a week, I lived with a family with three small children. One day at the dinner table the mother, speaking in Schwyzerdeutsch, reprimanded the three-year-old daughter for her behavior. I can’t quote the words verbatim, but I knew exactly what she meant and said, “Oh my gosh! My mother used to say that to me!” It was a memorable moment. After 19 years, I am still in contact with the family in Switzerland."
—Dorothy Herbertson
Denver, Colorado
This story is excerpted from Elderhostel Odyssey, published in 2005.