Fun with Claremarie

Haven’t posted in awhile as we have had a visitor. Our dear Claremarie Verheyen is stopping here on her world travels and we are having a great time! Of course, we began our adventures at the Textile Museum then off to Bischoff and Jakob Schlaepfer on Wednesday for fabric shopping. I bought some lace (of course) but mostly we drove the Swiss a little crazy touching everything but buying very little. At these prices.....!

Friday we went to the Historic and Folk Art Museum in St. Gallen to see vintage clothing, ceramic stoves, stained glass windows (depicting more fabulous costumes) and amazing carved wooden furniture. When they booted us out at noon (museums close from noon to 2 for lunch) we took the scenic train ride up to Appenzell for lunch in a beer garden. Then we explored the Appenzeller Museum for Frauentragt (folk costumes). We met Frau Schiegg there who teaches Appenzeller embroidery skills at the museum and she gave us an impromptu lesson. One thread at a time, Ladies, and the threads come in different gauges 30 to 150 depending on the stitch. Our Lehrerin said it takes her about 500 hours to embroider one collar!

That evening Claremarie treated us to the St. Galler Festspiele production of Carmina Burana performed outdoors on the grounds of the Klosterhof. It was amazing music and a stunning performance. I had never seen it but some of you know the music from The Omen. What a treat and only 2 blocks from our home!

Saturday was a beautiful day so we wandered around St. Gallen and had an Olma Bratwurst mit Burli for lunch. Looking for an open air table and a beer we wandered over to a local olive oil shop (that also has beer). My Sweetie asked the shop owner if he happened to have any port. You should have seen his eyes light up when the proprietor led us into a port filled cellar. Who knew? They also had vintage balsamic vinegars and gave us a tasting. We purchased a bottle of port and the most expensive bottle of vinegar I have ever owned - sweet and tangy - to be poured sparingly over strawberries, cheese or salad.
K Q:-)