Day 3 – Säckingen & more Family Time

Säckingen hit a sweltering 97°F (36°C) today, and without air conditioning, it felt nearly unbearable. Ursula, ever thoughtful, turned on the water hose and gave Elisabeth’s garden a good soak to help the plants cope with the heat.

Just before lunch, my nephew Joachim joined us. It had been nearly eleven years since we last met. While he looked much the same, I was amazed at how his daughters, Sasha and Mila, had grown into confident, beautiful teenagers.

On our way to town, we stopped by the cemetery where the girls watered Gerhard’s grave. Then we took a stroll through the old city and did some window shopping. Ursula found a perfect summer dress. Mila was obsessed with a trendy body spray that she wanted to purchase at Mueller’s department store.

And yes, we couldn’t resist another stop at La Grutta Mona Lisa for ice cream.

Back at Elisabeth’s condo, the afternoon eased into evening with more conversation, laughter, and relaxed family time. Jet lag still lingered, so I slipped away for a quick nap before rejoining the group for the rest of a warm, meaningful day and evening.Read more