A Little Night Music and a Little Morning Music

Last night my dad and I went on the train to Zürich. We traveled next to an older gentleman and his sister. My dad talked with the older gentleman (he had immigrated to Canada and become a farmer and was visiting his sister and other relatives back in Switzerland) while I tried to finish knitting the shawl for my grandmother's birthday on Sunday. It was a peaceful ride and good to be back on European trains - with their comfortable seats and the beautiful scenery... This is a trip I have taken many a time before, so the memories of many pleasant trips filled my mind.

In the busy Zürich station we ate a the best bratwurst and servela with bread (a tradition - at least once I eat this when I am in Switzerland - and very often in the Zürich train station). Watching the youth with their painted hair and unique clothing hang out and the business people walk by in their suits in the hustle and bustle of the old train station gave me a sense of the old and the new meeting together in an odd fashion. I also was saddened by the lack of hope and direction in the youth that I saw.

After our supper, Dad and I braved the rain, walking down the river to the church where the Chagale stain glass windows reside, to listen to a concert. My aunt was in the choir that performed Mozart's "Requiem." The music was beautiful and the setting in the old cathederal was ideal. Seeing my aunt perform in the choir reminded me of the great musical heritage that comes before me. It was lovely to hear this night music.

This morning for breakfast (and at almost every meal here) we sang a prayer in a round. These songs were taught to my father and his siblings by his parents; and his siblings and he, in turn, taught their children these prayers, so continuing the tradition of music and prayer in the family. They are wonderful songs proclaiming God's faithfulness in His creation and in His provision every morning. I always enjoy these times of heralding in the morning with these songs.

Another treat this morning was that my sister and I heard alpine horns being played and we followed the sound around the town and found four men playing alpine horns on the street for someone's birthday. I love hearing random live morning music. It truly is a wonder to stay in this country and experience the unique music created here.