Journey Home: Rediscovering Switzerland Through Family, Nature, and Memories

Visiting my home country, Switzerland, has been a priority for me this year. My wife and I had planned a trip for summer 2024, and we’re excited to soon make that journey.

My wife has this picturesque image of “Heidi in den Bergen” imprinted in her mind, but I know Switzerland is more diverse than that. So, I’ve decided to take her to Holderbank, a quaint town in Solothurn where I spent much of my childhood with my grandma (Grosi), uncle, aunt, and cousins. It’s a small town nestled in the Swiss countryside, not particularly known for its attractions, but it holds a lot of sentimental value for me.

Curious about how Holderbank is portrayed online, I searched for videos on YouTube, but there’s not much out there. I plan to capture footage myself, aiming to tell a personal story. Growing up as the only Southeast Asian in Holderbank in the ’80s was quite an experience and a bit of a novelty for the locals.

Beyond revisiting my childhood haunts, my wife and I are keen on exploring Switzerland’s natural beauty. We’re especially interested in hiking in the Lauterbrunnen area. Though I’ve traveled extensively in Switzerland with my dad in the past, it’s been a while. We’ve added Jungfraujoch, Mürren, Oeschinensee, and the Lugano region in Canton Ticino to our list of places to visit.

Ticino, often overlooked by tourists, holds a special place in my heart, particularly the vistas around Lake Lugano. I have cherished memories of camping in the Maggia Valley as a child, swimming, fishing, and enjoying campfires by Lake Maggiore.

During our two-week stay, we’ll be embarking on day trips by car from my cousin’s home in Suhr, Canton Aargau. Staying with family eliminates the need for Airbnb or hotel bookings, which is a huge plus for us.

Speaking of family, my other cousin took over my uncle’s auto body repair shop in Holderbank many years ago. He’s a car enthusiast and has an impressive collection, which includes some Fast and Furious-like sports cars. He’s generously providing us with a car for our travels, giving me a chance to see his collection and reminisce about our racing adventures in the mountains during my childhood.

Despite not seeing my Swiss relatives often, I’m grateful for the close bond we share. Sadly, my grandparents, uncle, and dad passed away years ago, and my aunt recently moved to a seniors’ home. This trip holds even more significance as it provides an opportunity for a family reunion, reminding me of the importance of cherishing moments with loved ones before it’s too late.