We picked up our quasi-annual tradition of spending Thanksgiving with Nan in Zug again this year. As in years past, we flew out Sunday afternoon, which gives you a civilized amount of time to do laundry, pack, and otherwise get prepared. Leaving on a Saturday is possible but you don't enter the plane in a relaxed state.

The journey over couldn't have gone smoother. We had a seasoned flight crew who knew what they were doing and clearly enjoyed each others company. What a comparison from our flight home last year where the flight crew really made our home journey unpleasant. The food was excellent -- beef short rib and cod -- and we got a little bit of sleep. Arriving at 7:30 into the Zurich airport, we were buying our train tickets in the bahnhof by 8:10am. Caught the 8:47am to Zug and there meeting Nan by 9:30am.

Took it easy that first day, including a couple of naps, and delicious Aklin sauerkraut and pork for dinner. Next day, the weather was cold and damp and we decided against trying to get above the clouds because we would have had to get to 9,000 meters; instead, we went to the Golden Dragon for lunch, which was delicious. Best Chinese food I've had in some time.

The afternoon brought some shopping and then a little nap before heading downstairs to visit with Ferdi and Susie in what has become another annual tradition. Between a little Suisse-Deutsch, a little English and plenty of good will, we had a convivial hour discussing family, fall foliage, and recent events, including Hurricane Sandy, which they had followed on tv.

Tuesday evening we made a reservation at a new-to-us restaurant, Zum Kaiser Franz, which featured Austrian cuisine. The dining room was pleasantly detailed, albeit a little loud. The service was excellent with the owner, wearing an Austrian-style jacket, coming through multiple times over the course of the evening to assure that everything was good. Definitely a new find in the Zug restaurant scene.

Wednesday am, Nan had a hair appointment, so we walked the 2km along the lake to Obervill. Weather was cold and dank and the fog hung low in the hills. No views of Pilatus or Rigi yet. Shopping in the afternoon has us well prepared for tomorrow. Again, we have a oven challenging bird, weighing in at about eleven pounds. He'll just fit. :-)