October 16th, 2015

We spent yesterday afternoon touring around the area of Jona where my grandfather, John Beachli, grew up. He emigrated to Canada when he was twenty-one. It took him 30 years to return.
We visited his house, his school and the church his family walked an hour to each Sunday.

After the tour we went to the Bachli farm. My great uncle Gotlieb married a woman who inherited this farm. Though it is not a "John Beachli" farm, to us it is the family centre in Switzerland. I visited here when I was about 14 and again when I was 28. The first time I came was with my father, grandfather, aunt and cousin, Elaine. For my children, we have tried to recreate a similar experience, as they are here with their grandfather, mother, uncle, aunt and cousin. It was a special moment for us.
Werner and Lydia still live on the farm and work here, but their son, Stefan and his family, now own and operate it. They continue to run it as an apple and pear prodding farm, but they added a tourist component to the farm and it is now used for special events, it has a great restaurant and a small animal petting area. It's wonderful!
All four of Werner and Lydia's children and their families came for a dinner at the farm. We enjoyed some great chats and tasty rackette. A good time was had by all. It had been a chilly day, so the warmth of family was appreciated.

check out Bachli Hof farm on line, if you want to see more of the farm.