Since October 25th, we’re officially back in Switzerland — well, almost all of us. Jane returned a bit earlier to rejoin her classmates after fall break, while the rest of us followed later. Our eight-month sabbatical in Crete has come to an end, but the adventure hasn’t — because the house project is still very much alive.
Building From Afar
We’re about three months behind schedule, so the house isn’t closed yet. Plumbing and electrical work are done, plasterboards are up (maybe need to be fixed after the biblical rains of the past days!), and the indoor floors and veranda are about to be tiled. The exterior insulation and stairs are next, and — fingers crossed — the windows should be installed before Christmas.
Michel calls the architects weekly (sometimes more than they’d like), and our friends in Crete kindly send us photo updates. Still, experience has taught us an important lesson: if you’re not there, you’re not there — and they know. So, Michel will return to Crete before Christmas to check progress in person and, let’s say, “motivate” the team a little.
We’re also working to finalize the contracts for the final phase — kitchen, built-in closets, and all the finishing touches — by the end of November, aiming to complete everything by March 2026.
The Great Migration
The return home was quite an expedition in itself. Jane and Jasmin flew back to Switzerland on October 7th, along with two cats (Sumi and Ilio) and one dog (Teddy). Meanwhile, Michel stayed behind in Crete with the other four dogs — Missy, Canea, Tilea, and Zaki — to oversee the construction and harvest the olives (more about that soon!).
Teddy has since found a loving home in Wangen an der Aare, Michel’s hometown, where he now enjoys his new job as a library dog. Sumi and Ilio have settled comfortably into their new life in Bümpliz, together with the resident cats Aslan and Tristan — a peaceful feline commune (mostly, anyway—at least according to the motto “live and let live”).
Later, Jasmin returned to Crete to join Michel for the long drive back. On October 23rd, they packed up the car — four dogs, luggage, and olive oil included — and began their journey. The 21:00 ferry from Crete to Athens, a five-hour drive to Igoumenitsa, another ferry to Brindisi, Italy, and then a night drive north through Europe.
At 09:00 on Saturday morning, they crossed the Swiss border, greeted by bored customs officers, rain and traffic jams — the perfect Swiss welcome. Home, sweet home.
Settling Back In
Now the focus is on re-settling — humans and animals alike. Tilea and Zaki are still adjusting to this strange new land of fog, cold, and punctuality, but they’re doing great. Jane smoothly rejoined school life, Jasmin returned to work, and Michel will start a new job in January.
But the real question is: what remains after eight months of sabbatical life?
What Lasts
Jane:
Our “little” girl came back as a young woman — more confident, mature, and grounded. Swimming in the sea, exploring Cretan cuisine, taking K-pop dance classes, city trips with her friend Sophia, and becoming a proud cat mom all left their mark. Now back in Switzerland, she’s surprisingly focused on school (she even asks us to help her study!). Her big goal: passing the Gymnasium entry exam in March.
Jasmin:
Crete taught her the art of slowing down — whether she wanted to or not. The siga siga mentality (“slowly, slowly”) forces you to live in the moment. She learned that the best time is now (“H πιο ωραία ώρα είναι τώρα”) and that life feels lighter when you let go of control. Challenges at home no longer feel as heavy, and she’s following her passion for animals by training as a certified animal caretaker. Her heart still beats for Crete — challenges and all — and she couldn’t be prouder of Jane’s growth.
Michel:
After years of visiting Crete, he finally experienced what it means to live there — not just as a guest, but as part of the island. Crete tested him in many ways: patience, endurance, and the art of setting boundaries. But he found deep joy in nature, working the land, climbing the peaks of the Lefka Ori, and caring for the dogs. He’s convinced that Crete still holds enormous potential — and that helping to realize it will be part of his life’s work.
The End That’s a Beginning
Our sabbatical may be over, but our journey with Crete is far from it. The house will one day be finished, the olive trees will keep growing, and our connection to the island will only deepen.
We came back to Switzerland with sun in our hearts, stronger as a family, and clearer about what matters most. We’ve learned to trust the process, to slow down when life demands it, and to keep moving — siga siga.
The best time, as the Cretans say, is now.
And for us, the best is yet to come.
No responses yet