personal

Yesterday we visited Lucerne, a picturesque and lively city in the heart of Switzerland. It was very, very busy with people everywhere. Dad and my grandparents spent a solid five hours shopping! I mean, how much shopping does a human being need?!

Anyway, while I tried not to yawn myself to sleep, I kept looking out for fellow teddies. As incredible as it sounds but there were hardly any bears in Lucerne! Well, I guess, I can’t blame them, can I? Tourists and visitors everywhere, too much noise, very few trees, lots of asphalt and cobblestones… Seriously, what sort of a teddy would want to live there?

But then, in a quiet, narrow backstreet we came across a house called Spielkiste which means something like “play box”. We looked through the window, and there, look! A grey teddy with a big smile on his face frantically waved at us!

We went in to say hello. He was so adorable and cute, as was his name: Severin. He told us he was tired of living in the city and he wanted to travel, see the world and make new friends. He was soo sweet that we adopted him straight away

Teddy Severin today, at our holiday home.

A very happy Teddy Severin.

Welcome to the family, Severin! Pumpkin, Severin, Chalky & me.

It’s high time I introduced myself: I’m Pumpkin, and this is my first post on this blog. You may have read about me in some of George’s stories.

Yes, I know, I became a teeny, tiny bit infamous as stowaway bear. But it was too good an opportunity to be missed! If George hadn’t been cheeky enough to pack me up in his bag, and if I hadn’t dared, I wouldn’t be in beautiful Switzerland right now, hehe Sometimes you have to risk everything to get somewhere, don’t you think?

Anyway, I can tell you that it was meant to happen. Not long after my arrival in Switzerland, Dad & I went to the local post office to post a birthday card to my Granddad-in-law. And who should I bump into? My long lost brother Felix! We couldn’t believe our eyes and snout!

Brothers Pumpkin & Felix reunited under a palm tree at the holiday home in Switzerland.

We were still cubs, Felix and I, when we were separated to go to different homes. They were tough times back then. It took a long time to adjust to the fact that we could no longer be together, play together and enjoy each other’s company *sniff*

But the universe had a plan, looked out for us and brought us back together.

Every morning when I wake up, I quickly check whether Felix is there, just to make sure it wasn’t a dream, but a wonderful dream come true

Pumpkin & Felix—very lucky to be together again.

Yesterday I had a scratchy throat and headache which got worse overnight. Despite my lovely new duvets I couldn’t warm up and was shivering all night. I guessed it was because I had a temperature. Sure enough, this morning, when I checked, it was at 37.5 °C. Oh no, not bear flu, not now please! I’m going on a big trip with my Dad in a few days, and I want to feel well.

Dad told me to be patient, get plenty of rest and keep the fluids up. I’m too tired to write any more. Back to bed, sigh!

Me in bed with bear flu *sniff*

At long last I’ve got an online presence! As my friends know, I’ve been asking my Dad over and over again to help me set up a blog for my friends and me. Finally he’s made some time (I know he’s a very busy Dad) and my dream has come true. How exciting is that?!

From now on I can tell you about my adventures and all the things I get up to in my life—well, perhaps not everything I get up to… but most things

I’ve got a big trip coming up, and I’m looking forward to telling you about it. Watch this space and stay tuned.

Teddy George