6 0 V O L U M E 8 , D O C U M E N T S 3 6 0 a , 3 6 0 b
Vol. 8, 360a. To Elsa Einstein
[Zurich,] Monday morning. [9 July 1917]
Dear Else,
Yesterday evening, 9 o’clock, I arrived here after a comfortable trip and very de-
cent and lenient customs clearance at the
border[1]
and after staying a number of
hours at the elder Habicht’s, who has become the happy father of three sweet
boys.[2]
I telephoned Zangger
immediately.[3]
My boy was already in
bed;[4]
I am
expecting him here right now. Zangger went to Winterthur today; he is coming to
see me today at 4 o’clock at the hotel. I shall not allow myself to be invited any-
where under any circumstances, except to Besso’s, if his wife is still away and he
is alone here with the household
staff.[5]
There is no white bread here either, but
excellent standard bread, twice as expensive as white bread in peacetime. Nutri-
tional conditions similar to ours in the first year of the
war.[6]
Apart from the brief
telephone conversation with Zangger, I haven’t spoken with anyone
yet;[7]
the fa-
miliar locality alone has made me feel at home. My mother is still hoping keenly
to come
here.[8]
It seems to be easier from there.
When my drama has advanced further, I shall report
again.[9]
In the meantime,
kisses from your
Albert.
Vol. 8, 360b. To Elsa Einstein
[Zurich,] Tuesday. [10 July 1917]
Dear Else,
Albert has developed splendidly, is in glowing health, cheerful, very curious, in-
telligent, and modest; I am
elated.[1]
On Saturday we’re traveling to
Arosa;[2]
be-
fore that I’m also going to
Lucerne.[3]
I was resting for a good part of the day
yesterday, today likewise. The diet is being followed very
strictly.[4]
My sister-in-
law will be coming here in the next few weeks (she obtained the
passport);[5]
now
it is a problem that the apartment has been rented out (until
October).[6]
Maybe the
apartment will become available again sooner. At noon today Zangger will exam-
ine me—probably including an
X-ray.[7]
It’s raining incessantly and is cold. Zang-
ger has little time; I’ve not been able to talk to him much
yet.[8]
I moved to his house
for the remaining days, after all, so that he can observe me and he does not waste
more time than necessary. I also just saw
Besso[9]
for a moment.
Warm regards & kisses, yours,
Albert.
Greetings to the little minxes and the
elders.[10]