The player puts on uniform. He stretches, warms up, and prepares. He focuses on his goals, tries to stay calm. He knows what he has to do. The ball comes as fast as lightning and before he knows it, he's swinging his bat and sprinting to first base.
I put on my red blazer. I’d packed my bags, said my goodbyes, and mentally prepared. I focused on my goals, and tried to stay calm. I knew what I was about to do. The plane took off as fast as lightning, and before I knew it, I was over the ocean, then arriving in Switzerland.
With every sudden crack, of the ball meeting the bat of another player, he is running again. A new base, a further accomplishment, and always closer to home. He arrives at third. Home base is practically within reach.
With every sudden interval of four months’ time, I am moving again. A new family, a further accomplishment, and always closer to home. I arrive at my third family. Home is practically within reach.
A year may sound like a long time, but it seems to have gone by as fast as a simple baseball game. I have begun my journey to home base, and as much as I'd like to take my time, I know it will go by as fast as a sprint in the game. The difference between myself and the player is that as much as I look forward to the arrival at home base, there is still so much I want to do along the way. I will be living every day here to its fullest!
My last few weeks have been a crazy and wonderful whirlwind of enjoying every last second with the Hauensteins, packing and unpacking, and adjusting to my new life with the Bessires.
Music Colours the World
If someone was to come to Switzerland and visit my three host families, it could be very easily assumed that all Swiss people grow up to become teachers and that they are all musically brilliant. Not one of my six host parents are exceptions to the trend. In the past few weeks I have also been fully immersed in the musical scene.
KODO: With Andreas, Wimi, Daria, and Daria’s boyfriend, I was very lucky to experience one of the most phenomenal displays of music, culture, precision, and physical ability. KODO drumming. A group of highly trained musicians from Sado Island, Japan. The entire show was percussion based with a wide variety of instruments used. The concert happened to be held in the Culture and Congress Centre of Lucerne (KKL), esteemed for its modern architecture and world class acoustics. The energy and impeccable accuracy of the music was captivating, and I couldn’t believe how fast the time went by. I’ve included a link to help demonstrate my extraordinary experience!
Classical: Each week I have a private music lesson on the school, where as opposed to modern and musical theatre which I learned at home, I am training more classically. My singing teacher is a ball of energy who never ever runs out of singing metaphors or new exercises. Thank goodness the curtains are usually pulled, because I must look ridiculous. I sing in the squat position, hum while bouncing on an exercise ball, practice intervals while changing facial expressions each note, breathe while holding a medicine ball tight to my diaphragm, flap my arms like a bird, pull my own hair, “ oh” upside-down, and “oo” while moving my arms in a spherical motion around my head. I have pretended to be a church with a huge domed ceiling, a puppy crying for its mother, a wailing police siren, and even a light from a chandelier. Just when I think it’s all too crazy, I hear myself singing in a way I haven’t ever before. Yet another new thing I’ve done here.
Traditional: One of the first things that I saw when I moved into my new house was my host-dad’s music room. A totally packed room filled with instruments that rage from new and moderns to those who date back to the Middle Ages. He plays in a rock-band, teaches wind instruments in elementary schools, leads bands, and is the conductor of a yodeling club. On Thursday evening I went to see the club practice and perform. They were all so excited to have a visitor that they invited me back after the holidays to learn a new song and how to yodel! I hope it works out. Learning to yodel is practically like becoming a dual citizen.
Final Alp Runs
On the 10th and 11th of March I went snowboarding for the last runs of the season in my beloved Alps. Bus + Train + Train + Train + Bus, and I was no longer in the rolling green hills of Aargau but in the snowy, mountainous, kanton Schwyz. Visiting with Hayley (from Calgary) again was such a treat. Her old-style house was picture perfect. At the back door, you put on your dirty clothes and rubber boots before entering the stables. We played with the baby horse, petted the little sheep, and watched a calf take his very first steps less than an hour after birth. At the front door you rarely bothered leather boots and pea coats- why bother when you can strap into your board and just ski right down to the lift? We spent the first day playing on the bunny hills, practicing riding goofy, meeting the ski instructors, wiping out, catching up, and listening to the open-air concert by the chalet. The warm sun shone down, and we enjoyed the exact definition of spring skiing. We went out to the chalet-bar at night wearing our Canadian mitts and the matching toques that Hayley bought us for Christmas. The next day we took a bus to the real ski hills of Hoch ybrigg. We got as many runs in as possible and got to see both freestyle and ski-cross competition in action. For lunch we enjoyed a huge feast of my favourite comfort food- Alper-Macaroni (macaroni noodles with a creamy cheese sauce, potatoes, and caramelized onions, topped with applesauce). Exhausted and extremely happy I trekked home knowing there was no better way to finish off the season.
Springing into Sports
As it is at home, sports get put on the backburner in winter and seem to begin all at once as soon as the snow melts. I am now playing soccer five times a week, jogging, going to the workout room, going to gym class, riding my bike, and hiking in my free time. Some people think I still don’t understand Swiss German and I overheard a boy from my school at the bus stop saying, “Hey, there she is! That girl who can do crazy push-ups!”
Although I am still one of the weaker players on my soccer team, I have noticed large personal improvements in my playing style. I can run longer than I ever could at home and am trying tons of new things in gym class. Our last unit was both a frustrating and funny experience. We learnt the Jive. After the first day, I had decided it was impossible. I always turned the wrong way, got tangled up in my own arms, and forgot what was supposed to come next. We each practiced once with the teacher to be given a little feedback.
“Looking perfect Mirijam!”
“Great job Melina!”
“Good sense of rhythm Raphaela!”
“Stephanie…you are…great in soccer!”
I spent the evening dancing with an imaginary partner in my bedroom and by the next week had achieved a 5/6 for my final mark. Wohoo!
Here Comes the Sun
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| Montreux, Vaud |
As the spring weather comes, the energy changes all around me. Everyone is energetic, motivated, social, and overall happy. The cafeteria is practically empty and students lounge in the sunny fields and school vineyard enjoying lunch. No one sleeps on the desks in between classes, but goes outside to play guitar in the bridge. The goal is no longer, “how do I get home quickest without having to wait outside”, but simply enjoying the sunshine in between transportation connections. The flowers are blooming, the birds are singing, and even though I catch my new bus before seven o’clock am, it’s not too dark outside. Life is beautiful.
Wandern Gone Wrong
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| We ended up in Boppelsen...no idea where that is, but the hill in the background is where we were supposed to be! |
“Wandern” is German for the verb “to hike”, but it kind of looks like the word “wondering” to me. And, if I was to describe to you what I did a few weekends ago with Carly (from Victoria BC), it began as a hike, and definitely ended with wondering. We had planned for an extreme day of hiking, with sweat, athleticism, and spectacular views involved. The only problem was that I forgot the map. We ended up walking in the complete opposite direction of where we were intended to go. We walked though farms and forests with terrain so flat; I wished I was wearing my flip-flops instead of clunky hiking boots. With any other person, I would have been frustrated beyond belief, but Carly sure did make the best of it, and I felt that I had to follow suit. After more than six hours of walking through farms and towns, we ended up in the city where I go to school, and we could take the bus home from there. The very best part of the day was finding a fire pit, where got a roaring fire going with only one match- girl-scouts style. We roasted cervelats (big fat Swiss hot dog/ sausages) and ate chocolate.
Being the non-stop energetic personality that she is, Carly somehow convinced me to go out at night in Baden. We celebrated our favourite English holiday, St. Patrick’s Day of course, in an Irish pub in Baden. The fountain water was green, the beer was green, the hats, glasses, and clothing of people everywhere were festive and Irish. The band played music with thick Irish accents, and Carly and I pretended we knew how to river dance. Everyone spoke English to get in the holiday spirit, and for one evening it was strange to think that we were in Switzerland. We took the last night bus home and my day with Carly was concluded like they usually are with her- with pure exhaustion and a collection of the funniest of stories.
So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, adieu …to you and you and you!
Saying goodbye to my second family was harder than I’d though. I had imagined that because I’d already moved families once before, that it wouldn’t be difficult the second time around. “Been there, done that,” sort of thing. But it was just as tough. I was so comfortable and so at home in Freienwil, that leaving felt like tearing up the roots of a flower that was blooming just perfectly. My last week with my family was lovely, memorable, and a perfect way to spend my last few days. During the week Ina and I stayed up past her bedtime, eating whipped cream and strawberries, and watching Germany’s Next Top Model. We blasted music upstairs while I packed up, and laughed together each time I had to ask for another grocery bag for “the few extra things that didn’t fit”. We sat outside in the sunshine and watched the horses when we were supposed to be doing our homework, and I enjoyed spending time together.
We went bowling as a family (first time ever for me) and I managed to roll ten times in a row without hitting anything except the gutter walls. We laughed and took funny pictures, played with our left hands, tried for the fastest ball, and cheered each other on.
On my last morning, Brigitte, Ina and I woke up early (nine-o’clock is early for us) and went to Baden for breakfast. It was this little café-style restaurant with old fashioned tableware, and a back corner of jewellery and clothing designed by the owner. I practically inhaled my breakfast- the first bagel I have eaten in eight months! Toasted with brie cheese, cooked apple slices, and honey butter it was to die for. Ina and I spent almost an hour shopping in the back corner before choosing a piece of jewellery (a present from Brigitte). I chose this stunning clock-necklace and said, “This is perfect, now I’ll always be on time!” They both cracked up laughing and shook their heads. They know me too well.
We drove home, and it was already time to start preparing for lunch. Brigitte baked brownies, I set the table, and I brought my millions of bags downstairs by the front door. I really thought that I was doing reasonably well with the “no accumulating” thing, but it turns out…I’m not. I came with two suitcases, one carry on, and one laptop bag. Now I have…well, you can see the picture.
At mid-day came my Host-grandparents, host aunt, uncle and cousins. We sat outside in the beautiful weather and watched the newborn horse running with its mother beside our porch. Großmami made her most famous pralines (the ones I helped make at Christmastime) which shocked the whole family. Never has Großmami made pralines when it is not Christmas time. I was beyond spoiled with chocolates, treats, jewellery, a Pandora charm, and a stunning book of photos from Switzerland to bring home. Afternoon was like a fairy-tale, and I couldn’t stop thinking about how lucky I was to have gotten to live with my family in Freienwil.
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| Ina, Timo, Hansruedi, Großmami (Elsbeth), Brigitte, Willi, Petra, Niels, Steffi |
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| Last lunch on the farm! |
Danke viel mal für alles Brigitte, Willi, und Ina. Meine Zeit bei eurer Familie war ein besonderer Teil meines Austauschjahres!!
Thank you so much for everything Brigitte, Willi, and Ina. My time with your family was a special part of my exchange year!!
My New Life in Böttstein
When I used to say, “I live in Untersiggenthal,” people would say, “Ah yes, I know where that is."
When I’d say, “I live in Freienwil,” the answer would be, “Oh wow, middle of nowhere!”
When I say, “I live in Böttstein,” I usually just get a confused expression because no one has ever heard of it.
Nevertheless, I am very happy in my new town. It takes quite a bit longer to get to school and back, and my last bus at night comes at about eight o’clock. This means I have to adjust to relying on people, and cars again instead of public transportation. When I think about it, it’s similar to Midland I guess, but here in Switzerland the concept feels alien to me.
My family is wonderful, and totally different than the family setting I’ve had at home, and in my first two host-families. My mother Katharina is a teacher for students with literacy difficulties. My father Pius is a music teacher of all kinds of crazy instruments that I’ve never seen and a canoe instructor who loves extreme white-water. There are five kids in the family:
Philip (37 who lives with his wife in Luzern and is awaiting the birth of his fourth child in May), Baldwin (who works with children and lives in Aargau),
Seraphine (who studies music and movement in Biel),
Kaspar (who lives here at home with his girlfriend Anna-Sophie), and
Cedric (the youngest, who also lives at home).
We have a dog, Balloo, who is a large mass of hairy love who comes secretly into my bed when he’s scared of something, and likes to drool on my legs when I pet him in the kitchen.
My room here is huge, with plenty of rooms for my accumulated belongings. The house is also enormous, with an atrium for Pius’ plants, a large cellar for a basement, and a huge garage to keep cars, motorcycles, bikes, canoes, and kayaks. The house itself is old, and they have done little to renew it, which I find so beautiful.
On my second day, Pius asked me if I wanted to go and visit Philip with him. I said that I’d love to, and I went upstairs to get ready. Pius came upstairs shortly afterwards holding a one-piece leather suit. “You aren’t scared of motorcycles, are you?” he asked. Although I’m half terrified, I said no, because I truly have always wanted to ride on one. It was so exhilarating. The wind blew by, and it reminded me of boating at home. The farms and rivers stretched out on all sides and the air smelled fresh like spring. We took a scenic route, and drove for more than three hours there and back. It was nice being able to see things all around me instead of the limited view from the train window as it speeds by everything. At Philip’s I helped the kids try to learn to ride a bike and ate cake with them in their garden. I got so relaxed on the drive back that I drifted off to sleep- on the autobahn! The definition of being “too comfortable”.
Philip (37 who lives with his wife in Luzern and is awaiting the birth of his fourth child in May), Baldwin (who works with children and lives in Aargau),
Seraphine (who studies music and movement in Biel),
Kaspar (who lives here at home with his girlfriend Anna-Sophie), and
Cedric (the youngest, who also lives at home).
We have a dog, Balloo, who is a large mass of hairy love who comes secretly into my bed when he’s scared of something, and likes to drool on my legs when I pet him in the kitchen.
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| Anna-Sophie, Kaspar, Cedric, Katharina, Pius, Seraphine, Baldwin |
On my second day, Pius asked me if I wanted to go and visit Philip with him. I said that I’d love to, and I went upstairs to get ready. Pius came upstairs shortly afterwards holding a one-piece leather suit. “You aren’t scared of motorcycles, are you?” he asked. Although I’m half terrified, I said no, because I truly have always wanted to ride on one. It was so exhilarating. The wind blew by, and it reminded me of boating at home. The farms and rivers stretched out on all sides and the air smelled fresh like spring. We took a scenic route, and drove for more than three hours there and back. It was nice being able to see things all around me instead of the limited view from the train window as it speeds by everything. At Philip’s I helped the kids try to learn to ride a bike and ate cake with them in their garden. I got so relaxed on the drive back that I drifted off to sleep- on the autobahn! The definition of being “too comfortable”.
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| Philip's adorable oldest son and daughter |
The Test
Yes I can speak German with my friends, yes, with my host-families, and yes, with my teachers. I can read, write, and converse at a level at which I feel comfortable- but there was one thing that up until last week I had never done: a true presentation. The last time I did a German presentation was in Canada at a rotary preparation weekend. I stuttered through the difficult words and didn’t understand what I was truly saying. I looked up to my audience and immediately saw the face of the German girl in the crowd. Her face was red and her body was shaking with suppressed laughter. I looked back down at my cue-cards, but couldn’t focus any more, and before I knew it, tears were pouring down my face.
With this experience behind me, I was both determined- and terrified when I gave a twenty minute presentation to Rotary last week about my background, and about my experiences here. The district president was present to hear my speech and I wanted to do it to the best of my ability. Standing in front of 40 successful, old, Swiss men is not the same as standing in front of my familiar and family-oriented club at home. When I stood up at the front however- I wasn’t nervous. My hands didn’t shake and my voice was calm. My words came to me almost effortlessly, and I was able to make everyone in the room smile. I asked myself what the difference was- why was I able to speak calmly and confidently this time and not others? The answer, is passion. This year, my experiences, and my accomplishments are things I am so passionate about that I actually want to share them with others. My president told the club afterwards that everyone could learn from my optimism, that I was a very tough young lady, and a positive example of an exchange student. That, was the best reward I could have asked for.
La Suisse
On the weekend I went for the first time to the French part of Switzerland with Melina and Mirijam. We were up at six o’clock on a Saturday in order to catch our train and have enough time to see as many cities as possible. The train ride for me was just as good as any other part of our crazy day. We had a bag full of chocolate milk, yogurt, and fresh pastries. The sun was rising over Lake Geneva, there was someone playing reggae music from speakers beside us, and we couldn’t even be tired because we were just too excited. In Geneva we saw the flower clock, walked by the water, and saw the old city. We got driven around in a motorcycle as part of a campaign for swatch watches, and got to see a Portuguese band playing and dancing in the streets. The leader came up to us and asked if one of us would wear his cape, and come to the middle of the semi-circle where the band played. I took the cape, and he explained that the next song was a song to celebrate women and that I could experience it in a special way from the inner circle. I stood in a black cape and got kissed on the hand while twenty men serenaded me in Portuguese- you don’t see that every day. 
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| Lausanne |
Next we went to Lausanne, where we were all hitting a bit of a sleep-deprived, sugar low. We found our way down to the water and ate our lunch on a dock by a peaceful sailing marina. It was a pretty place, but we didn’t stay long before taking a nap break in a train to Montreux (which Melina refused to pronounce with a silent “x”).
It didn’t take us long to find the hotspot in Montreux- the waterfront was covered in bountiful flower gardens and a view over the lake of the snow-capped Alps. Along the way we came across none other than the greatest of all time- Freddie Mercury.
Our last stop of the day was in Fribourg, where we found a gorgeous old city on the river, watched a soccer game, at Kebabs, and watched the sun set behind and old bridge. We all slept like babies on the train ride home, and it felt so good to finally take off my shoes and literally collapse into bed. It’s a day I will never, ever forget, and there is no one who I would have rather spent it with than my best Swiss girlies <3
