Davos

The Classic "Steph" Pose



Ursula, Myself, and Walter



This blog is about my three wonderful and totally outstanding days in Davos.  I will never be able to thank my counsellor, Walter, or his wife, Ursula, enough for having me as a guest in one of the most amazing places I have ever seen in my life.  It is because of them, and because of all other Rotarians that this trip to Switzerland, and trip to Davos was possible for me.  Thank you!

Day 1

I decided to get an early start on my day in Davos, and so left the house at 6.30am.  I thought Barbara’s eyes were going to pop out when I told her what time I planned for my departure.  She has never seen me out of bed before six thirty, and never truly awake until after ten.  But, in the dark of the foggy morning, I threw my hockey bag over my shoulder and headed to the bus stop. 

I looked a bit out of place in my big sweater and Birkenstocks because the only other people living at that hour are the business people in classy suits heading to Zurich.  My travel to Davos had many stops (Untersiggenthal, Baden, Zürich, Landquart, Davos), but it was one of my first flawless travels.  That’s if you don’t include when I fell asleep in the train.  I swear I sleep in the train like it’s a five-star hotel king-sized bed. I thought I’d been asleep for ever, and so woke up in a panic.  I asked the old man across from me where we were and if I’d missed my stop.  He tried to suppress a smile as he calmly told me I’d been sleeping less than five minutes and my stop wasn’t for another hour.  Oops.  Well, we ended up talking for most of this hour, so I suppose my embarrassment- as usual- led to something good.  He must have sensed how easily I get lost and confused in this hour because he ended up showing me my platform, giving me a handshake, and saying “good luck”.  I took this as like, “best wishes”, or “much happiness”, but who knows? Maybe he thought I was truly in need of luck to end up successfully in Davos.

 My last train ride was a gorgeous one.  It was a special, smaller train, and it slowly wound through hills and mountains constantly ascending to arrive in Davos.  I took about a hundred pictures that I realize now look stupid, because they are through a very reflective window, but at the time, I couldn’t help it.  It was just so stunning! I got off at the final stop “Davos Platz” and looked around.  Everything was beautiful.  The stores, the people, the cafes…oh yeah, and the enormous mountains on either side of the town! I had a small map and walked for what seemed like forever to the hotel.  My bag was extremely heavy and I was slightly angry when I found out later I walked by the bus station that goes directly to the hotel.  I was wondering when I would finally find the right place when I turned a corner and saw an enormous, glimmering, beautiful hotel with the words “STEIGENBERGER, Five Star, Belvedere, Davos”. 

 

Yup, that’s where I was staying.  I instantly regretted my messy hair, hockey bag, and big sweater, but still waltzed happily into the gleaming hotel reception area.  Everyone who works in Davos speaks English, so it was helpful.  I am not quite good enough yet to check into a hotel in German.  I was instantly greeted as “Miss Edmunds”, which I enjoyed thoroughly.  My room wasn’t ready (expected- it was only 10.00am) but they took my bags for me and gave me a special card which allows me to use all special mountain transportation for free.  I left the hotel, got myself some lunch (bread and mineral water- this bubbly water thing is starting to grow on me) and went to the nearest mountain car.  With my bread, book, and camera, I knew there was nothing else I needed.  I’ll have you know, I have become pretty much a professional packer.  Between camping trips, and this exchange, I have learned to get it down pat.  My afternoon was glorious.  Hiked around at throughout the mountain (it was only about halfway up) and found a little bench that faced a view of the other mountain ridge.  The sun shone down and made the snow peaks seem like they were shimmering in the distance.  The sun was warm, the breeze was cool and the air was fresh.  A small steam flowed beside me, and in the distance was a field of cows whose bells jingled happily.  Honestly- it was paradise.  I couldn’t read my book, because I was much more interested in just looking at everything around me. 



Day 1- Schatzalp



A few hours later I walked down to the town and got my room.  As soon as I got in, I did what I would like to call the “ceremonial Stephanie dump”.  And before you get any ideas it means that I take my suitcase (or hockey bag) and dump all of its contents onto the floor so I can better view my clothing and shoe options.  For three days I have five pairs of shoes.  I won’t say how many dresses.  After a quick nap, I went with Walter up to the other mountain ridge in a gondola.  I took a couple of really great panoramas because the snow peaks were fantastic.  We came back to the hotel and prepared for dinner.  Before dinner, all of the people involved in this special week at the hotel (daily hikes with nightly jazz concerts) meet to discuss the next day’s activities.  Each of us chooses the route we would like to take.  I should mention that I am the youngest person in this group by between 30 and 60 years.  There are four levels to choose from.  Walter and Ursula chose Level 3, but because of my lack of exercise lately, I decided to go ahead and try the hardest one.  People gave me crazy looks, and kept asking me if I was sure I’d made a good choice- how terrifying is that? I actually had nightmares about running out of oxygen at the top and never returning to the bottom.  I stuck with my choice however, and headed off to dinner. 



Dinner was phenomenal.  In order to put this claim into perspective, I will say that I even loved the salad.  And I hate salad. The arugula tasted fresher. The olives were wonderful.  The tomatoes were sweet. And there was Swiss cheese on top- no explanation needed.  Next was a greenish-brown soup which tasted 100% better than I just made it sound- take my word for it.  Dinner was beef with gravy that made me want to cry with happiness.  Broccoli with pine nuts (try it- excellent combo), and little deep fried balls of mash potato.  It was one of those portion sizes that make you feel good, not stuffed, or bloated.  I would have wrestled the waitress for another plate.  But, desert completed the meal, and I felt full in no time.  Grand Marnier mousse in an almond cannelloni shell with pistachio ice cream and fresh berried with mint.  Yum yum yum yum.   Walter and Ursula asked me if I wanted to go to the concert in town, but I was practically melting into my chair with exhaustion and a food baby.  They said they were also tired, so we went to the bar for a drink.  I had a mixed-berry tea.  They have this sugar here that is in big chunks that you let melt into your tea.  I stole the bowl of them and have been sucking on sugar crystals since.  So classy, I know, don’t worry, you don’t have to tell me. 



Day 2

I woke up very early after a night of tossing and turning with dreams of falling off rock cliffs and running out of air.  I dressed in all my best spandex, packed my hiking bag, did up my boots as tight as possible (they are borrowed, and three sizes too big) and headed down to breakfast for seven thirty.  It was a buffet, so I was pretty excited.  With my upcoming five hour hike entailing 950m of elevation, I knew I was in need of a substantial breakfast.  There was a table full of bread.  Buns, rolls, croissants, loafs, pastries-you name it, it was there.  Tons of meats and cheeses, cereals, fresh juices, yogurts, and fruits.  I loaded my plate and was just finishing when I saw a man beside me sit down with an omelette.  When I turned around I realized I had missed an entire table and soon headed back for hash browns, sausages, and an omelette full of veggies.  I  think Ursula and Walter were probably taken by surprise at the amount t of food I ate, but I was happy and ready to hike.  I said goodbye for the day and met with my fellow “expert” hikers. 



At first I didn’t really talk to anyone.  I was happy just to walk at the front of the group, follow the leader, and take my pictures.  I was so happy Ursula told me to pack sandwiches (which I stole from the breakfast buffet) because I swear these people had absolutely no desire to take a break or eat within the first three hours.  I have a theory that older Swiss people are in fact another breed of human.  They can walk for hours through extremely difficult terrain, in the thin mountain air, with nothing more than slight heavy breathing and maybe pink cheeks.  I don’t know how they do it, but I was impressed.  I was happy that our pace was slow, because my hamstrings were complaining about the lack of downhill’s, or flat ground for that matter. 

Tricky Terrain



The Most Awesome Hiking Leader



As the sun came up over the mountains it was a warm, clear, and totally stunning day.   When we finally reached our destination (the peak of Rinerhorn), our leaders, Hans, announced that it was time for a break and a snack.  He then proceeded to pull our approximately six bottles of champagne and wine, fifteen wine glasses, a long chain of salami, and a loaf of bread from his backpack.  I guess classiness continues even 2500m above sea level! We all chatted with our wine and snacks and as the others had seconds, I decided to make a few inuksuks.  Now a little piece of Canada stands in the Swiss mountains. 

 



A Little Piece of Canada



I got back from my hike about six and a half hours later, feeling absolutely superb. I had completed a difficult hike.  I had more German conversation than ever before.  It was super cool in Davos because it is a popular vacation spot for people from Germany and Austria.  Therefore, to make things easier for them, everyone speaks High German.  I actually felt included in conversation and like I knew what was going on (sometimes)! I just get so excited when that happens.  I was in such a good mood I went to the workout room for a quick cross-fit session before dinner.  I would like to blame my incapability to finish the workout on the high elevation and previous activity- and not the fact that I have lost my muscle.  I have a theory that what used to be my muscles has been replaced with loafs of bread floating around in my body.  Just a thought. 



And after this workout was when things started to turn.  I had just enough time for a sauna and a shower before going to get ready for dinner.  Here`s the problem- the sauna/steam shower room is unisex.  And very open to nakedness. I had forgotten my bathrobe- and I was terrified. Then, my watch stopped working and I realized after much wandering trying to find a “women” sign I probably should skip the sauna.   I wrapped a towel around me and tried desperately to find a shower where the doors were even slightly fogged.  This took another ten minutes at least.  When I finished showering, I realized I had also forgotten my flip-flops, and that I was late.  I through on my dirty workout clothes again, soaking wet, and ran barefoot through the five-star hotel to my room, hoping to god I didn’t see anyone.  I was in luck, and no one saw my frantic escape from the unisex naked-room. 

 

I made it in time for dinner, chicken, gravy, potatoes, veggies, and another great desert.  I have no idea what it was, and I couldn’t understand the menu, but pastry and blueberries were involved.  Therefore, I was happy.  We went to the lounge fort a tea and to watch the jazz concert of the night.  The band was phenomenal and it was so nice to relax and just listen to the music after a big day.  I made it early to bed, and had a much more peaceful sleep for the next, equally busy day.   

 
  

Day 3 
  



The alarm clock was much too early for my last day, but I got up anyways and was looking forward to another day in the mountains.   I decided to take a slightly easier route and spend the day with Walter and Ursula.  This however turned out to be even harder than the day before trying to keep up to Walter.  The man has his seventieth birthday coming up soon and I swear he hikes like he’s thirty.  Flying up the hills and powering through the flats, I was constantly sweaty and breathing heavily in his wake.  He kept saying “Stephie, (everyone calls me Stephie here- but pronounces it “Shtephie”) have the young legs here.  You can certainly go ahead of me at any time.” I think I made some lame excuse about the possibility of me getting lost, but really I knew I couldn’t possibly go faster! The sights were gorgeous, not quite as exquisite as the day before since we were not as high.  We stopped for lunch at a little cheese factory in the middle of nowhere in the centre of a mountain.  The jazz band from the night before was playing, and there was a cheese and bread buffet for lunch.  Also, we had a lumpy yellowish soup which is apparently very famous here.  After a desert of two giant pieces of heavily whip-creamed cake, Ursula asked the owner if I could get a tour of the cheese making process. Once again it was “this is my daughter from Canada and she would like to…”. Its amazing how this sentence can create so many cool opportunities.  I ended up in the cheese cellar which stunk like mad, but it was pretty cool.  I even got a picture with the cheese maker and the hundreds of kilograms of cheese behind us!  

 

After a short hike to the gondola, we rode down the rest of the mountain (we’d already hiked over five hours).  It immediately occurred to me that I was absolutely exhausted.
I decided to take the next train home, and was driven in the hotel car with Ursula because I missed my bus.  I expected to shake her hand outside of the car, do the traditional three cheek kisses (you do that all the time here), say thank you, and head to my platform.   However, she walked me all the way into the train and made sure I had a good seat.  She wanted me to sit on the same side as the platform, and I realized after why.  For the next eight minutes before the train left, Ursula stood waiting so that she could wave to me through the window as my train left the station.  It was the sweetest thing ever.  It reminded me of the last wave from my family in the airport and I got all choked up.  The trip home was uneventful- I was tired and sun-stroked.  But as soon as I was out of Davos I wished I could go back.  But, that’s the beauty about Switzerland- I can! Everything, and everywhere, is just a train ride away. 



 

Before Vacation

A Tough Week

Last week at school, being the final week before our vacation, was a week to finish all prior topics and wrap up with unit tests.  My class had a math, history, chemistry, and German test- all of which I was exempt.  Also, my extra math class was cancelled. I left early most days, slept in, or had a period to read my book.  It was truly wonderful.  Now, the school has “vario-woche” which I believe can be translated to “various week”.  Students choose an area of study and they do that for the whole week.  I am also exempt. So, tomorrow officially begins my three weeks holiday.  From Monday to Wednesday, I will be in the mountains of Davos (Eastern Switzerland).  In Davos I will be staying in my own room in a five star hotel.  This week is a renowned jazz festival in town which I hope to see some of.  During the day we will be hiking through the mountains! I had to practice in my borrowed hiking boots, and so yesterday, I went for a walk around town in my tank top, short shorts (it was so warm here) and enormous hiking boots.  Honestly- people in this town must question my sanity on a daily basis. When I am back from Davos, I will have a few days to repack because from October 1^st to 8^th I will be in Italy (Tuscany, Siena, and Pisa).  Then from approximately the 10^th to 16^th I will be in Tessin (Alps).  I can’t wait! Get ready for some more pictures- and reading!

Family Reunion

Something exciting that I realize I have not yet written about is the meeting I had last Sunday with my next two families! I will give you a bit the basics, and what I found out in two hours of whirlwind-German information.  (Barbara and I had to re-do it in English when everyone left to make sure I’d understood!) Second family, my dad is Willi, mom is Brigitte, and thirteen year-old sister is Ina (not sure if that is spelled correctly).  Willi is a percussion instrumentalist who has a few bands and is really cool.  He is tall, bald, and seems really friendly.  On Saturday night I went to his concert in Baden and it was a salsa band.  Totally awesome! Brigitte is very pretty with lots of curly, black hair, and a big smile.  She is a kindergarten teacher for deaf children, and I can sense her patience- which is greatly appreciated.  Their daughter was not at the meeting, and so I have not really talked to her yet, but she seems very sweet and I’m sure we’ll get along great. We will be going skiing together for a week in December in a chalet with ten other families- I am beyond excited! My last family is mother Katarina, and father Pius.  They are a little older than my other families, but both seem nice.  I did not talk to them a lot, and I am not sure which of their children are still living at home, but I know I will love them.  They like to travel, play music, and canoe! He teaches a course which I think I’ll take in hopes of a less stressful/painful canoe trip in killarney next year.  All in all, I am being totally spoiled by all families here and I couldn’t ask for anything better.

My Lost Career

While some people my age have made a lot of their money in the past by babysitting- this is not my case.  Occasionally, I visit next door (in Canada) to hang out with my eight-year-old friend while his parents are out.  However, my babysitting career ended many years ago when I was bit hard in the crotch by a small girl to whom I would not feed cookies before dinner.  It was only on Friday when I learned what my fault was; I am way to boring! I was invited by Luca for dinner next door and they had their babysitter watching them.  Their babysitter is a fifteen year old boy who is positively wonderful with kids.  When I came in, they were reading books, but this soon changed.  In Switzerland, they have this powdered drink that I am slightly afraid to try because it smells funky.  It looks like hot chocolate mix though.  Dinner consisted of this chocolate mix in chocolate yogurt, mixed with bologna, on bread.  I went with a more traditional cheese and cold meat combo, but the kids seemed to think they’d made a wonderful concoction.  With a cloud of chocolate powder I the air, it was quickly decided that the babysitter needed to be dressed as a girl. The poor boy was practically tortured with bobby pins, elastics, and earrings.  The whole time, he never said a word! It is amazing how much fun it is to be with kids and not be in charge.  This babysitter is my hero. 

A New Exercise Experience

In gym class this week, we did something very interesting that I never would have dreamed of.  We got into class and were told to get a skipping rope. Nice! I love skipping.  Plus, I know it’s an awesome workout.  I started to do some doubleunders to prepare myself for the workout.  Little did I know, doubleunders weren’t going to help me with this lesson.  Am I ever a lost cause in some areas.  The day’s activity was what I like to call “Synchronized Skipping”.  Yes, a dancing routine, while skipping, in time to music.  If you’ve ever seen me dance, or attempt to, you’ll know why this was disastrous.  Even with my eyes glued to our teacher in hopes of remembering or being able to follow her moves, I was hopeless. At one point we had to jump forwards, but I forgot and so the rope from the girl behind me got tangled in mine and mine when flying across the gym mid-dance.  I also managed to trip twice, move left instead of right, and get my hair tied around the rope mid-skip.  Just when I thought things couldn’t get worse we moved onto mini-trampoline gymnastics. There were mini-tramps with interspersed with obstacles you had to jump over.  Lots of mid-air butt-pushing when the teacher saw I wasn’t going to make it over these obstacles. I won’t go into more details, but I will say this- it wasn’t pretty. 

Double Production

This week my life was full of drama.  Theatre drama to be precise.  The first, was extremely boring.  An amateur production in Zurich that I am sure would have been good if I could understand a word.  I was surprised at how little I knew of what was going on.  It may as well have been said in Chinese! I quickly lost interest and I dozed on and off until it was over.  The second production however, was the highlight of my day.  It took place in Lydia’s room which was set up as a theatre, complete with stage and lighting.  A musical performed by her and Luca was the cutest, and most hilarious thing I have ever seen.  In the middle of her lines, she would occasionally come out of character to explain to me in slower, simpler German what was going on, before continuing.  I think Lydia was nearly every character in the play.  Old lady, mom, man, rock, you name it- she played it.  Lydia is extremely good at conveying emotion and getting into character.  Luca is extremely good at making a series of hysterically funny dramatic poses behind Lydia’s back during supposedly serious scenes.  I would pay to see it again, any time. 

Football Match

Today I saw my first football match with Barbara’s nephew.   It was Baden vs. some other small city and it was a fairly high skill level.  Great soccer.  When we arrived, he asked me where I wanted to sit- in the cheering section, or the quiet section? I obviously chose the cheering section and was led to a large group of young men all decked out in tee shirts, flags, and drums to cheer on the team.  I was the only female.  As the game went on, and the pile of empty beer cups got higher, there was much singing, cheering, and swearing.  I love when people swear here.  It’s one of the few times I know what is going on.  Through the constant cloud of cigarette smoke, I watched the game and had a good time.  I think I will go again sometime!

Until next time, best wishes from Switzerland

So Swiss

Yesterday, I had a very Swiss day, and I absolutely loved it.  I have a lot to write about this week! So- bear with me! Firstly, I’ll backtrack to my school week for a bit. 

Sport Class

The first different I noticed from our gym classes to the sport class here, is the difference in grades.  Here, we do not have percentages, but instead a grade point from 1-6 (4 being a pass).  This is consistent throughout all subjects.  Now in Canada, our gym mark is based on a mixture of technique, participation, and performance.  Your personal improvement is a large factor in the marking scheme.  Here, not so much.  Grades are based almost entirely on performance.  I am talking about this because we ran our 5km on Tuesday.  You time correlates directly to your mark- it’s much more motivational than just trying to improve your time! It’s not like in Canada, when you run slowly the first time, to show how great you are by the end of the semester.  Because of this system, it was quite amazing to see that NO girl forgot shoes, skipped class, had a “doctor’s” note or some other crazy excuse.  Just slightly different from Personal Fitness last year!! I ended up running my 5km in 24:10- that’s a record for me! And I was the best in my class J Turns out all this running is paying off.  Yesterday I met a man and a woman who are friends of my YEO (youth exchange officer).  The woman asks, “So, do you play sports in Canada?” The man looks at her incredulously, “Are you kidding? Look at the size of this girl’s legs!” I guess some things never change!

Taste of Canada

On Friday night I had this crazy idea that since my shin splints are killing me, it would be a good plan to bike instead.  I laid in the hammock in my backyard in my spandex for over an hour contemplating this choice before I actually got off my butt to go.  I had left my bike at the train station nearby, so I’d have to run there.  I got my iPod all set up and put my phone in my sports bra- I knew I’d get lost if I didn’t have it.  Just before I left I realized I hadn’t thought about a helmet.  I found one in the closet and was ready to leave.  I am so glad that Barbara offered to bike my helmet to the station, because now that I think of it, me running with a helmet on (it was annoying to carry, so I planned on wearing it) is a pretty hilarious thought.  My mom would have been happy to know that I’d started jogging with a helmet.  I biked for over an hour, following the ridiculously winding path of the Limmat River, passing many cows and sheep along the way.  My music was awesome, the sun was setting, and the river was stunning.  This all made up for the fact that on my way home I hit every possible dead end in town and had to turn around every minute or so.  The landscape reminded me so much of home and it was very comforting.  To top it off, I came home and feasted on the meal of my dad’s house- egg bowl.  Three eggs with a massive pile of fried veggies and ham.  Yumm! And paleo too! (Okay, almost paleo, you just need to subtract the Swiss cheese I threw I topped it off with a spicy ginger tea sweetened with maple syrup. Simply delicious. 

Talking to Strangers

Although when in a new place, the ever-famous rule is not to speak to strangers, some of my most rewarding, hilarious, and helpful conversations have taken place with people who I am with for five minutes and will never see again.  Firstly, stagers have been the way I have found my way to new places all the time.  Even when I think I may know- I’ll ask just in case.  With my German improving, I am confident when I ask my questions and can understand the answer.  This may seem simple, but it has taken a month for me to get to this place- and man it feels good.  On an entertaining side, last night when I was waiting for some friends in Baden, I was proposed to by a slightly intoxicated man waiting for his bus.  He included the fact that he is an excellent cook, loves laundry, and will clean things until they shine in his proposal.  The funniest part was that he said all of these things as if it were as regular as asking where the supermarket is.  When his bus came, I gave him the name of Seraphine Elmonten and gave him the phone number on the sign for the bakery across the street.  It was my first full conversation in German with a stranger.  Today, on my way to Lucerne, I felt extremely pleased with myself when a woman asked for help with her bus and how to get home.  First of all, I understood her question.  Second of all, I was able to explain to her where she had to go and when her next bus would come. It was SO cool! I feel stuck, and lost, and confused, and frustrated, and then come these “ta da!” moments when I know I’m getting somewhere with this seemingly impossible language. 

My Swiss Day 

Yesterday was “megacool” (that’s what everyone says here). I spent the entire day with my YEO, Herr Bürli who I absolutely love.  His oldest son is in the military, and since he knew I had been curious about the military here, he brought me to the demonstration that his son was in.  Before I tell you about my many experiences, I will give you a brief rundown of what I think I understand of the Swiss Military.  What I’ve learned: Each and every man must serve in the Swiss army for three months, or they can do six (I think) months in Community Services.  Most choose the army.  In the army you can be a truck driver, pilot, chef, etc.  Each man is given a gun, which is to be kept with them in their house even when they are finished their three month period or training.  Every year, men are required to register at the shooting range in their community and do twenty practice shots.  Women also have the choice to join the force, however it is not at all common or obligatory (in my whole day at the demonstration I saw two women).

 The start to my day was an early one, 7.30 pickup from home to head to a place near Bern for the demonstration.  We took the car, which was so nice.  I miss cars sometimes! Well, I mostly miss driving, but it was nice to just be back in a Volvo, flying down the highway much too fast.  Naturally, I fell asleep within the first five minutes and was glad that I had the back seat to myself so that Bernard and his wife would not see the embarrassing “head bob” that was happening on my way to sleep.  I woke up at the military base, and it was even more chilly and foggy than I had been at home.  It was sort of eerie with all the heavy fog surrounding the enormous army trucks.  My attention was immediately drawn away from the nasty weather when we all hopped into the back of a military truck and headed to another site where we would first be given an unlimited number of croissants and coffee before the demonstration would begin.  With a warm and happy tummy, we all gathered around the caution taped boundaries and three enormous trucks pulled into the lot and out jumped three troops of men (and one woman).  They were in full military attire, including their guns, boots, and massive helmets.  After brief introductions of each group (which I didn’t understand) we followed the group that Bernard’s son was in to another lot.  They did a short marching and running demonstration with the traditional caller to dictate the men’s movements and positioning.  “Recht! Recht! Recht, links recht!” was yelled out as the men marched in time.  I was extremely encouraged to see a short soldier in the back, slightly behind the others, unknowingly marching with the wrong foot each time.  I’m not the only person who is challenged with lefts vs rights (even with clear instructions) after all.  Each soldier took a person from the crowd, and I got to march alongside the men, making very sure my feet were moving correctly with the calls.  I saw in the pictures after that my feet were correct, however my left arm was where my right was to be, and my right was where the left ought to. Maybe someday I’ll learn- but I wouldn’t bet any great sum on it. 

Next it was off to the trucks.  We lined up and got to ride in the trucks for 25mins or so through an amazing course. These trucks are massive, and I have not a clue how they were able to manoeuvre through the woods.  Through a river, over logs, over huge bumps, and down such a steep hill that if I wasn’t holding on tightly, I would have fallen from my seat and been stuck on the front windshield.  SO much fun! I just loved it.  After this we saw a few more demonstrations- gun assembly, and first aid.  Bernard was so hilarious all day.  I swear that by the end, the entire army knew: “This is my exchange daughter from Canada.  You must speak English or High German with her.  She would like to…” and the rest of this sentence was filled with various ending with each place we went.  I managed to try on the military backpack and rifle, get a picture with one of the army men, and be carried around in the first aid bed through a practice course.  Bernard also gave me much more than my ration of military issued chocolate and biscuits after lunch.  I was thrilled. 

My New Friend

I was next to be carried around!

The Terrifying Hill!

Military Men

After the military, we went to Luzern to see Bernard’s two other sons play handball. We were early, so we walked around the city, had a coffee by the water, bought a badge for my rotary jacket, and checked out some of the watches for sale at over forty thousand dollars!  Luzern is a place very populated by tourists, and so everyone speaks English.  It was so strange, because a man ran into me on the street and said in English “Oh, I’m so sorry about that!”  I responded and after a few minutes realized I’d said, “Ah, nein! Kein Problem.” Multiple languages are getting me all mixed up! On our way back to our parking spot, we hit a cheese festival with free samples of fondue.  It was totally amazing- so delicious.  One bite was so difficult; I almost went back for more.  The cylinders of cheese behind the counters must have weighed thirty pounds at least, they were enormous.  However, the whole area smelled very strongly of aged cheese- a smell I have always compared to sweaty feet. 

We went to the handball game next- which was SO exciting! I must admit, I asked a few pretty ridiculous questions, but by the end I really had the hang of it. It’s full contact, did you know that? They were tackling each other to the floor and it looked so painful sometimes! I always wanted to learn handball while I was here- but so much for that! No contact sports for me- I think handball falls into the same category of “no-no’s” like rugby and football.  Either way, it was great to watch, very fast and involves a lot of technique, physical strength, and agility.  Both of Bernard’s sons are built like brick walls, so they were not often taken down.  The game was hardly comparable to the European handball we play in warm-up for gym class!

Tonight I meet my next two host families, and we decide together what we will be doing on our vacations (Swiss life is FULL of them!).  I can’t wait.  I’ll be sure to fill in my upcoming plans next blog!

Have a good week everyone J

Another Fab Hump-Day

Really? I’m seventeen?

I swear- in my time here I have reverted back to becoming a small child.  I am learning to speak. I pronounce things wrong.  I practice my ABC’s.  I read children’s books.  I call my (host)mom because I get lost.  I don’t cry much anymore- but I did when I first got here.  And, I SLEEP.  God, do I ever sleep.  Every night, at least eight hours. And- get this.  I nap. Me- of all people! Afterschool, during lunch, before dinner, after dinner, in math (oops- I promise it was less than five minutes- I am always sleeping.  Sometimes my family worries that I am homesick and crying in my room, when in truth I’m completely passed out, and probably sucking my thumb or something- who knows?

Lost in Translation

Today (after my three hour lunch and nap) we played a kind of ringette game in gym class.  I revved and ready to go, so when it was my shift I jumped on to the floor and ran straight to the ring.  I stole it off a girl and was on a pretty awesome break away when the whistle blew repetitively and I was forced to stop.  Apparently this was a “passing” game. In other words- no running with the ring. Everyone was laughing and I’ve gotten extremely good at laughing at myself also.  I am less easily embarrassed here I find.  Which brings me to share with you a new goal of mine: learning to speak to cows.  I walk by them every day on my way home from school and they just stare at me as I go by and it makes me feel a little strange.  It’s like I can’t really escape their gaze.  Therefore, I have decided that each day I will say a little something to try to start some conversation.  They have yet to respond to my various renditions of the word “moo”, but its coming- I know it.  And don’t worry; I do make sure I am the only one on the path at this point. 

A Tale from Home

In my English class, the current topic is trends, activities, and types of people.  The teacher is very excited, because he has me to give a perspective of these things from a different country.  This is cool because I get to speak in English, and I get to talk about good old Midland <3 . This week I will put together a 10-15min power point and leave room for a ten minute question period. I have never been asked to talk this long in my life! I am also seriously worried about my grammar- these kids in my class know more than I do. But, I’ll just do my best! I may have not a clue about what I’ll talk about- BUT I do know that I’ll be wearing leggings, wool socks, my moccasins, and a lulu sweater, with my hair piled haphazardly on the top of my head. Maybe mittens? NO! My Olympic sweater from my girlfriends!! All Canadian J. I’ll feel so at home. Either way- I’m looking forward to talking in English, and not feeling guilty!!

Getting Organized

According to a long tradition in my life, I have successfully completed my back-to-school shopping; over a week after school has already began.  I can not remember a year when i was actually prepared for my first day, but so it goes.  All is in order now.  I have duotnags, notebooks, pens, organizers, gluesticks...all of which will most likely be lost in a large wad of papers within a month until i organize again.  But, right now, everything is beautiful.  Believe it or not, i love organization.  I just am not very skilled at maintaining it.  Today (I was on a roll) i even organized my room! Mom- you know when I do that at home? And my room looks absolutely no more tidy than before? Yes- one of those episodes. But the point is, i know where everything is, and it makes me happy. 

A Quiet Evening

This evening I spent with my host sister Daria, helping her for her English test, and at the same time improving my German.  When you really get down to it- English is a very silly language structure-wise.  Our verb tenses are impossible.  It was interesting to learn this way, and I had a really good time! We just drank our tea, and laughed at our mistakes, and hung out.  I loved it J Also, I was able to tell her a few funny stories in German, and while I know it must have been pretty rough, she got the gist of it and it was nice to feel understood!

G’night my fellow Canucks J

Beginning my Second Month

A Successful Week

Well, I have successfully completed my first week at school and am moving into my second.  My Thursday was pretty uneventful, I don’t have school in the afternoon, so Barbara and I did some shopping and she cooked some delicious Chinese food for dinner.  I went to soccer which is always good for a light workout and a few laughs- my team is extremely funny and I always have a good time with them.  They are constantly goofing around, singing and dancing as opposed to training- it’s wonderful. I still understand very little of what is going on, but I find that little by little, things come together.  I realize what a universal language English is becoming when the girls rattle of Swiss German, and then break into English songs.  I couldn’t imagine knowing every word to a German song! I still have no news from my licence- I really hope I can be able to play soon, but if not, so be it. Practice is still fun!

On Friday I had my first art lesson, which consisted of me covering my favourite jeans in hot pink paint, and doing my assignment wrong because I’d misunderstood.  Not being graded in school is a wonderful thing.  This lesson is over two hours long, and it’s nice not to have to try to listen, but just to sit, relax, and paint- even if I’m doing it wrong.  Friday night I went to Zurich with some other exchange students which was great.  It was nice to share our stories about our first week and also to just relax. 

Busy Saturday

I slept long into Saturday morning and woke up to the smell of pancakes and the sound of children laughing downstairs.  I half expected “Mamma Mia” to be playing- and it would be just like when I was little at home.  Breakfast was delicious; I used 10x too much maple syrup (as always) and topped it off with fresh raspberry sauce.  I babysat Lydia and Luca for about an hour.  With my dictionary in hand, a full stock of maple candies and loonie chocolates, and lots of energy from a good night’s sleep I was ready.  We jumped on the trampoline, played hide-and go seek, drew pictures, made bracelets, played with toys, read books, and learned how to blow bubbles with bubble gum.  Yes, all in one hour; talk about a fast pace.  When Andreas got home, we all went for a hike behind the house, up in the hill.  With Lydia’s hand tight in mine we hiked to the top, where there is a small campsite with a gorgeous view of the farmers’ fields below. A spring water fountain was in the middle, with a picnic table, and a fire pit. Andreas made a swing out of a few ropes and a small log for the kids.  I went for a walk through the bush and carved my campfire stick. It was such a calm and serene place. I hardly talked, but I was just happy with where I was.  As we were finishing our evening, I looked around the site and I was reminded of how much fun I had in Awenda this year with my family, and felt a pain inside me.  I question whether it was homesickness, or the excess amount of bratwurst, paprika chips, and banana-chocolate melts I had feasted on. Maybe both. Either way, it was soon relieved as we packed up our things and hiked off.  Little lights began to shine from the houses in our town and the sun set behind the hills, leaving the sky pink-streaked and wonderful. 

When I got home, I continued to carve my stick from the campsite (not following the rules from home of “no use of sharp objects for any reason”).  As you may guess (knowing me) this did not end well.  I won’t go into details, but I will say that my bedroom ended up looking like a murder scene and it will take a few days until my finger closes up and stops bleeding.  Turns out Swiss army knives aren’t my thing.

Yet Another Beautiful Day

Sunday was also busy- I woke up, had some Nutella (okay- let’s get real. A LOT of Nutella), and then did something I have not yet done here! I went for a bike ride by myself.  It was wonderful, and I really think I’ll start to do it more often.  The joke here is that I am actually not capable of biking and walking because I just hop on the bus ALL the time.  However, I surprised myself by biking until i knew my sense of direction was dwindling before turning around. This isn’t as far of a distance as one would think, given my directional difficulties.  But after about 45mins on the bike I was feeling refreshed and awake.  I came home and did my first crossfit workout in Switzerland! I grunted and groaned as a completed my push-ups, sit ups, and air squats in the back yard- my body complaining every step of the way.  I forgot how long it had been since I did any strength training whatsoever.  I had a relaxing afternoon with my book and my first Skype date with my Grandparents! In the late afternoon we had a kind of “block party” for all of the duplexes like the one I live in.  Everyone brought an appetizer and desert to share, along with meat for their own family to cook on the grill.  Barbara brought me three large pieces of chicken, seasoned, and wrapped in bacon. It was heaven.  I can’t remember if I have already written this, but the two “most common questions to ask Stephanie Edmunds” have both been asked in only a month of living here.

1.       Do you work out? (While simultaneously poking at my arms).

2.       How do you eat so much?

I had two helping of desert and headed home for a little piano before bed.  Happy day, happy girl.  Also, I know I talk about me eating ALL the time, but surprisingly, I have noticed very little, if any, change in my body type in the past month.  I think I am running enough to balance out my crazy diet. 

Anyways, that’s all for now!

Muah.

Oh, How I Love Wednesdays

I woke up this morning to a chilly morning with a depressing kind of drizzle that was just enough to give me chills on the way to the bus stop.  However, I wasn’t at all bothered.  I cozied up in my Canada sweater and read my excellent book on the half hour bus ride.  My Wednesdays start with geography, which in Canada I disliked with a passion, but so far it is one of the best classes here.  Lots of maps, lots of diagrams.  It helps immensely to be able to connect the hundreds of new words I hear every day with an image.  When I understand, no matter what the topic, I am a happy girl.  The teachers must think I’m mental, because I stare at them so intensely when they speak.  I know I get this look where my eyes go all squinted, by eyebrows are wrinkled and I bite my lip.  For some reason, it has become a necessary facial expression that occurs with absolute concentration.  Or complete confusion. It tends to appear in both situations.  Next, I had English.  I didn’t have to write the test they had (thank goodness).  I really didn`t know how bad my grammar was until I got the answers wrong on the practice sheets.  Nothing would have been more embarrassing than failing that test! Instead I worked on learning the words I didn`t understand in the class before.  I`ve started a process where when I see an unfamiliar word, (they are constant, so I only choose some) I write it down and look it up later.  I find that when I hear the word again, I can usually remember its meaning. 

Next, was the coolest part of my day. A THREE HOUR lunch break.  This gives me just enough time to go home, take a nap, and have a great meal with my family.  Barbara and Daria are both home at lunch on Wednesdays so it is nice to have a meal together. 

I took the bus back to school, and went to my German class. They are reading a very play, which I have pegged as the German equivalent to Shakespeare.  My teacher (who seems very cool, laid back and funny- even though I can`t understand his jokes) said it was best for me not to bother with it, but instead to do independent work in his class. This suits me fine.  I`ll do my work and listen to him speak.  He is not Swiss originally, and so speaks High German, making it much easier to understand.  My last class is a double gym period, where we played ball hockey.  However, the ball was so light, I kept hitting it and it would go flying across the room.  It was embarrassing, because the teacher made sure to mention that I play at home! It was fun though. 

The girl who takes me to each class brought me a small agenda today for me to keep.  Wow. In only three days it is apparent what a scatterbrain I am! How embarrassing.  But, it was extremely kind.  It is small and portable, and I actually intend on using it! Often, I misunderstand when people talk to me in German and get my days and times mixed up.  I am extremely good at confusing numbers two and three, as well as four and five.  This has caused a few issues with not having a clue when I am supposed to be where.  An agenda should help! We`ll see how long my organization lasts…

I was in such a good mood after school today, all exercised, wearing my comfy sweater.  I reunited with an old love of mine on the bus- the Black Eyed Peas and danced all the way home.  I got many strange looks from both the old man facing me, the woman with a small child beside me, and the group of teenage guys from a few seats over. I occasionally busted out my favourite lines aloud and just had a great time.  The display continued on my walk home, although my only onlookers were the cows and a few startled sheep.  This allowed for the full set of my one-of-a-kind dance moves. With my arms flailing about wildly in the air, and the occasional pause for an air guitar solo, the sun finally began to escape the grey clouds and shed light on the hills in the distance.  It was a truly great day.  I went for a jog to top it off.  Next week I have to run 5km in gym class. Grade 1`s run 3.5km, grade 2`s run 5km (me), grade 3`s run 6.5km, and grade fours run 8km.  Thank god I`m only in grade 2!

I know it`s been a lot to read in the past few days- but everything is new- I have a lot to say!
By the way- today is officially one month J

Thanks for reading,

Cheers! xo

School

And so has begun the cause of my fear for exchange. School.  I had heard the horror stories- getting lost, missing classes, behind in work, not understanding a word, not  knowing anyone, and feeling totally and completely lost at all times.  Now that I have completed my first two days, I can make my own judgments.  In short- “yes” to all of the above.  But, it really isn’t as bad as it sounds.  I have just tried to keep an open mind and think to myself,” It’s never going to be perfect in your first few days.  Maybe weeks.  Maybe months.  Make the best of it”.  I know it sounds pretty corny, but really, it is necessary to think this way and keep a positive outlook when each and every moment of the day is a new challenge.  

Educational System

The schooling system is very different here in Switzerland.  You only have mandatory schooling until you are 15/16, when you have the choice to either begin work (in an apprenticeship), or continue on in school.  The second stage of schooling is attending a “Gymnasium” or “Kantonsschule”  (they are both the same thing, just different names).  This is where I am, in Kantonsschule Wettingen.  After four years here, once again, you have the choice of attending a university.  Differences of university here: 1. You don’t pay for it.  It is paid by the government through taxes.  2. Most people don’t have to move out of their houses, because everything is so close here.  It’s so interesting for me to learn about the differences. 

Kantonsschule Wettingen

My school is exceptional here because it is one of few schools that were a monastery in the past.  The school is composed of many beautiful, old buildings spread across an area along the river.  Between classes, when I change buildings, I see the river, the park, the statues, the fountains, the vineyard, the orchard, and the “beer garden”, a small brewery between my English and history classes.   It is so amazing.  It feels like something out of a movie.  Each day, my schedule is very different.  There are single period classes, double period classes, and different break periods.  The same classes are taken throughout the entire school year, only the schedule changes at the semester change.   These classes are comprised of: 2 Biology, 2 Physics, 2 Chemistry, 2 Geography, 1 Choir, .5 Individual Singing, 3 English, 2 History, 5 German, 4 Sports, 3 Visual Art, 6 Math.  The numbers represent the number of periods of each class per week. Also, my “class” is the group of people who have the same rotation as me. With only a few exceptions, they have all of the same classes with me.   I hope I’m making sense!

1^st Day

On my first day, I was exhausted after being in Baden for a rotary weekend and then sick on Sunday night.  It was so difficult to start a week practically running on empty.  Two girls met me at the secretary’s office from my class who are my “coaches” and help me find my way and introduce me to our teachers and other classmates.  They both speak English and help me a lot throughout my day! Actually- I have no idea what I’d do without them! I went to biology, and surprised myself by understanding the majority of what was going on.  “Zelle” is close enough to “cell” and many of the other scientific terms are extremely similar to English.  Often same spelling, just different pronunciation.  I was feeling rather confident on my way to physics for a rude awakening.  I didn’t get one word.  Nothing at all. I actually dozed off; it’s hard to pay attention to something that sounds like total gibberish.  Even the concepts seemed impossible.  It was then time for lunch in the “Menza”.  This- is possibly THE greatest lunch invention in the history of the world.  My host mom pays for the Mensa for me on Mondays and Fridays, when I have the shortest lunch break.  I go to the room, which looks like a cafeteria; however, it is set up more like a dinner table with huge bowls of everything on the table.  The best part? Help yourself- as much as you want.  Also, there are many choices to eat vegetarian, meat, healthy, deep fried.  I had lots of broccoli and beef and it felt like home J.  Next, I went to English, which was surprisingly difficult.  I actually had no idea what was going on.  I tried to help the girl next to me and ended up giving her the wrong answers!  All these little tiny grammatical rules that I didn’t understand.  It was way more embarrassing than not understanding German- that’s for sure.  Last I had math, and I was simply so tired by this point I didn’t hear, or listen too much.  There were all these exclamation points in the middle of equations that I didn’t understand until after the class had finished.  I was so glad for my nap when I got home. 

2^nd Day

Today started out not nearly as great as yesterday.  Not even close.  I was supposed to have a German lesson in the morning- special for exchange students.  I looked forward to this to meet the other students and to have a chance at understanding what was going on.  However, I didn’t exactly make it there. I got off at the wrong bus stop, which was close to my school, but I didn’t recognize it.  The fog was so thick this morning that I couldn’t even see the tower of the church for my school.  I was secretly wishing for the flat ground of midland so I could navigate more easily.  I couldn’t find anyone on the highway I was walking on, so I just kept going until I found a person a few bus stops down.  In German, I asked, “Excuse me, do you know where Kanti Wettingen is?” He said (in German), “I’m sorry, I don’t speak Swiss German”.  I stood there blankly thinking, “Well sir, that wasn’t Swiss German”.  I tried again more slowly, and he explained he wasn’t from here, but pointed me in the “right” direction. Not correct.  I ended up in some little town in which I don’t think any people live because it was freakishly quit.  No bikers.  No walkers. No cars even.  All I wanted were some good directions.  There was not even a bakery to make me feel better.  Finally, over forty five minutes later, with my feet covered in blisters, I got to my class.  For the ten minutes I that were left.  Note to self: never wear uncomfortable shoes in Switzerland because “you really don’t have anywhere to walk” that day.  You never know. The rest of my day was really great, I had my sports class where we walked to a nearby forest and did an orienteering exercise in groups of three. We were given a card to punch at each checkpoint we reached in the bush.  The irony kills me- 30 minutes after being lost I have a class about reading a map. But it was so much fun, I really loved it.  It was extremely hard though, and crushed my dreams of ever doing an adventure race.  I had a bit of a nasty encounter with a plant that left me with what looked like an angry care of poison ivy, but somehow disappeared an hour later- thank goodness.  I had a twenty minute singing lesson, where I had my first classically influenced singing training.  My teacher is a doll, and I love her.  Since I won’t be getting grades, she says we will have an easy year and sing fun music that I like to sing.  Next, I had an hour of choir.  I was somehow convinced to join the soprano group, which was a laugh.  With my crackling, low pitched voice I sounded much more like a small animal dying a painful death than a soprano singer.  Next week I’ll introduce myself to the altos.  In history I understood some things, but as always, I was exhausted by this point and couldn’t take much in.  I got home in one piece, and in one attempt, and was glad to curl up on the couch with a book.  Tomorrow I come home for lunch, play ball hockey in gym, and I have an English test which I do not have to write.  Should be another good day!

Goodnight Canada
Thinking of you every day J