And so concludes the week in paradise.

This week I have been busy busy busy! Some wonderful things have happened, like being able to skype my mom, sister, and chris, as well as branden and his mom.  Some people say that it will make me homesick and that I will become obsessed with being online, but once a week its so nice just to see my house in Canada, and know that all is well.  See some smiling familiar faces, and be able to share funny stories that just aren't quite the same through a blog. 

More School

Well, school has been surprisingly fun! The teacher speaks SO clearly and slowly, it reminds me of a very patient kindergarten teacher.  I listen to her and think, "wow, I can understand everything- I'm really getting this!" And then, I walk out of the class and hear normal-speed conversations that are above the intellectual level of a six year old and think "huh, well, maybe not quite yet," but, i DO know It’s coming.  I understand more and more every day, although as of now, I typically respond in english.  The people in my class are totally amazing, and I will be so sad to leave them when it is time for big-kid school :(.  But, it is also important for me to make Swiss friends.  The rotary exchange students from school are all so kind, outgoing, and understanding of every crazy emotion that I have encountered in only my first week here. 
On Thursday, we had an "assignment" where we had to ask (in German) people on the streets questions about central station in Zurich, and about the Swiss-German language.  We had 40minutes.  Instead of asking people on the street, we figured, why not just go there? And so, in the middle of the school day, my group of four hopped on a train and went to central station to get some answers.  We were back to class on time.  Only in Europe can you do something like that. 

Attempting a New Sport

As most people know, despite many years out on Georgian bay, my swimming skils are, well, less than average.  However, it has been soo hot here, that I agreed yesterday to go to the outdoor public swimming pool with Barbara! It was enormous- the size of the YMCA.  There was a big field all around it, where you set up your towels, and then swim as you please. There must have been hundreds of people at the pool.  So many fit people! It seems everyone is much healthier here.  Also lots of men in speedos.  Sorry guys, I don’t care how fit you are.  Speedos should be illegal.  I fell asleep in the sun (I can fall asleep anywhere here, I’m always so tired!) and then decided to do some lengths.  I had this idea that maybe I get back to Canada and are able to swim minus a lifejacket.  Barbara swims 1km in about 20 minutes.  I half doggy paddled, half drowned my way through 400m in the same time.  I just hope that my race on Wednesday is slightly more successful!

Velo Love

My bike or “velo”, is a huge part of my life here.  It takes me to the city, to the train station, across town, and pretty much everywhere I need to go.  Barbara and I biked to Baden all along the Limat River.  This river is everywhere I go. The train crosses it, and it is practically always in view.  Barbara says I am improving on my bike, but its still so clear I’m an ammature when it takes me three tries to even somewhat gracefully get it started. I also for some reason can not bike in a straight line.  This becomes problematic when biking on the highway between a transport truck and a bus.  Yes, this is common.   I have an ever-constant ach in my thighs like I’ve been air squatting for weeks, and its quite possible that I have a permenant butt bruise, but, I love it anyway.

Opportunity, Everywhere I Turn

This evening, I went to a BBQ at my Youth Exchange Officer’s house, (Herr Burli) with my.  I was so excited because when someone says “BBQ” I somehow only manage to hear “meat”.  And that’s not to say I don’t like food at my host family’s house! I don’t miss meat.  Barbara cooks me fish, and they buy me sandwich meat for lunch, which I really appreciate.  However, I was looking forward to this dinner.  I don’t know what we ate, but I do know, I ate a LOT of it! It was quite possibly ham wrapped in bacon.  Or maybe tenderloin? God it was good.  I was actually in heaven.  I had four generous slices! The bacon here, is like out of this world amazing.  There is a possibility I am now drooling just thinking about its juicy yet crispy, salty, and flavourful-ness….okay I’ll stop.  The other amazing things I’ve had is my host-mom’s tiramisu made with plumbs instead of coffee.  It’s the BEST.  I could eat it all day.  Today I also tried a glass of wine from the town of my counsellor, and it was very nice.  They kept offering me more, but one glass was the perfect pairing to a fabulous meal.  Now that I’m finished talking about food…opportunities.  Firstly, my host mom has booked a cabin for us to stay in for the week of the first of October (our first week off school)….in ITALY, on the BEACH! God, I just can’t wait.  Everything here is just so….accessible.  I just can’t get over it! Also, my YEO has invited me to the place where he cross country skis in the winter, ah! So happy.  My counsellor used to be a pilot and has offered to take me for a ride in his plane “if I’d like”.  Uh, yes, of course I’d like!!!! There was also talk of me going horse back riding. They do not yet understand my lack of co-ordination and balance, so I of course, agreed.  Keep your fingers crossed for me.  Yes mom, I’ll wear a helmet.  Everything is amazing.  People.  Food.  Places.  Everything.  I love it here.  I truly do. 

Goodbye for now Canada! Love love love