A Winter Wonderland Christmas

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone, no matter where in the world you are!!! One thing I learned this year is it doesnt really matter where you are for the holidays, but more about being with people you love, enjoying  their company, and connecting with those far away. And spending my holidays here in Switzerland made me realize how great a life I have. It was truly a a Wonderful experience that i know i'll never forget. *As this post is so long, I'll put all the pictures along in a seperate post =) *

We had school all the way up until the 23rd of december, but as currenly only have CA on wednesday every other week I had the 22nd free, and on thursdays I only have German class, but our teacher had us throw a christmas party of sorts. On the 22nd, i met up with my Liason Caroline for our last hang out before Christmas. We did some last minute Christmas shopping, got some coffee, and just had a great afternoon. I then went home to bake Christmas sugar cookies as for German class, everyone brought in a traditional meal from their land for the Christmas season. It was the last day of German class for the exchange students going back in January, so it was a great way to spend the time! Of all the sugary sweets, one of my favorites was actually a Christmas meal from Chili that one of my friends brough it. Its cold spaghetti with avacato and tunafish mixed together. Sounds strange but it was amazing! 


Christmas eve, or "Heiligabend", was an overall relaxed day. (at least the morning and afternoon). There had been no snow for the past week and everyone though we would have a green christmas, but when we woke up that morning the ground was covered with snow! (which didnt stop falling until about 7 that night!) It was such an amazing thing to see! I finished christmas present wrapping, got ready, and then headed down to Herberts house to get ready for the combined Christmas with the two familys (normally they have christmas with one on the 24th and one on the 25th, but this year they decided to combind them). In Switzerland, it is costum to celebrate Christmas on the 24th evening. Or 25th evening. Rahel and I got to work on decorating the tree, and getting the room all set up. By the end it was beautiful, with the real candels (an amazing thing about Christmas trees here!) chocolate, and ornaments. I then went to skype my family back home for about an hour or so, where I got to see my Grandparents for the first time since I left. It was great to have my family back home talking with my family here too (including the cat!), as i often forget they dont really know each other. By the time I finished the Grandparents had arrived, and shortly after Carla and everyone else came down. We started with appatizers, and whine, before moving on to a delicious salad. We then went into the room where the tree was after my host mom announced that "The Christkind has come!". There we lit the Candles and Sparklers that now decorated the tree, and although I was sure it was going to start a tree fire, it was amazingly beautiful!! After opening about half the presents we headed back into the dining room for the main course, which was meat fondue. If you picture the normal fondue of bread and cheese and replace this with meat and water you get the idea. At first i had no idea how the meat was suppose to cook in the short time we placed it in the water....but somehow it turned the nice dark brown of cooked meat, and tasted amazing. We had over nine different homemade sauses for the different kinds of meat, and i was completely full very quickly! We then procedded to finish opening the rest of the gifts, which for me was alot as i had gifts both form my family here, and from back in the states! It meant so much to get gifts from people back home, as well as those here as i know i'll keep them forever! Some of the gifts from my host family included the German version of Cinderella, a swiss desserts cook book, a frame full of photos from my year here so far, and more. We then had dessert which was ofcourse amazing and then stayed until midnight talking before heading home.


On the morning of the 25th I packed my bags and headed off with my host family for the weekend to Engelberg! It is the last town you can get to in the alps, and is literally surrounded on all sides by the mountains. It is sooo beautiful!! The trip took about 2 hours, and after checking into our hotel we headed up to the family's house higher up the mountain. (Used to be owned by the whole family and shared for vacations, but now is owned by my host moms brother). There we met up with the rest of the family and hung out for a while before heading back down with Rahel, Carla, and three of their cousins (Severin who is Rahels age, Valentin who is Lukas age, and Sebastian who is 23) to walk around the town, get a hot chocolate, and then get ready for the Christmas party that night. The town is definetaly a ski resort town, and our hotel was very different from the giant chain hotels in america, and even more amazing! Old fasioned styled with a tiny elevator that fits only about 2 people with their luggage, the whole place had more the feel of a cabin in the mountains then a hotel. The christmas party was with the whole family, (probably about 25 people) and involved dinner, and present exchange (secret santa style). I had one of my hostcousins who i had met maybe two times before, but honestly had no idea what to get! I ended up giving a box of the traditional Vermont things, including maple candy, champlain chocolate (which felt funny giving to someone in switzerland) and maple syrup. Luckily he seemed to like the gift and I was relieved! One of the aunts had me, and I ended up getting a small swiss army knife, very traditional armband warmer things made out of silk that are surprisingly very warm, and a traditional bandana. I thought it was such a perfect gift, and was so thankful! Plus I love being able to say I have a swiss army knife now! We headed back to the hotel at about midnight, but as everyone else was sleeping at the house or a hotel just down the street, Rahel, Carla, Lukas, and their three cousins and I walked/sledded back down. It was so beautiful with the town lit up below.

The next day we woke up about 10 and headed back up to the house for breakfast. Looking out the window that morning i almost screamed! It was bright blue sky, and you could see the mountains for the first time since we arrived! I couldnt believe I was really here! Severin and Sebastian had woke up early to go skiing, along with many other people from the house who had gone sledding or so, so it was pretty quiet when we arrived. After breakfast (about noon) we decided to go on a walk/hike, which ended up being the most beautiful hike I've ever been on! We walked on the street up the mountain, before heading off on a path that eventually led into the woods. Every dirrection you looked was snow covered white that was glinting in the bright sun. There were trails covering the mountains from skiers and snowboarders, and random bildings set into the snow for the cows come summertime. It was truely a winter wonderland! By the end of the 2 hour walk though I was nicely frozen, and was glad to spend the rest of the afternoon just chillin in the house playing games, talking, and relaxing. About half of the family left on this day, so dinner was smaller, but still lots of fun. At our kids table (made up of 14, 15 and 16 year olds) we continued a game we had played the night before with the whole family (where you write a name and stick it on someones forhead, and then they have to ask yes, or no questions to figure out who they are). It helped me to realize how much german I actually know, as I tried to figure out who Iwas (mickey mouse), and had lots of fun. Rahel, Sebastian, Severin and I then returned to the hotel about 10:30 by sled (the others had gone home during the day).

The 27th, our last day in Engelberg, Rahel, Severin, and I woke up early to go sledding!! We had breakfast at the hotel with Sebastian, before packing up our things from the room, leaving them in the lounge (only in switzerland would they be perfectly safe there) and heading out to the Gondala lift with our sleds in tow. It was my first time in a skiing resort with lifts and such (a little sad being from Vermont and all) so it was a good thing I was not alone. We headed up, and then took a chair lift even farther up from there! By the time we were at the top we had a 2.5 kilometer sledding trail through the alps ahead of us. It was so beautiful and completely amazing! Something I will never forget! The sun was shining so bright that I actually got a tan, and sometimes had to close my eyes! After three times down we decided to take a break and got a hot chocolate and Gipfeli at the restaurant at the top of the mountain! We then sledded down again before heading home. An amazing thing about Switzerland is to do this we simply took the sleds! After going down as far as we could on the sledding path, we went onto steeper parts of the mountain (where skiers had already made great paths) in which I ended up going faster then the sled and landing in front of it! After a little bit we hit the normal street, which was covered with snow. we then were able to ride this the rest of the way (about 20 minutes) down to the house. It was so much fun, and amazing being able to just sled home from the mountain! After a short rest and snack, we gathered up everything, took a quick stop to look at the Monistary (Older then the USA!) and cheese store, and made our way home. For dinner that night we had fondue, which was so good, and such a perfect end to my swiss Christmas weekend!

Its crazy to think it is already the start of a new year. When I think back to all the amazing things I have done this year, and the people I have done them with I can honestly say that 2010 has been one of, if not the best year of my life! It went by so fast as for me it felt more like two seperate half years (my time in America, and my time in Switzerland) but both were so full of friends, family, laughs, fun, adventures, new experiences, and overall happiness that together made my year amazing. I can't belive it was a year ago that i was working on my application to start this crazy adventure, and in the blink of an eye I have already been here for 4 1/2 months! Thank you to everyone who has been there with me the past year through applications, fundraising, and the rollarcoaster of living in a new country. Both near and far, I have been so lucky with the people who make up my life. Thank you so much! Thinking of you all! So where ever you are in the world, heres too an amazing year! May it be eve better then the last, and be full of new adventures, new friends, and moments you will never forget. Happy New Year!
~Sarah

"Samichlaus / Santichlaus" =)

 An amazing thing about an exchange year is learning about the many different traditions that take place around Christmas time. There are so many I have learned about so far, but here is one…Unlike in the US, Santa Clause is not the man who brings presents to Children on Christmas Eve. He is a man that comes on the evening of the 6^th of December, and talks to the children about whether they have been good or bad. When a child has been good, they receive Chocolate, an Orange, and a Grittibänz (a man made out of sweet bread, and covered with sugar or chocolate. The tradition is similar to our Gingerbread men). However, when the children have been bad, Santichlaus has the brush part of a broom which he uses to smack them with before taking them with him back to the Black Forest where he lives (in Germany) in his sack. The children also recite a poem/song for the Santichlaus.



Last Monday night, along with Maggie (another exchange student from the USA) and our host families, I met "Santichlaus". Normally this tradition ends as the kids are older, but as we had never participated, our host families thought it would be great for us. I couldn't agree more. However this meant that I too had to learn and memorize a traditional song/poem to recite for Santichlaus when he came. It was hilarious how nervous I was. I only had the weekend to learn, and to make it harder, all the poems I could choose from were in Swiss-German (of course). But everyone from my class, and sports club were very helpful in making sure I learned every word, and found it hilarious as I tried to recite it. For your enjoyment I have attached the poem below along with a rough translation…



Im Schwarzwald                    Black Forest
Im Schwarzwald stoht es Hüsly,            In the black forest there is a house,
Im Schwarzwald stond viel Bäum.         In the black forest there are many trees.
Uf eimol lütet s' Glöggli,                        Suddenly rings a little bell,
Dr Santichlaus chunnt hei.                     Santaclaus is coming home. 

 Er chunnt vo vilne Chinder,                He comes for many Children
er chunnt vo mängem Huus.                He comes from many houses.
Sie Sack isch leer vom schänke,          His sack is empty of presents,
und Öpfeli si druus.                              and nothing is left.

 Im Tannewald isch finschter,                The fir forest is dark,     
im Tannewald hets Schnee.                the fir forest has snow.
am Himmel lüchte Sternli,                the sky is lighted by stars,
Sisch Wihnachtszit Juhee!                Its Christmas time, Hurray!    

We started with a dinner of various cheeses, meats, nuts, clementines, and chocolate (Traditional things for the holiday). There were eleven of us, and the whole thing was amazing. Lots of talking and laughing. We were about half way through dinner when the doorbell rang. Maggie and I were forced to answer alone, and found Samichlaus waiting for us with his bell, sack, etc. He came to the table to join us at the table, and after much small talk, opened his book and started reading from his list of the good things, and the bad things we have done. I found it quite hilarious listening to my family and friends all 15 and older, talking to Santa, "Why hello Samichlaus", "please sit here Samichlaus", "yeah you met me last year, have you already forgotten me?" etc. It was lots of fun! After reciting the poem and saying goodbye to Samichlaus we spent the rest of the night talking, and I found myself completely content. It was such a great night and I am so thankful that are host families put it together for us even though that is not normal past the age of 8. It is definitely a great tradition =)



Just two more weeks until Christmas! Happy holidays!

 

 

 

Thanksgiving Weekend=)

Last weekend was Thanksgiving in the USA, and instead of watching the Macy's day parade, eating a Turkey feast, and spending the weekend with my family in Massachusetts as usual for the holiday, I found myself in school, learning German, with other exchange students here in Switzerland…while it was definitely not a normal Thanksgiving, it was still a weekend to remember.

Ice Skating <3

Starting Wednesday I went over to Maggie (a fellow USA exchange students house) for a few hours afterschool. We basically just hung out, ate much food, and talked about our lifes. I had language school with her and we live only minutes apart, but as she is not in my class in the school I hardly ever see her. Then around 5 we left for basel to meet up with other exchange students to go ice skating!! It was my first time this yeah, so I knew I was going to be horrible, but I actually surprised myself and only fell once! It helped that I was skating with mostly kids from latin america and asia (who had never been on ice before). We skated at a museam in the city, and it was surrounded, but open to the sky. It had just snowed two days before, and it was absolutely gorgeous! I had a great time just goofing around, and making up silly games with the other kids. There was about 20 of us, and we took up most of the place. =) Afterwards I skyped my family, who was down in Massachusets for thanksgiving. It was great to see everyone, and I got a chance to share my german skills, by speaking with my cousin who has been learning it for years in school. It was funny to watch my parents faces as they understood none of what we were saying. While its always hard to finish the call (you never want to hang up!!) It was great to talk to everyone and see them.

You can see France!

My Thanksgiving Dinner!

On thursday, Thanksgiving day, I had German class which was cool because the only people you could really say "Happy Thanksgiving!" too, were other americans, so we had a great time screaming it at each other. Afterwards I headed to meet my Liason, and then we went to Germany!!! My first time in Germany!! We took the tram from basel, and then walked about 7 minutes to the border (A strange thing being able to walk to germany!) It was amazing, because as Basel is on the corner of Switzerland, there is a point before you cross out of switzerland, where to your left is France, and your right it Germany! We only went about 5 minutes in, but even there there was suttle differences, that even I could see. The bildings were different styles, and the road and street signs and colors were all different. We ended up in a mall like place, and after doing a little shopping (because even just inside, everything in Germany is much cheeper! I am going there next time I go shopping!!), we headed for dinner (food court style...but with better food then a normal foodcourt!). I tried Lemon Coke, which was reallly good, and had a Donnerkabab for my thanksgiving dinner. For dessert a McDonalds Mcflurry with Caramel sause. Not your usual tukey and pumpkin pie, but it was great. We spent over an hour just talking and sharing stories of the past few weeks/thanksgiving in the USA.

Front Gate

View from Herbert's House

Friday is one of my long school days (until 4:30) which stunk knowing that while I was in school, my family and friends were back home taking part in the crazy black friday shopping (My cousins even brought around a photo of me with them so that I could be there!) but it went by pretty quick. I went home and had delicious fondue (Very Very traditional swiss winter meal...although they do eat it sometimes in the summer. This was only my second time having it) for dinner with my host parents, before heading out to what is known as Turnerabend in Gelterkinden (the town next to mine), which is where a sports-hall puts on a night to showcase all the talents in their club. Every group preforms (sort of like a dance recital only with sports). I went with the girls from my sports club, and while the show wasnt that good (although some acts were amazing with what they could do, and the little kids under 5 were adorable!), I had a great time talking and laughing with them. I saw a lot of people I knew there, and it still amazed me all the people I knew in the area. After the show (which ended at about 11) we headed to a local bar and spent two hours just laughing, talking, and dancing the night away. It was a great night, and so different from nights in the USA where everything is closed past 8. I got home at about 1, and headed straight to bed as I still have school on Saturday mornings.

Saturday, after waking up way to early, and making it through school (only until 11:30), which honestly wasnt that bad, I headed to my host siblings dad's house (where I sleep everyother weekend). It was a relaxing afternoon of just hanging out by the fire. The snow had been coming down non-stop for the past few days, so it was beautiful! Around 4 I went sledding for the first time here with Rahel (host sister) and her best friend Patricia. We put on all the gear, and made our way through the downpour of snow to the field behind her house (which you can see from my house as the town sits in the valley, and the houses slop upwards onto the surrounding hill). Unlike in the USA, once the kids are past 10 or so, they start using the old fashioned styled traditional sleds. The kind made out of wood, and are used more for decorations in the USA. At first I was very confused, and worried they wouldnt hold, or we would break them, but as we started sledding down I realized how great they actually are (plus they look really cool!). The hill was pretty steep so we got going really fast which was great until you get to the bottom, where a nice cold river is flowing and you have to bail! We then took a break to take pictures with the falling snow, and drink some tea which they had brought with us. It was about dusk, and the lights from the town were reflected in the snow. It was absolutely beautiful! We then headed back to Patricia's house to warm up and drink some hot chocolate before heading home. As she lives also in Ormalingen, it was about a 5 minute walk. We then quickly changed before heading to a neighbors house for a neighbors dinner. I was at first very nervous, (lots of people I dont know, all speaking swiss german, etc..) But it turned out to be a lot of fun! Everyone was really nice, and the food was amazing. Lots of fresh cookies and such. Rahel and I stayed for about an hour and in that I found myself laughing a lot, and really enjoying myself! We then headed back to her moms house where we met up with Patricia again to watch a film. By now however its was about 9:30, and with school we were all very tired. We made it through about half of Pirate of the Carribien (at worlds end) before finally giving up on fighting sleep and heading back to her dads for the night.

Adventz Calender

My Gritima! (left)

Sunday was great as I got to sleep in late =). The snow was coming down, and it was the first sunday of Adventz. As usual we had Zopf for breakfast, and overall just relaxed for the morning/ early afternoon. A big difference here is on weekends (or sunday as we have school on saturday) we dont eat lunch. As everyone sleeps in breakfast is eaten together at about 11 or so, so no one is really hungry for lunch. At about 1:30 we got picked up by my host mom (Rahel and me) and headed to liestal for an AFS baking event. Grittibänz or Gratima (depending on the dialect) are traditional men made out of a very sweet bread made around december. They are normally covered in sugar or chocolate, and are very very good. (very similar to the USA tradition of Gingerbread men). So with our host parents left downstairs to talk, we headed to the kitchen to make our version of the Grittibänz...which basically involved very colorful decorations, strange shapes, and as much sugar as possible! As seen in the pictures, mine was pretty amazing. Even had chocolate boots! However after baking he...well was not as handsom. While the bread baked we played cards, talked, and just joked around. It is always an amazing time when the AFS kids get together!!! Hard to explain in words how fun it is. Once all was finished we headed back downstairs to enjoy the delicious meal and talk. With in about 20 minutes all the bread was gone, and our stomachs were stuffed. A great surprise of the day was my liason Caroline, who's family here in switzerland celebrates Thanksgiving every year after her returning from the USA (only on friday night as they all have school here) brought me a piece of her Pumpkin Pie from the celebration. It ment so much, and made my day! I ended up sharing it with my host siblings Father, and although he found it to be a little too sweet, he also said it was great.

In the end it was an amazing weekend here in Switzerland. I had had a very bad week before after hearing my Grandfather back in the states was in the hospital from a heart attack, however by Thanksgiving weekend he was doing much better. It was truely a miracle, and made the week that much more amazing. Turns out Thanksgiving in the USA was my 100th day here. Coincidence? I think not. Spending it with new friends, fellow exchange students and my host family was so perfect. While it in no way resembled my normal Thanksgiving in the USA, I had a fantastic time, and know it is a weekend I will never forget. Is truely one of those weeks you count your blessings, and for me this year that list was very long. Hope all your holidays go just as well whereever you are in the world, and Happy late Thanksgiving!

Vacation...Part 2

Spain!!! For the second week of Vacation my host family and I headed to Rosas, Spain!!! I couldnt believe it when I first found out! We drove with the car, through France, and it was so beautiful the whole way. Crazy to say I have now been in Spain, France, and Switzerland, when two months ago, I had not even been to Europe! Even though it shouldn't have, the differences between Spain and Switzerland still came as a surprise! Funny to think how in just over 7 weeks, the swiss way of life became so normal to me!

We stayed in a small appartment just minutes from the ocean, with a beautiful view! The appartment has a huge deck/patio area where we spent a lot of time. The mornings consited of sleeping in, eating delicious pastrys for breakfast, and then reading/learning/talking/and more on the deck until mid afternoon. We would then either head to the beach to swim/play volleyball/ soccer/relax, or to a nearby city for sight seeing. The evenings were spent going out for dessert, shopping, or staying in and playing the most typical Swiss card game "Jassen" (pronounced yah-sen). It is very complicated, but also a lot of fun to play once you understand! It was an amazing week, and a great way to spend vacation with my host family. Spain was so beautiful, and its hard to explain what it was really like so here are a bunch of pictures...enjoy =))

     

     

Mountains surrounding Rosas
(seen below)

A Beautiful city we visited  

View from our Appartment
of the Mediteranian =)

Appartment view...

Sunset from the appartment...

City streets of Spain <3

Host family...

Nearby city to Rosas

One big thing about the exchange experience that finally hit me is homesickness. It is strange because although I was doing all these amazing once in a life time things over vacation, I was also hit with the worst homesickness I have experienced here. Partly because I want so badly to share all my experiences with my family and friends back home but am unable. Part of the definition of being an exchange student is separating yourself from your old life for a year, and live a new one. But still, homesickness is not one of those things that you can hide from, and I found that things that are normally just a part of my everyday life now remind me of home. I guess when the homesickness hits, it makes you much more susceptible to everything/anything that could bring back a memory of home. Luckily now being in school, and starting to make friends has helped alot, and the homesickness was just a phase. While I still have days when I miss home friends and family, I am also finding that here is now becoming home also. I have a life here, which is so much a part of who I am now, as the states are. Its definitely a big change, but an exchange year in switzerland is proving to be a once in a lifetime experience I know I will never forget. Everyday I am getting to do things I never thought possible, and am finding myself speaking a language every day I knew only two words from when I first arrived. I saw a quote the other day that I think is perfect to describe how an exchange year works....


"Life begins at the end of your comfort zone."


Until later, I am off....Tschüss!

Vacation...part 1

So again this post is very last, but I think its important to tell you all about Vacation!!! One amazing thing about schools here in Switzerland = 2 week Fall vacation!

Vacation started with a week of English speaking, because my host sisters friend from Alaska came to visit! It was very strange to have another american in the house!! I realized how much German I actually could understand (things that for some reason I just figured everyone knew). It was also cool to see her reactions to things I found completely normal now, as it reminded me of the differences, and what my first reactions were of things here.

Sunday we went on a hike to see the Castle/Fort ruins of Farnsburg, which are about an hours hike behind our house! It was crazy to think that the same road I was walking on was the one the knights used as they rode their horses home! The view was beautiful, and it was amazing to think how old the ruins were! There is nothing that old back in the states.

On Monday we went into Basel to see this really cool Art exibit there, show off the City, and do a little shopping! Its nice having such a beautiful and great city just a 30 minute train ride away! Tuesday morning all ther girls in the family left bright and early for a 2 day tour of eastern Switzerland!!! We started by taking a bunch of different trains, including the typical mountain train through the alps, down  to St. Moriz, a famous skiing resort! It was beautiful, and I got to see snow for the first time here in Switzerland!! Was definitely an expensive place though, with Ralph Lauren and Prauda shops next to Rolex, and a store selling $10,000 shoes!!! We then continued our Journey to this little village high up on a mountain. It was so cute, and is where a famous swiss children's story is from....I saw the little boy from the story's actual house!!! :). They also had this delicious honey walnut cake, which is special to that area...Its only place you can buy it. We then went north to Scuol, where our youth hostel was. It was brand new and right in the heart of the alps!! We went to a water park spa which was really relaxing after the long day of traveling!! :)....


The next day we left for St. Gallen, and rode right past Lichtenstein!!!  Just looked like switzerland haha so the only way i knew was because my host mom said "over there is lichenstein" In St. Gallen, we walked around, drank a hot chocolate at a cafe, and went to this really old library made for the monks, that is famous from there. We walked around the city for a while before finally getting on a train and coming home. t was an amazing, exciting, and really fun trip!! 

Beautiful Church in St. Gallen

Me, Rahel, Carla, and Esther <3

A random Playground

Small Village in the Alps

St. Moritz

Sisters in St. Moritz

Sleeping on the Train

Thursday,I went to this mountain thing with my host sister and her firend......we were going to go on the ropes course there but it was too full, so we rode these scooter things down the mountain!! It was beautiful with the leaves just starting to change color! I am amazed at how much later fall seems to hit switzerland here. The leaves were just starting to change in late October. Back in Vermont they start changing in early september! However I am enjoyign the fresh apples so late in the season here!

Another big thing about being an exchange student, is handling/dealing with your own money! Switzerland (as I am sure you know) is one of the most expensive places to live. (I went to Mcdonalds one day and a "Happy Meal" costs about $7.50!). Unfortunately for me, one USA dollar is now only 0.961 Swissfrancs!! :(......I am losing so much money! Hopefully the dollar will go up soon, but right now it just seems to be staying the same.

End of week one.... =)

Ich liebe...

So I realize now I have not mentioned my favorite things about Switzerland! While being an exchange student can be really tough sometimes, there are also some amazing benefits, and it is easy to think of many things that I love, and will miss when my year is over....

• Cow bells (there everywhere! All the time!)
• Church bells (every hour!)
• Foamy hot chocolate (hard to explain)
• Trains/ Buses/ Trams!!
• My GA (train ticket...allows me to go anywhere, anytime for free!)
• Things open past 8pm 
• Random castles/ ruins behind my house
• Bread every morning for breakfast
• Zopf (Sunday bread)
• chocolate!!!
• windows that open both sideways and at an angle 
• Cool shoes
• European clothes
• Biking everywhere
• Kissing Greetings
• Being able to bike up hills
• Biking highways
• German!
• walking paths
• Amazing views everywhere you look
• The food :)
• Milk in a bag
• Recycling everything.....(and I mean everything!)
• The sweets/pastry's/baked goods!!!
• No school on Wednesday/Thursday mornings
• The toilet wall flushers
• Bed comforters with sheets (like a pillow case)
• Rivella
• Hours off from school (when no class)
• Cooking! Everyone can cook (real cooking) (adults, teenagers, children, boys, girls, etc) 
• Fellow AFS students
• The sunset over Ormalingen

Thats a very short list, but to name a few. :) 

Things I don't like so much:

• Expensive!! Living where the money is is not always a good thing.
• School on Saturdays
• School until 5pm
• Biking everywhere (its cold in the mornings!)
• German!
• Homesickness

As you can see the "don't like" list, is much shorter then the "like" list :) 

Best Wishes to everyone near & far!

Ciao

Quick updates....

So yet another 3 weeks has passed (without posting....), and I can not believe that I have officially been in Switzerland for almost two months now!!  Every day I am doing something new, learning a new language, and meeting new people, but it feels normal now. Like this is my daily life/routine. It is no longer strange to me to not understand the dinner conversation, or to take a train everyday to school.  Its hard to explain, but I am forgetting the little details that made up my daily life back in the states. Or more forgetting the differences, in the details, between the USA and Switzerland. When people ask me "What is different here?", its hard to think of them, because everything here that is different, seems normal to me now. The USA seems so far away from my life here, but I also feel like I just left.

So quick updates on things that happened before I went on Fall Vacation....

Me & Fellow AFS'ers in Lucerne

As mentioned I had one week of school at gymnasium before fall vacation....before this week I had my last week of language class. That week I spent a lot of time with other AFS'ers in Basel,  at our chapter welcome party, at a birthday party, and even in Zurich visiting another girl from the USA. All the AFS'ers are so nice and fun to be around that I can never stop laughing when we are together. Its hard to explain to people the connection you instantly have with other exchange students, but its really strong. Even though my entire life back home (friends, family, school, interests) are different from theres, its easy to become best friends. I feel like I have known many of them for years, not weeks, and I often forget that really we know nothing about each other. Sharing this exchange year is such a big connection that you don't even realize the differences. Its amazing :)

Beautiful View from the boat

Famous Bridge

On the last day of Language School, my class decided to go to Luzern and see the city. We went on the famous boat, crossed the bridge, and basically just had a fun final last day all together. Lucerne is beautiful, and if you've never been there, then you must go!!

While I am at Gymnasium, I will also have language classes, but only once a week. It is in a town near basel at the Gymnasium there, which is the same school on of my AFS friends goes to. The class is a mix of old (already been here for 6 months or so) and new AFS'ers, mixing kids who know nothing, with those who are almost fluent, so really we dont learn anything....hahaha. But it is a lot of fun. There are so many new exchange students that I have not met yet, so its interesting. I have to prepare a presentation on the USA this week so hopefully it will go well.

On Saturday I had a floor hockey tournament with my sports club in Sissach, which is a nearby village.The club is a group that meets once a week, on Wednesday nights, and plays a bunch of different sports each time. The tournament was a lot of fun even though we lost :) haha. The girls in the club are all really nice, and that night a bunch of the girls and I went out together. It was fun, and really great to finally have some swiss friends here. The club has different tournaments with different sports throughout the year, and in February we have a ski weekend in the mountains. :D

Tschüss!