Ok, this one will be a multi-piecer...it's a long one...First up, last weeks events:
Ok...so I seriously gotta keep up with this thing...yikes!
So I just scrubbed my bathroom - that’s how bored I am...I guess it's time for this!
This week was one of revelation and much contemplation...haha...but seriously (that got you excited, didn't it?!?) But seriously, it was another week of the same old stuff. More reading, more essays, more of the same ol' story. However, there were some highlights!
There was this meeting that Kadie, Kristen and I were going to attend about Facebook, and the pros and cons of it, but instead Kadie and I just stayed up in her room and started planning out our trip for Thanksgiving...to....well, I will keep that under wraps for now - make sure things are set before divulging that. It will be a doozie - that's for sure!
Wednesday was my "let's catch up on everything that is due tomorrow" day. After class, that's exactly what I did. First, Wednesday was our third of four Academic Travel meetings. Have I mentioned that I am really excited to go to it? Seriously. She started out the time by speaking only in Italian which was kinda freaky, but ended up giving us a lot of very helpful sayings and words that will make our travel even more exciting. For the next meeting (right before taking off!) a few of us are going to give a presentation about our first cities - Genova and Portofino (everyone has to do a presentation, and the others go in the hotel the night before we visit the city). After leaving the meeting, I dashed back home to write two papers (an English definition essay about Reality TV (for those who know me well, I should have aced that thing!) and a research paper for our business seminar about the Sunbeam Corp. and the scandal with Al Dunlap). I had started both of them (mainly the research/brainstorming) but really needed to sit down and write - and that's exactly what I did. Oh, and you know how I got my new desk finally (If I hadn't said, I GOT MY NEW DESK...finally), well, I didn't get a chair, so writing at my desk was going to be difficult...that is until I went to our common room and stole a chair to use - hey, things have to be done around here...I wasn't waiting! I finished around 1am with those (thanks to the editing help of my neighbor Alexis!).
Thursday was kinda a packed and eventful day...well, night anyways. I had my English class again (the teacher was kinda tired/out of it, but class was still fun) and then I had time to rework my business paper. My seminar, though, was in a different format today - it was watch a 1950s Bollywood film with Professor Matthews English class (side note...this movie had nothing to do with our class...it was really good tho). We were being pushed till the last minute in the auditorium because of the lecture that was to follow. We actually ran out of time before the movie was done - like 3 minutes left, and they stop it. They then just told us the end...that was kinda lame to me...whatever. I then stayed for the lecture given by a woman who just returned from Tibet - very interesting, but way over the hour they told us. There was also something up with her slide show (the last picture in the series would stay up there for like 2 minutes, and everyone was all confused and now ready for it to be done). Following a quick dinner at the North Campus, it was dance lesson time! We were all kinda locked out because Petra was at dinner (who had the keys) but they arrived with someone else, so dancing continued. It was once again a fun time! It was more of the swing, but this week was more advanced because our 19 yr old pro brought her equally talented 17 yr old bro pro. They made us look really bad, and then really good with their moves. There were some jumping, swinging around the back, yo-yo moves that were crazy! I was pretty sore, but it was worth it! After that, Kadie and I visited Kandyce who was working the Falcon's Nest. We showed her some of our new moves (she was very jealous), and then we ended up staying and talking/downloading each other’s music to out iPods until the end of her shift - 1am...it was a long walk home, but it all worked out.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Friday, September 28, 2007
Wrapping up yet another week...
Wow...so I was really tired before writing this one last time...let's try this again.
Well folks, yet another one under the belt. This experience isn't that bad...
So let's catch ya up. Last weekend (Sept 22 & 23)...That was probably the most unproductive experience ever...and I loved it! Seriously, I did do some stuff, but like nothing that I was supposed to. It was sooooo relaxing.
Saturday I decided to just take it easy. I rolled out of bed (really, just woke up and stayed in my bed with my computer) around 11:30ish, and had to start figuring out that night. It was decided that we were going to participate in a Leukemia/Cancer walk downtown. Before heading down, I decided that I should do something productive, so I did some dishes and vacuumed...so domesticated.
Well, a few of us met downtown around 4:45ish to register for the 5K walk/run through the streets, piazzas and parks of downtown Lugano. It was such a fun time - 5 of us students and thousands of locals walking for a great cause. It went by so quickly, too. I think we were done with the walk in like 35 minutes...is that really 5K? Whatever... After that, there was a free pasta dinner and entertainment. The band was crazy - we were the only ones that would clap for them, so as repay, they sang a few songs in English (none of which I knew, but it's the thought that counts...right?). We were going to get going as early as 8:30, but there were dancing lessons to follow! And who can pass up a deal like that?!? It was advertised as "fun for the whole family"...and...well...I think they should fire their promotions person...Basically, I felt both dirty and illegal for what this man was teaching us. And, to top it off, there was a sea of children in front of me doing the same moves. To the parents to the side, it was the emperor's new clothes...nothing was bothering them. There was this kinda old, creepy guy walking around. Yea - little kids + dirty dancing + creepy old man = scary thing....
The night was fun, weird, and to top it off, Kadie and I watched the Amazing Race for a few hours! Woot Woot!
Sunday...kinda similar story - but this one starts off with a brunch across the street in Girasole. It was one of their "residence events" but let's face it, Kadie and I are basically part of the family! Michael and Adam (RA extraordinaires) manned the kitchen and pumped out some yummy foods. Well, that lasted until a bit after 1, then a few more Amazing Race episodes (I am getting this place hooked one person at a time!) and then some quick shopping at BP (our Sunday shopping stop - everything else is closed).
The rest of the day...I can't even remember. That's how eventful it was. Wow...I think I read a little, maybe worked on a paper...caught up on some emails...yea, that's it. I'm cool!
Well folks, yet another one under the belt. This experience isn't that bad...
So let's catch ya up. Last weekend (Sept 22 & 23)...That was probably the most unproductive experience ever...and I loved it! Seriously, I did do some stuff, but like nothing that I was supposed to. It was sooooo relaxing.
Saturday I decided to just take it easy. I rolled out of bed (really, just woke up and stayed in my bed with my computer) around 11:30ish, and had to start figuring out that night. It was decided that we were going to participate in a Leukemia/Cancer walk downtown. Before heading down, I decided that I should do something productive, so I did some dishes and vacuumed...so domesticated.
Well, a few of us met downtown around 4:45ish to register for the 5K walk/run through the streets, piazzas and parks of downtown Lugano. It was such a fun time - 5 of us students and thousands of locals walking for a great cause. It went by so quickly, too. I think we were done with the walk in like 35 minutes...is that really 5K? Whatever... After that, there was a free pasta dinner and entertainment. The band was crazy - we were the only ones that would clap for them, so as repay, they sang a few songs in English (none of which I knew, but it's the thought that counts...right?). We were going to get going as early as 8:30, but there were dancing lessons to follow! And who can pass up a deal like that?!? It was advertised as "fun for the whole family"...and...well...I think they should fire their promotions person...Basically, I felt both dirty and illegal for what this man was teaching us. And, to top it off, there was a sea of children in front of me doing the same moves. To the parents to the side, it was the emperor's new clothes...nothing was bothering them. There was this kinda old, creepy guy walking around. Yea - little kids + dirty dancing + creepy old man = scary thing....
The night was fun, weird, and to top it off, Kadie and I watched the Amazing Race for a few hours! Woot Woot!
Sunday...kinda similar story - but this one starts off with a brunch across the street in Girasole. It was one of their "residence events" but let's face it, Kadie and I are basically part of the family! Michael and Adam (RA extraordinaires) manned the kitchen and pumped out some yummy foods. Well, that lasted until a bit after 1, then a few more Amazing Race episodes (I am getting this place hooked one person at a time!) and then some quick shopping at BP (our Sunday shopping stop - everything else is closed).
The rest of the day...I can't even remember. That's how eventful it was. Wow...I think I read a little, maybe worked on a paper...caught up on some emails...yea, that's it. I'm cool!
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Join me!
Hey! So a lot of you have asked about Skype. Well, for those of you that don't really know what its about, its an online phnoe system basically, where you can call people on landlines and cell phones all around the world for sure cheap. For instance, I can call the family back in the states for like $.021/minute ...its such a good deal! All you need are speakers and a microphone. Go to www.skype.com to download it. It costs nothing to sign up! Plus, Skype-to-Skype calls are free! Talk to me for nothing!!! How great is that?!?
If you have any questions about that, just let me know! It's a great thing to have!
If you have any questions about that, just let me know! It's a great thing to have!
Ok, so let me get caught up...
Sorry again for my lack of updates...I'm busy!
Week 3...4? I don't even know at this point. So this week, the highlight would definitely be the Phone-A-Thon. Ok, are you like me, and hate when people call you trying to get money out of you around dinnertime? Well, for two nights, that was me! Actually, on Monday and Wednesday night, I called past and present parents from the school to touch base with them, update them about the school, and then try to suck money outta them. All week there were about 1600 people that needed to be called, and the goal was to raise $30,000. As of Wednesday night, I think we raised like $26,000 or so, and Thursday was the last night, so hopefully we hit our goal!
All of the money was put toward various things around the campus, including facility updates, hiring new staff, and other projects. Most of the people were nice that I talked to, and some in fact donated to the cause (thanks mom and dad!). Others, however, yelled, go mad, or just got to the point quickly and hung up. It was quite an experience.
The leader, Rachel, is sooo fun and nice. She reminds me of a compellation of the sisters! She provided lotsa snacks for us to stay energized. It was such a fun experience, and had its ups and downs -
up: I got paid 12 francs an hour (144 francs for the week!),
down: I worked the midnight-6am shift (so we could call the states at an appropriate time),
up: there were games that you could play if you got a pledge, and the two nights I worked, I won (the first was hangman, and the second night was random trivia. Thank God I knew Alan Alda, and that the 1980 Olympic games were held in Lake Placid),
down: I definitely missed my first class at 10:05 on Thursday (doesn't help waking up at 10:40...),
up: there were spirit days, and I so won Wednesday nights "swiss day" by dressing in all of my winter gear, a red bandana (or bandeezy for some), and a Swiss flag towel (the third in the set that I sent Ali) that I wore as a cape. Was I excruciatingly hot? Yes! But did I really wanna with that mini cereal variety pack? Heck yea! So fun!
What else about this week? Umm...lotsa studying (or attempts at it), reading, and walking. Oh, there was dance lessons on Thursday again - this week, sort of whatever we wanted to learn - tango, merengue, more swing/jive. It was very fun.
On Wednesday (I think) there was this career meeting that helped us decide what steps to do next in discover what we are going to do for an occupation. I really don't know anymore what I wanna do in the future...great.
Oh, and on Tuesday, about 20 of us went to a traditional Ticinese dinner (every Wednesday, there is an "Italian Family Dinner" where you eat in the dinning hall, sit at tables with other people, and get a phrase sheet to learn Italian.) This week’s dinner was held on Tuesday and was taken on the road. It was at a traditional Grotto (which kinda looked like a big shed), and was a dinner of this slowly cooked beef and polenta. There was also a mushroom one - both of which were served family style. It was sooooo delicious! It was such a fun time - sitting and talking about random stuff with an Italian Professor. So fun.
The reason that it was moved to a day earlier was to accommodate "German Family Dinner" so people could learn some German before venturing to that part of the country (about 4 days too late, guys...). We attended that (bratwurst, potatoes, and brussel sprouts...home!). The evening was finished off with this ridiculous man playing a dulcimer. He is a professional and makes them. It was very interesting, and his English wasn't great, so it made it even better!
Well, that's about it for the week... I think I am finally caught yup! Thanks God! I will let you all know tomorrow night about this weekend!
Ciao for now! Time to get some grub!
Week 3...4? I don't even know at this point. So this week, the highlight would definitely be the Phone-A-Thon. Ok, are you like me, and hate when people call you trying to get money out of you around dinnertime? Well, for two nights, that was me! Actually, on Monday and Wednesday night, I called past and present parents from the school to touch base with them, update them about the school, and then try to suck money outta them. All week there were about 1600 people that needed to be called, and the goal was to raise $30,000. As of Wednesday night, I think we raised like $26,000 or so, and Thursday was the last night, so hopefully we hit our goal!
All of the money was put toward various things around the campus, including facility updates, hiring new staff, and other projects. Most of the people were nice that I talked to, and some in fact donated to the cause (thanks mom and dad!). Others, however, yelled, go mad, or just got to the point quickly and hung up. It was quite an experience.
The leader, Rachel, is sooo fun and nice. She reminds me of a compellation of the sisters! She provided lotsa snacks for us to stay energized. It was such a fun experience, and had its ups and downs -
up: I got paid 12 francs an hour (144 francs for the week!),
down: I worked the midnight-6am shift (so we could call the states at an appropriate time),
up: there were games that you could play if you got a pledge, and the two nights I worked, I won (the first was hangman, and the second night was random trivia. Thank God I knew Alan Alda, and that the 1980 Olympic games were held in Lake Placid),
down: I definitely missed my first class at 10:05 on Thursday (doesn't help waking up at 10:40...),
up: there were spirit days, and I so won Wednesday nights "swiss day" by dressing in all of my winter gear, a red bandana (or bandeezy for some), and a Swiss flag towel (the third in the set that I sent Ali) that I wore as a cape. Was I excruciatingly hot? Yes! But did I really wanna with that mini cereal variety pack? Heck yea! So fun!
What else about this week? Umm...lotsa studying (or attempts at it), reading, and walking. Oh, there was dance lessons on Thursday again - this week, sort of whatever we wanted to learn - tango, merengue, more swing/jive. It was very fun.
On Wednesday (I think) there was this career meeting that helped us decide what steps to do next in discover what we are going to do for an occupation. I really don't know anymore what I wanna do in the future...great.
Oh, and on Tuesday, about 20 of us went to a traditional Ticinese dinner (every Wednesday, there is an "Italian Family Dinner" where you eat in the dinning hall, sit at tables with other people, and get a phrase sheet to learn Italian.) This week’s dinner was held on Tuesday and was taken on the road. It was at a traditional Grotto (which kinda looked like a big shed), and was a dinner of this slowly cooked beef and polenta. There was also a mushroom one - both of which were served family style. It was sooooo delicious! It was such a fun time - sitting and talking about random stuff with an Italian Professor. So fun.
The reason that it was moved to a day earlier was to accommodate "German Family Dinner" so people could learn some German before venturing to that part of the country (about 4 days too late, guys...). We attended that (bratwurst, potatoes, and brussel sprouts...home!). The evening was finished off with this ridiculous man playing a dulcimer. He is a professional and makes them. It was very interesting, and his English wasn't great, so it made it even better!
Well, that's about it for the week... I think I am finally caught yup! Thanks God! I will let you all know tomorrow night about this weekend!
Ciao for now! Time to get some grub!
Friday, September 21, 2007
Gutten Morgan, Zurich, con'd
Ok...so where was I...
Sunday! This day was...interesting. There isn't much of anything opened on Sundays any where in this country, so we had to improvise. What are a few things that would in fact be open on that day? Why of course - churches and cafes!
After a sub-par nights sleep (I couldn't really breathe, and there were people outside till really late being really loud - oh yea, did I forget Kadie and I started the day walking around the (very desolate) city. Just 8 hours earlier, people were crowding the tight streets...and now...nothing. Occasionally, you would see the one guy sweeping up from the previous night, but other than that...no one. We did take a stroll through the old town, checked on the hours of a few churches (which were actually closed early in the morning) and got some breakfast in a cafe near the river. Most random thing ever - so we are eating our over priced croissants inside this very nice establishment, when all of a sudden we see a bird hopping around on the floor...creepy! It would just hop around, then fly up to sit on the backs of chairs, and on the menus that were on each table. I was all "do they notice that bird" and sure enough, people aren't taken back at all by if...oh, and keep in mind, it wasn't like a domestic-y bird, this was like a "there-are-thousands-of-me-right-on-the-other-side-of-that-window-but-I'm-just-special" bird. Whatever...
We checked out of the hotel of fun, and explored some more - mainly to check back on the previously closed churches, now that were all in service. Just our luck. We stopped to get Thuli some food (where I also got this pretty delicious berry torte thing...yum). Then we walked around some more, admired the quaintness of the quiet city, and finally got into our first real thing of the day - a church known for having Europe’s largest clock face - I think St. Andrews...Peters...whatever. (side note...I am pretty sure that big ben is a lot bigger, so I will check that out and let you know). Anyways, we couldn't go up it, so we headed to yet another church that’s famous for having this huge, beautifully painted stained glass windows. We had to wait for them to finish cleaning up after mass, but after that, we got in. They were, in fact, huge and beautiful. They really lived up to the expectations!
So what haven't we done in a while? Oh, I know...another cafe! This time...Schober Cafe!!! I finally have been, and it is ridiculous! I didn't take many pictures, but check this link out - it's a virtual tour.
http://www.panoramajournal.ch/schweiz/zuerich/highlights/schober/01_2000.html
This place is sooo huge, so we kept going until we couldn't and sat down I think on the 2nd floor. It was covered in silk flowers, branches, and gaudiness...how fun! We couldn't really read the menu - at all - so we all sort of made things up/ took a guess and ordered. Two hot chocolates, a mocha, two apple strudels and a chocolate torte for the table. Holy richness, Batman. Ok, I had the hot chocolate (made with milk from the farmer that morning), which was topped with unsweetened whipped cream. After folding that layer in, it was quite delicious, but I could only do half - that thing was intense! The apple strudel was very good as well, served with a side of vanilla sauce. That, too, was sooo rich. I nearly finished it, but dang there was definitely some alcohol or something going on in there - it was very..."flavorful". After eating/drinking till near explosion, we went down into their store where we I purchased some of MY chocolate bars...yup, that’s right, all mine! (Theodor Schober Chocolate Bars...I wasn't lying) The woman (who didn't speak a lick on English) was really confused at why I only wanted that type, and even tried to lead me to others, but I told her "no, just these...one of each please". And man, you should have seen her face when I paid with my credit card. She did a double take, and in my very poor, broken German, I explained "Ich heiße Theodore Schober" (my name is...you can do it). She was all "oh...wha....oh" and had to like show some people and whatever. She gave me a postcard - I felt cool! I completely forgot to ask if I get checks per month or something for the name...anything?
Side note - St. Peter's is in fact the largest clock face in Europe - it's like 7 feet bigger than Big Ben...Go St. Peter!
Back to our day. Now, time for some learning. Welcome to the Swiss National Museum! The impressive structure (truly amazing, old castle) houses a truly not-so-impressive museum. It was a little boring, but it was a good collection of really anything one would want to know about Swissland. Thuli relaxed in a park behind the museum while Kadie and I checked out the place. It was only 5 francs, so it was worth it. We cruised through, and then all chilled in the park out back (I didn't feel too great, so the nap that I took was great!). It was about 5, and our train was at a little after 6, so we headed to the train station. There are many shops below it, so we grabbed some actual food (which we really hadn't had that day) and perused the stores before heading home.
Zurich is such a beautiful city. Let me tell you though, through experience, if you only have a few days you can devote to this city, avoid Sundays - no stores of main attractions open.
Sunday! This day was...interesting. There isn't much of anything opened on Sundays any where in this country, so we had to improvise. What are a few things that would in fact be open on that day? Why of course - churches and cafes!
After a sub-par nights sleep (I couldn't really breathe, and there were people outside till really late being really loud - oh yea, did I forget Kadie and I started the day walking around the (very desolate) city. Just 8 hours earlier, people were crowding the tight streets...and now...nothing. Occasionally, you would see the one guy sweeping up from the previous night, but other than that...no one. We did take a stroll through the old town, checked on the hours of a few churches (which were actually closed early in the morning) and got some breakfast in a cafe near the river. Most random thing ever - so we are eating our over priced croissants inside this very nice establishment, when all of a sudden we see a bird hopping around on the floor...creepy! It would just hop around, then fly up to sit on the backs of chairs, and on the menus that were on each table. I was all "do they notice that bird" and sure enough, people aren't taken back at all by if...oh, and keep in mind, it wasn't like a domestic-y bird, this was like a "there-are-thousands-of-me-right-on-the-other-side-of-that-window-but-I'm-just-special" bird. Whatever...
We checked out of the hotel of fun, and explored some more - mainly to check back on the previously closed churches, now that were all in service. Just our luck. We stopped to get Thuli some food (where I also got this pretty delicious berry torte thing...yum). Then we walked around some more, admired the quaintness of the quiet city, and finally got into our first real thing of the day - a church known for having Europe’s largest clock face - I think St. Andrews...Peters...whatever. (side note...I am pretty sure that big ben is a lot bigger, so I will check that out and let you know). Anyways, we couldn't go up it, so we headed to yet another church that’s famous for having this huge, beautifully painted stained glass windows. We had to wait for them to finish cleaning up after mass, but after that, we got in. They were, in fact, huge and beautiful. They really lived up to the expectations!
So what haven't we done in a while? Oh, I know...another cafe! This time...Schober Cafe!!! I finally have been, and it is ridiculous! I didn't take many pictures, but check this link out - it's a virtual tour.
http://www.panoramajournal.ch/schweiz/zuerich/highlights/schober/01_2000.html
This place is sooo huge, so we kept going until we couldn't and sat down I think on the 2nd floor. It was covered in silk flowers, branches, and gaudiness...how fun! We couldn't really read the menu - at all - so we all sort of made things up/ took a guess and ordered. Two hot chocolates, a mocha, two apple strudels and a chocolate torte for the table. Holy richness, Batman. Ok, I had the hot chocolate (made with milk from the farmer that morning), which was topped with unsweetened whipped cream. After folding that layer in, it was quite delicious, but I could only do half - that thing was intense! The apple strudel was very good as well, served with a side of vanilla sauce. That, too, was sooo rich. I nearly finished it, but dang there was definitely some alcohol or something going on in there - it was very..."flavorful". After eating/drinking till near explosion, we went down into their store where we I purchased some of MY chocolate bars...yup, that’s right, all mine! (Theodor Schober Chocolate Bars...I wasn't lying) The woman (who didn't speak a lick on English) was really confused at why I only wanted that type, and even tried to lead me to others, but I told her "no, just these...one of each please". And man, you should have seen her face when I paid with my credit card. She did a double take, and in my very poor, broken German, I explained "Ich heiße Theodore Schober" (my name is...you can do it). She was all "oh...wha....oh" and had to like show some people and whatever. She gave me a postcard - I felt cool! I completely forgot to ask if I get checks per month or something for the name...anything?
Side note - St. Peter's is in fact the largest clock face in Europe - it's like 7 feet bigger than Big Ben...Go St. Peter!
Back to our day. Now, time for some learning. Welcome to the Swiss National Museum! The impressive structure (truly amazing, old castle) houses a truly not-so-impressive museum. It was a little boring, but it was a good collection of really anything one would want to know about Swissland. Thuli relaxed in a park behind the museum while Kadie and I checked out the place. It was only 5 francs, so it was worth it. We cruised through, and then all chilled in the park out back (I didn't feel too great, so the nap that I took was great!). It was about 5, and our train was at a little after 6, so we headed to the train station. There are many shops below it, so we grabbed some actual food (which we really hadn't had that day) and perused the stores before heading home.
Zurich is such a beautiful city. Let me tell you though, through experience, if you only have a few days you can devote to this city, avoid Sundays - no stores of main attractions open.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Gutten Morgan, Zurich!
Well, its 5:45 am on a Saturday morning...what do you feel like doing? Oh I know...how about a 3+ hour train ride to German speaking Switzerland....ummmm ok!
That's right folks, welcome to Zurich! An amazing city just 3 hours north of here. Thuli, Kadie and I headed there this past weekend aboard the train (which I think may have been the longest I was ever on a train...mom or dad remember?). Anyways, before getting on the train, there was a bit of nervousness (Kadie couldn't eat), but in the end we got on the correct train, and got off at the correct location, too! (Oh, and on our train was the Student Programming Board from here...they were off to Zurich for some bonding time...how cute!). Before arriving, this awesome man, called Snack Cart Man, wheeled this giant cart down the aisle, and spoke, no lie, like 5 different languages. We thought that was cool, anyways.
So, you're in Zurich...what's the first thing that you do? I know! Starbucks! Welcome back moderately expensive cups of joy! It was a great, tho kinda expensive (but it's Starbucks and some people will do anything for that stuff). Oh, this was of course after trying to check into our hotel (oh the hotel...we will get to that momentarily) at 9:30am...who does that...and we couldn't anyways...oh well.
After replenishing our caffeine levels, it was time to explore! We walked around the "Old Town" - the section that our hotel was in. There were soooo many cool shops (way too expensive...) and beautiful streets. And, we discovered something that was on the planning list since day 1...SCHOBER CAFE!!!!! That's right people, I found it! It was, no lie, one a block from our hotel...we couldn't have planned it any better. We didn't feel like eating/drinking another Starbucks-esque "meal" at that time, so we continued to walk knowing that we would be back soon. We passed some of Zurich's sights, including Fraumunster and Grossmunster, and around and over the river. It is such a picturesque city and so well laid out. We then checked this ridiculous flea market (proud...I didn't buy anything) and then we wanted to explore more, so we got on a water tour (a cruise around the lake with minimal German narrations...it was only 7.60 francs...we didn't mind).
Ok...checking into our hotel was...hard to say the less. When you are on the correct street, see 3 signs for it posted on a building, and even recognize it from pictures, finding the hotel would be relatively easy to locate...not so. It took us forever to realize that you had to take the same entrance as the attached Indian Restaurant, take some stairs, and pass through a very narrow hotel just to get to reception. From there on, smooth sailing!
Our room, and the world renowned Zic Zac Rock Hotel (google this place...it's a trip...) was...interesting. All of the rooms here are actually themed to rock and role legends (ie Beatles, Rolling Stones, Tina Turner, Queen, etc.). Ours, however, was...Deep Purple. Name a song and I'll give you a dollar! Oh, and the theme stopped at the plaque on the door. Inside...nothing but two spray painted "gold records" and sunshine yellow walls...how themey! Also, as I see all over here, it was as if they literally heisted everything in the room from the Ikea Scratch and Dent Center. I will give them one thing tho...English television in the room. It was CNN and subtitled MTV, but nonetheless...Points for the TV, however, are taken right back with the lack of bathroom! We had to walk down the sketchy hallway...
Later that afternoon, we climbed the Grossmunster tower, which gave amazing views of the city. Back outside, there was something we were definitely taken back by...a gathering of what seemed to be every Swiss Scout...hundreds of screaming, running, singing, crying kids...We sat outside, trying to relax, but no, they all had to see if they could create a chain around the entire church which singing and swaying...and the did! Oy...sorry mom and dad...no grand kids from this one (ok...just kidding - for now).
Hey, now that we are in a completely new city for only two days, what's the one thing that you would want to do? Oh, I know! Let's see a movie! Sure enough, we had to - it was in English, and it took us fooorrrreeeeeevvvvveeeeerrrrrr to find the theater...But, after taking the tram, walking way too long, finding some English speakers in the Red Light District...no joke...and running for a while, we kinda had to. We saw Hairspray (great movie...just don't ask Kadie). If was fun, the theater was amazing (there were light up ottoman in the lobby, the theaters were really big, and the seats were sooo comfortable (but one complaint...the cup holders were in front of you...like on the ground...kinda annoying), and there were only like 7 people there...it was a Saturday night in Zurich...we are lame.
After a long walk, we found some food (that one could actually afford) and then headed back for the night - we were beat (and our street wreaked of cheese fondue...it was nasty).
I will finally add the Sunday portion soon - keep checking back for more!
That's right folks, welcome to Zurich! An amazing city just 3 hours north of here. Thuli, Kadie and I headed there this past weekend aboard the train (which I think may have been the longest I was ever on a train...mom or dad remember?). Anyways, before getting on the train, there was a bit of nervousness (Kadie couldn't eat), but in the end we got on the correct train, and got off at the correct location, too! (Oh, and on our train was the Student Programming Board from here...they were off to Zurich for some bonding time...how cute!). Before arriving, this awesome man, called Snack Cart Man, wheeled this giant cart down the aisle, and spoke, no lie, like 5 different languages. We thought that was cool, anyways.
So, you're in Zurich...what's the first thing that you do? I know! Starbucks! Welcome back moderately expensive cups of joy! It was a great, tho kinda expensive (but it's Starbucks and some people will do anything for that stuff). Oh, this was of course after trying to check into our hotel (oh the hotel...we will get to that momentarily) at 9:30am...who does that...and we couldn't anyways...oh well.
After replenishing our caffeine levels, it was time to explore! We walked around the "Old Town" - the section that our hotel was in. There were soooo many cool shops (way too expensive...) and beautiful streets. And, we discovered something that was on the planning list since day 1...SCHOBER CAFE!!!!! That's right people, I found it! It was, no lie, one a block from our hotel...we couldn't have planned it any better. We didn't feel like eating/drinking another Starbucks-esque "meal" at that time, so we continued to walk knowing that we would be back soon. We passed some of Zurich's sights, including Fraumunster and Grossmunster, and around and over the river. It is such a picturesque city and so well laid out. We then checked this ridiculous flea market (proud...I didn't buy anything) and then we wanted to explore more, so we got on a water tour (a cruise around the lake with minimal German narrations...it was only 7.60 francs...we didn't mind).
Ok...checking into our hotel was...hard to say the less. When you are on the correct street, see 3 signs for it posted on a building, and even recognize it from pictures, finding the hotel would be relatively easy to locate...not so. It took us forever to realize that you had to take the same entrance as the attached Indian Restaurant, take some stairs, and pass through a very narrow hotel just to get to reception. From there on, smooth sailing!
Our room, and the world renowned Zic Zac Rock Hotel (google this place...it's a trip...) was...interesting. All of the rooms here are actually themed to rock and role legends (ie Beatles, Rolling Stones, Tina Turner, Queen, etc.). Ours, however, was...Deep Purple. Name a song and I'll give you a dollar! Oh, and the theme stopped at the plaque on the door. Inside...nothing but two spray painted "gold records" and sunshine yellow walls...how themey! Also, as I see all over here, it was as if they literally heisted everything in the room from the Ikea Scratch and Dent Center. I will give them one thing tho...English television in the room. It was CNN and subtitled MTV, but nonetheless...Points for the TV, however, are taken right back with the lack of bathroom! We had to walk down the sketchy hallway...
Later that afternoon, we climbed the Grossmunster tower, which gave amazing views of the city. Back outside, there was something we were definitely taken back by...a gathering of what seemed to be every Swiss Scout...hundreds of screaming, running, singing, crying kids...We sat outside, trying to relax, but no, they all had to see if they could create a chain around the entire church which singing and swaying...and the did! Oy...sorry mom and dad...no grand kids from this one (ok...just kidding - for now).
Hey, now that we are in a completely new city for only two days, what's the one thing that you would want to do? Oh, I know! Let's see a movie! Sure enough, we had to - it was in English, and it took us fooorrrreeeeeevvvvveeeeerrrrrr to find the theater...But, after taking the tram, walking way too long, finding some English speakers in the Red Light District...no joke...and running for a while, we kinda had to. We saw Hairspray (great movie...just don't ask Kadie). If was fun, the theater was amazing (there were light up ottoman in the lobby, the theaters were really big, and the seats were sooo comfortable (but one complaint...the cup holders were in front of you...like on the ground...kinda annoying), and there were only like 7 people there...it was a Saturday night in Zurich...we are lame.
After a long walk, we found some food (that one could actually afford) and then headed back for the night - we were beat (and our street wreaked of cheese fondue...it was nasty).
I will finally add the Sunday portion soon - keep checking back for more!
I haven't updated this thing in HOW long?...
Hi all! Sorry for the week delay with these posts, but I unfortunatly have more important things to do...somewhere near the top is getting an education. You know...kinda important. But enough of that, lets get into the updates:
-Last week of school (September 10-14) was pretty average. I am still really happy with my classes, but seem to just be doing average in them. No failures, no extreme greatness...just right in the middle. Hopefully I will get out of this trend and I will have some things to brag about. But as for now, just two C quizzes and some checked mandatory work. Nothing special...
-More excursions downtown. Mostly the "oh no, I need cash" runs and "hey, so I don't have food" trips. The normal things. Oh, Kadie and I did a walking tour of Lugano (thanks to her Rick Steves Swiss Guide Book...what would the world do without that man...). We toured the church in town, walked the streets and explored the city park. That place was so beautiful. Not too many people, great and relaxed atmosphere, and beautifully upkeep on the lawns (it's Switzerland...fathom that).
-We have started to get sensible and spend a lot less. Let's face it, we are here for a while and we kinda just realized that we aren't on a vacation. We actually have to support ourselves and eat...pretty important.
-Oh, and last monday was our Orientation Leader Appreciation dinner. Paul drove us down to this sweet restaurant downtown called Ethnics, where out OL family ate and mingled. The family, including our adopted daughter Thuli, had a lot of fun. Kadie and I bought some awesome, thoughtful gifts for our OL Dad...from the gas station. This included kitchen sponges (2 out of 3 in the pack...I kinda needed one, too), toilet paper, free Smintz, one piece of black licorice, a packet of his Kool-Aid that we found in his car, and, of course, boxed wine (keep in mind, here boxed wine is actually in similar containers to a carton of orange juice). Come on, that stuff is funny...don't lie. He loved it, we had to pay for our own meals, and he did not buy me alcohol...I am going on record right there...
That was last week...this past weekend (our trip to Zurich!) is coming shortly!
-Last week of school (September 10-14) was pretty average. I am still really happy with my classes, but seem to just be doing average in them. No failures, no extreme greatness...just right in the middle. Hopefully I will get out of this trend and I will have some things to brag about. But as for now, just two C quizzes and some checked mandatory work. Nothing special...
-More excursions downtown. Mostly the "oh no, I need cash" runs and "hey, so I don't have food" trips. The normal things. Oh, Kadie and I did a walking tour of Lugano (thanks to her Rick Steves Swiss Guide Book...what would the world do without that man...). We toured the church in town, walked the streets and explored the city park. That place was so beautiful. Not too many people, great and relaxed atmosphere, and beautifully upkeep on the lawns (it's Switzerland...fathom that).
-We have started to get sensible and spend a lot less. Let's face it, we are here for a while and we kinda just realized that we aren't on a vacation. We actually have to support ourselves and eat...pretty important.
-Oh, and last monday was our Orientation Leader Appreciation dinner. Paul drove us down to this sweet restaurant downtown called Ethnics, where out OL family ate and mingled. The family, including our adopted daughter Thuli, had a lot of fun. Kadie and I bought some awesome, thoughtful gifts for our OL Dad...from the gas station. This included kitchen sponges (2 out of 3 in the pack...I kinda needed one, too), toilet paper, free Smintz, one piece of black licorice, a packet of his Kool-Aid that we found in his car, and, of course, boxed wine (keep in mind, here boxed wine is actually in similar containers to a carton of orange juice). Come on, that stuff is funny...don't lie. He loved it, we had to pay for our own meals, and he did not buy me alcohol...I am going on record right there...
That was last week...this past weekend (our trip to Zurich!) is coming shortly!
Friday, September 14, 2007
As I promised...
Greetings all! Here are the links to all of me pictures. I have more coming (i.e. Bellinzona), but there are enough here to enjoy for now!
Room pictures (kinda out dated)
Pictures to Lugano
Orientation Week
San Salvatore
Florida Park
Blues to Bop
Enjoy!
Room pictures (kinda out dated)
Pictures to Lugano
Orientation Week
San Salvatore
Florida Park
Blues to Bop
Enjoy!
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Weekend #2, con'd
Sorry this is taking so long - I actually have work to do this week. Bare with me...
Ok, where was I...soccer with school alcohol, downtown with whipped senior, marriage proposal...now I remember...Saturday.
Ok, Saturday is proof to all that we in fact do not go to school in the good ol' US of A. The school took us on a sponsored trip to...any guesses? Oh yes, I think I heard it in the back...a wine tasting festival. That's right people - the Bellinzona Wine Tasting Festival. The school paid everyone's train tickets (our guess is around 40 francs each) as well as a souvenir glass (6 francs) to taste a plethora of wines from around the area. Welcome to Franklin College, folks!
The group left at noon to walk down as a group to the train station, where we all boarded at 12:46 for the 30 minute trip to Bellinzona. The group, that is...minus Thuli (this is where I have to make a little interjection - someone claims that two other people were supposed to wake her up via cell phone call, but the alleged twosome had not remembered this promise...continue story). After being told at 10:45 that she wouldn't have enough time to get ready...lame...we called Thuli around 12:15 told her to run like the dickens to the train station (about 15 minutes away) to get on the train. And she did. She literally arrived (sweaty and near death) at the station as we were sitting aboard, ready to pull out (I should also comment that Kristen and I freaked Kadie out by going to get $ inside the station as the train arrived - settle down Kadie...it sits there for like 10 minutes...).
Have we seen Beauty and the Beast? Bellinzona is kinda like that city...but real...but it does have a castle! Actually, many castles! When in Bellinzona, we were able to explore the amazing city for a while before meeting to get our glasses. Off we went! First, to this counter place for lunch (delicious!), and then to Castle #1. The walk was intense, but nothing more than we are used to! The views were amazing up there - pictures for sure will not justify! Inside, there were towers, buildings, a restaurant (a little weird, but whatever...from the states - I don't judge), and this really long wall thing that went like into the city, and looked like something from a minigolf course (really long and grass covered). I will post the links to the pictures - its indescribable.
Oh! In between lunch and Castle #1, we checked out this really amazing church! It was sooo pretty, and was huge. I always feel weird taking pictures inside of churches, but since there were no visible holy people, I took them (though God was watching...that might throw a wrench in things in my future...).
So after exploring, we headed back into the town center area, checked out a few shops (the 2 franc store...I am obsessed!), got some dessert (life lesson - if you thing it will taste bad, it will - no exceptions...), and got our beautiful wine glasses (it has this thing in Italian etched on it...regifting?...we will see).
Then, it began...the most awkward 30 minutes of my life...ok, not really, but pretty close. Well, I decided based on two factors what to do: (1) I am at a Wine festival and (2) I need to do research for my Christmas dinner shopping... As you guessed, I partaked...took...whatever...in the event. While others were like slamming back one after another half glass sample, and struggled through two. The first was red - holy grossness (I was trying to find one that was church wine-esque...no such luck with this one...) and the second was white (very dry - or at least that's what I think - I don't even know the lingo!). (Kadie first tried one that smelled very similar to soy sauce - yummo) Needless to say, the research was a complete failure - got nothing accept a new appreciation for water.
Before heading back to the train, Kadie and I explored Castle #2 on top of a giant hill...it was sooo beautiful from up there! Again, I will get on those pictures...please have patience...
After the train ride, the three of us gathered at Kadie's for a crazy evening event - "camping" on the balcony...oy. After gathering proper supplies, at 11pm, after most places close, I found myself sprinting to the nearest pizzeria for dinner...wow, we are college-y... But seriously, this was totally ghetto - Thuli forgot blankets or a pillow - therefore 3 people sharing 2 pillows and 2 blankets...on the cold concrete...college concrete nonetheless...
So yea, I didn't sleep much, so after enough complaining, I finally snoozed off...for a few hours.
Sunday found us sleepy and kinda grouchy. But, of course, we had to have a fun group event. Enter movie night! First on the agenda - Amilie. The event was held in Thuli/Ruthi's room, and in attendance was Kadie, myself, Thuli, Ruthi, Paul, Michael, and a random add on, Ariel (haven’t really talked to her much so I will reserve some judgment)...I made dinner (spaghetti with tomato sauce, cheese and spinach ravioli with pesto and spaghetti with pesto...i rock!). Michael also helped by bringing her oven...only in Swissland...to make delicious garlic bread. The evening was fun - the movie was great (kinda confusing - especially with the distractions in the room...aka everyone talking) but there was a lot of negativity, too...lame!
So long weekend #2!
Ok, where was I...soccer with school alcohol, downtown with whipped senior, marriage proposal...now I remember...Saturday.
Ok, Saturday is proof to all that we in fact do not go to school in the good ol' US of A. The school took us on a sponsored trip to...any guesses? Oh yes, I think I heard it in the back...a wine tasting festival. That's right people - the Bellinzona Wine Tasting Festival. The school paid everyone's train tickets (our guess is around 40 francs each) as well as a souvenir glass (6 francs) to taste a plethora of wines from around the area. Welcome to Franklin College, folks!
The group left at noon to walk down as a group to the train station, where we all boarded at 12:46 for the 30 minute trip to Bellinzona. The group, that is...minus Thuli (this is where I have to make a little interjection - someone claims that two other people were supposed to wake her up via cell phone call, but the alleged twosome had not remembered this promise...continue story). After being told at 10:45 that she wouldn't have enough time to get ready...lame...we called Thuli around 12:15 told her to run like the dickens to the train station (about 15 minutes away) to get on the train. And she did. She literally arrived (sweaty and near death) at the station as we were sitting aboard, ready to pull out (I should also comment that Kristen and I freaked Kadie out by going to get $ inside the station as the train arrived - settle down Kadie...it sits there for like 10 minutes...).
Have we seen Beauty and the Beast? Bellinzona is kinda like that city...but real...but it does have a castle! Actually, many castles! When in Bellinzona, we were able to explore the amazing city for a while before meeting to get our glasses. Off we went! First, to this counter place for lunch (delicious!), and then to Castle #1. The walk was intense, but nothing more than we are used to! The views were amazing up there - pictures for sure will not justify! Inside, there were towers, buildings, a restaurant (a little weird, but whatever...from the states - I don't judge), and this really long wall thing that went like into the city, and looked like something from a minigolf course (really long and grass covered). I will post the links to the pictures - its indescribable.
Oh! In between lunch and Castle #1, we checked out this really amazing church! It was sooo pretty, and was huge. I always feel weird taking pictures inside of churches, but since there were no visible holy people, I took them (though God was watching...that might throw a wrench in things in my future...).
So after exploring, we headed back into the town center area, checked out a few shops (the 2 franc store...I am obsessed!), got some dessert (life lesson - if you thing it will taste bad, it will - no exceptions...), and got our beautiful wine glasses (it has this thing in Italian etched on it...regifting?...we will see).
Then, it began...the most awkward 30 minutes of my life...ok, not really, but pretty close. Well, I decided based on two factors what to do: (1) I am at a Wine festival and (2) I need to do research for my Christmas dinner shopping... As you guessed, I partaked...took...whatever...in the event. While others were like slamming back one after another half glass sample, and struggled through two. The first was red - holy grossness (I was trying to find one that was church wine-esque...no such luck with this one...) and the second was white (very dry - or at least that's what I think - I don't even know the lingo!). (Kadie first tried one that smelled very similar to soy sauce - yummo) Needless to say, the research was a complete failure - got nothing accept a new appreciation for water.
Before heading back to the train, Kadie and I explored Castle #2 on top of a giant hill...it was sooo beautiful from up there! Again, I will get on those pictures...please have patience...
After the train ride, the three of us gathered at Kadie's for a crazy evening event - "camping" on the balcony...oy. After gathering proper supplies, at 11pm, after most places close, I found myself sprinting to the nearest pizzeria for dinner...wow, we are college-y... But seriously, this was totally ghetto - Thuli forgot blankets or a pillow - therefore 3 people sharing 2 pillows and 2 blankets...on the cold concrete...college concrete nonetheless...
So yea, I didn't sleep much, so after enough complaining, I finally snoozed off...for a few hours.
Sunday found us sleepy and kinda grouchy. But, of course, we had to have a fun group event. Enter movie night! First on the agenda - Amilie. The event was held in Thuli/Ruthi's room, and in attendance was Kadie, myself, Thuli, Ruthi, Paul, Michael, and a random add on, Ariel (haven’t really talked to her much so I will reserve some judgment)...I made dinner (spaghetti with tomato sauce, cheese and spinach ravioli with pesto and spaghetti with pesto...i rock!). Michael also helped by bringing her oven...only in Swissland...to make delicious garlic bread. The evening was fun - the movie was great (kinda confusing - especially with the distractions in the room...aka everyone talking) but there was a lot of negativity, too...lame!
So long weekend #2!
Monday, September 10, 2007
Oops...so much to discuss!
Hey all! Sorry for the gap in postings, but I...well...I would say that I have been too productive, but not really. Blame it on laziness. My bad!
***Wow...things are mashing in my head. I have reworked this one to actual chronological order.***
Ok, lets get into things...First of all, things back at the loft (my dorm, as I like to refer to it as) are going good. I think the fact that it's usually only one of us in there at a time helps our lack of communicating (less one-on-one awkward silence). There is the issues of like cleaning that kinda hasn't been settled (alright, brought up...we don't talk, remember!?!). I have purchased all of the supplies, and that is the only thing that I think he believes is the only thing not to share...? I think I will be the live-in maid. Oh, well, I am used to cleaning, and it's not big. Plus, I feel a lot better about cleanliness coming from my work, than someone else's.
So who here wants to hear about my second week of school!??! No one, well that's a shame...I'll go into it anyways. Basically, nothing new. In fact, it went by extremely fast, with minimal things that stick out. More dragged out, ancient history with Mr. Bavaria; econ, which I am pretty sure is common sense...right?; Spanish 200...made for a 7 year old...its pretty easy (thankfully); scandals in business that kinda makes me sleepy, tho very interesting info (the professor knows soooo much information, that it all kinda mashes together and gets confusing...); and my English class - pretty fun indeed (i haven't fallen asleep...that's gotta be good!). Classes and reading...going good. Tedious, but good.
Now onto our fun stuff. First up - the Friday's Faculty vs Student soccer game. Clarification..."faculty" means gardening and maintenance staff...I was soooo hoping to see my professors out there...dangit! Anyways, it was pretty fun. The student assembly tailgated (grilling during the game...does that constitute?). Basically, people showed up because of one thing that makes my school extremely...unique...to me. The free beer that the Student Assembly provided...huh? WHERE AM I!?! I'm all "just water for me", to which I get "umm...orange juice alright?"...welcome to Swissland! The evening was filled with soccer (ref was kinda drunk, so I don't think the scores - which I never knew - could be accurate), drinking students and teachers, and a wedding proposal...to me! That's right people, I was proposed to! The female RA of Girasole, Michael Garcia, saw that I was wearing an "Ireland" t-shirt, to which she responds (keep in mind...beer), "Ireland...are you Irish...I am...I have an Irish passport...wanna get married?"...For the first moment here, I had no comeback...except for, of course, "ummmm..huh?". Then there was giggling, and then I think she left. I love college!
After the game, Thuli, Kadie and I got pizza at this delicious (and pretty cheap) restaurant. It was sooo good, but really confusing (it always is...). The three of us then chilaxed on Kadie's sweet balcony - dangled our feet five stories up...we are rebels! Literally, its kinda on the roof, and there is a wall like 3 feet away from the edge of the roof defining the balcony, so we climbed over that and sat over the edge. If you cant picture it, chill - I will show some pictures. We just sat there, talked, and threw rocks at the building below...we are also apparently 5 years old now. We sampled Kadie's eclectic music selection...so fun! But we had to retire early (ok, it was like 12:30...we are lame college students!), because in the morning was quite an exciting, and freightening event...
I am only on Friday night - I still have all the weekend to go! But, now it's off to class. Check back later for some more excitement!
***Wow...things are mashing in my head. I have reworked this one to actual chronological order.***
Ok, lets get into things...First of all, things back at the loft (my dorm, as I like to refer to it as) are going good. I think the fact that it's usually only one of us in there at a time helps our lack of communicating (less one-on-one awkward silence). There is the issues of like cleaning that kinda hasn't been settled (alright, brought up...we don't talk, remember!?!). I have purchased all of the supplies, and that is the only thing that I think he believes is the only thing not to share...? I think I will be the live-in maid. Oh, well, I am used to cleaning, and it's not big. Plus, I feel a lot better about cleanliness coming from my work, than someone else's.
So who here wants to hear about my second week of school!??! No one, well that's a shame...I'll go into it anyways. Basically, nothing new. In fact, it went by extremely fast, with minimal things that stick out. More dragged out, ancient history with Mr. Bavaria; econ, which I am pretty sure is common sense...right?; Spanish 200...made for a 7 year old...its pretty easy (thankfully); scandals in business that kinda makes me sleepy, tho very interesting info (the professor knows soooo much information, that it all kinda mashes together and gets confusing...); and my English class - pretty fun indeed (i haven't fallen asleep...that's gotta be good!). Classes and reading...going good. Tedious, but good.
Now onto our fun stuff. First up - the Friday's Faculty vs Student soccer game. Clarification..."faculty" means gardening and maintenance staff...I was soooo hoping to see my professors out there...dangit! Anyways, it was pretty fun. The student assembly tailgated (grilling during the game...does that constitute?). Basically, people showed up because of one thing that makes my school extremely...unique...to me. The free beer that the Student Assembly provided...huh? WHERE AM I!?! I'm all "just water for me", to which I get "umm...orange juice alright?"...welcome to Swissland! The evening was filled with soccer (ref was kinda drunk, so I don't think the scores - which I never knew - could be accurate), drinking students and teachers, and a wedding proposal...to me! That's right people, I was proposed to! The female RA of Girasole, Michael Garcia, saw that I was wearing an "Ireland" t-shirt, to which she responds (keep in mind...beer), "Ireland...are you Irish...I am...I have an Irish passport...wanna get married?"...For the first moment here, I had no comeback...except for, of course, "ummmm..huh?". Then there was giggling, and then I think she left. I love college!
After the game, Thuli, Kadie and I got pizza at this delicious (and pretty cheap) restaurant. It was sooo good, but really confusing (it always is...). The three of us then chilaxed on Kadie's sweet balcony - dangled our feet five stories up...we are rebels! Literally, its kinda on the roof, and there is a wall like 3 feet away from the edge of the roof defining the balcony, so we climbed over that and sat over the edge. If you cant picture it, chill - I will show some pictures. We just sat there, talked, and threw rocks at the building below...we are also apparently 5 years old now. We sampled Kadie's eclectic music selection...so fun! But we had to retire early (ok, it was like 12:30...we are lame college students!), because in the morning was quite an exciting, and freightening event...
I am only on Friday night - I still have all the weekend to go! But, now it's off to class. Check back later for some more excitement!
Thursday, September 6, 2007
A New Way of Living
So with it being a few weeks in Switzerland, I have realized that I have begun to live my life differently. No, not dwelling on the cleaning, food shopping, laundry and cooking aspect (tho what of that is new?!), but just living in general. I have realized that I now live with an "anything goes" attitude. For start, our crazy car ride...and wasn't that fun!? No plans...just jump in, and off we go! Another crazy example would be, well, this entire evening. Today was the Club Signup Fair Thingy (very scientific name - i so cant remember what it was called) and I definitely joined like 8 clubs...it's in my blood (zoom in on me in HS...). Then, I found myself, along with Thuli and Kadie, in Paul's car (my orientation leader...you should have been introduced to him in a previous entry) and on our way downtown. Desination...who knows. We parked (after much arguement between Thules and Paul...) and got some money and then off to the crazy shoping center. I (finally - i have been looking all around for this) purchased mustard (you never know you love something till you dont have it for a while) which definitely came in this creepy toothpaste-esque tube. But anywho, my sandwiches will be very happy!
After our purchases, it was back to campus for some dinner...pasta (fathom that...). We were going to head back down to our respective rooms, when all of a sudden Tatyana (another upperclass Orietation Leader) called us over to the Administration building thing where they were giving free dance lessons...of course, we were in! It was only a few of at at first...kinda awkward - me, Thuli (Kadie had to duck out to finish a project), a teacher/administrator, and two professionals (one woman and a British old guy - just like TV, and definitely no spring chickens in there...age...lets say much more experienced than Thuli....Kadie....and I combined. We stood around for like ten minutes (time: about 8:45pm) - then more arrived, and the dancing began. On tonights agenda...boogie/jive/swing. Woot Woot! I had it down from high school gym class, and everyone else pretty much got it. More people came, so we just started to dance around - Thuli and I kinda rock...to motivate us, we pretend that we are on Dancing with the Stars, and even gave eachother Russian dancer names (thats where they are all from, right?). She is now Anakarina and I am Maxim. We are definitely going to win this. Anyways...more people came, Paul "joined in" aka was horrible, and Kadie came after her project. The night was sooo fun! We are now grand dance masters, and constitute as royalty in 5 countries. When we were all sweaty, tired, and near death, old Brit told us to watch a demo from them, and oh my god, I feared for both of their post retirement lives...fast pace, spins, dips, and even......it pains me to go here...a lift. At that moment, the entire room of like 20 went silent, hoping that all hips were still aligned, and in one piece. After we were assured, applause! It was such a fun time! We are going to make it a regular Thursday night thing, including dressup contests...which Tatyana, Thuli and I are organizing - there will be prizes and crazy weekly themes...next week - Ghetto Glam...oy. I have a bandana...I think thats all that will count. I have a week...we will win, dangit!
After that Diseny experience, we stopped at Kadie's for a bit and did the craziest off the cuff thing yet to date - WE ARE GOING ON A TRIP NEXT WEEKEND!!! Thats right (and I am assuming that this will be followed with many parental contacts...) we are going exotic...Zurich! Here's the situation - Thules needs a Euro Visa with her Zimbobwe passport, so its in the country for now! It'll be a weekend of fun - three college freshmen that dont drink in a German speaking area...did I mention that none of us speak German? Oops! Well, with the hotel booked (actulally cheaper than a hostel...weird), we just need train fare, and are golden! Sooo excited!
Well, its 1:34am, and I am nodding off. Sleepy time - only 7 hours till class!
After our purchases, it was back to campus for some dinner...pasta (fathom that...). We were going to head back down to our respective rooms, when all of a sudden Tatyana (another upperclass Orietation Leader) called us over to the Administration building thing where they were giving free dance lessons...of course, we were in! It was only a few of at at first...kinda awkward - me, Thuli (Kadie had to duck out to finish a project), a teacher/administrator, and two professionals (one woman and a British old guy - just like TV, and definitely no spring chickens in there...age...lets say much more experienced than Thuli....Kadie....and I combined. We stood around for like ten minutes (time: about 8:45pm) - then more arrived, and the dancing began. On tonights agenda...boogie/jive/swing. Woot Woot! I had it down from high school gym class, and everyone else pretty much got it. More people came, so we just started to dance around - Thuli and I kinda rock...to motivate us, we pretend that we are on Dancing with the Stars, and even gave eachother Russian dancer names (thats where they are all from, right?). She is now Anakarina and I am Maxim. We are definitely going to win this. Anyways...more people came, Paul "joined in" aka was horrible, and Kadie came after her project. The night was sooo fun! We are now grand dance masters, and constitute as royalty in 5 countries. When we were all sweaty, tired, and near death, old Brit told us to watch a demo from them, and oh my god, I feared for both of their post retirement lives...fast pace, spins, dips, and even......it pains me to go here...a lift. At that moment, the entire room of like 20 went silent, hoping that all hips were still aligned, and in one piece. After we were assured, applause! It was such a fun time! We are going to make it a regular Thursday night thing, including dressup contests...which Tatyana, Thuli and I are organizing - there will be prizes and crazy weekly themes...next week - Ghetto Glam...oy. I have a bandana...I think thats all that will count. I have a week...we will win, dangit!
After that Diseny experience, we stopped at Kadie's for a bit and did the craziest off the cuff thing yet to date - WE ARE GOING ON A TRIP NEXT WEEKEND!!! Thats right (and I am assuming that this will be followed with many parental contacts...) we are going exotic...Zurich! Here's the situation - Thules needs a Euro Visa with her Zimbobwe passport, so its in the country for now! It'll be a weekend of fun - three college freshmen that dont drink in a German speaking area...did I mention that none of us speak German? Oops! Well, with the hotel booked (actulally cheaper than a hostel...weird), we just need train fare, and are golden! Sooo excited!
Well, its 1:34am, and I am nodding off. Sleepy time - only 7 hours till class!
Monday, September 3, 2007
An unexpected adventure...
This was typed last night (Sunday), but since there is limited internet, I am now sitting in a dark stairwell, two floors up, typing at midnight (Monday/Tuesday)…you’d better enjoy…
So as an end to our first weekend, the Florida Residency had a little soiree ala fresco…basically an ice cream social outside. Nothing fancy, but a fun chance to meet the neighbors. There were also quirky little door prizes, including cutlery and kitchen utensils courtesy of the “housing’s extra stash”, objects that were found through tedious dumpster dives, and random other goodies. I managed to get my hands on a doozie…a tube of white acrylic paint. Doesn’t sound useful to you?…well who won’t need to worry about investing in white toothpaste to patch wall holes in the spring? That’s right…score!
Meanwhile, while I was enjoying myself, across the street, I guess Kadie and Thuli were “studying”…I really have no idea what was going on…Anywho, it was late/dark, so they asked me when I was done to walk Kadie home (a 15 minute walk uphill through some crazy streets…). I agreed, but on our way, we bumped into this Italian student (who shall remain nameless, per his request). This is the kinda stuff that probably freaks out the parents…He has a car, and asked if we’d like a ride…of course, we were up for it (this sounds like we were kidnapped or something, but trust me, it was alright – we knew him well…don’t freak out…mom). Anyways, we got into his car, and he made the decision that we shouldn’t let this beautiful night go to waste, so he insisted to drive us up Mount Bre (if you aren’t familiar, google this thing – get the nighttime mental image). Keep in mind, too, that he’s Italian…a crazy “get outta my way” driver…it was insane! There was sort of that pre-vomiting feeling present…not that we were going to throw up, but the presence was definitely there. Curve after curve, old person after cat, we kept climbing and climbing…and then we got to this big neon sign that we could see from our school (looking a lot smaller from down there). It was about 2/3 up the mountain, but still served us one of the best, breathtaking views of the Lugano area. Tiny lights were all around this giant lake. He pointed out sights that we had previously heard about, and wanted to take us further up. We got back in, started climbing again, but much to our dismay, the road was closed. He explained that the owners of a restaurant at the top close this now at night due to some rambunctious (great word – everybody try using it today) college students coming up there and drugging it up…It is people like that (clearly from my school) that make a bad name for us in this city (see previous entry for more of an explanation). In any case, we saw some fantastic views on the way back down. He invited us on more of these outing, Thuli and he connected on a “spiritual” level, and Kadie and I rode in freight, nearly soiled, in the back. We finally came to our senses (aka the mound of reading that awaited us all) and headed back to earth.
It’s these types of instances, not all of the readings or lectures, which make for great college experiences. Anyone can get a college education, but incidents like this…not everyone can be so lucky. (sorry for getting all Disney Channel on you…it needs to be done once in a while!)
Phew…now that that’s down, its time for my reading… Sunday, 11:54pm…
So as an end to our first weekend, the Florida Residency had a little soiree ala fresco…basically an ice cream social outside. Nothing fancy, but a fun chance to meet the neighbors. There were also quirky little door prizes, including cutlery and kitchen utensils courtesy of the “housing’s extra stash”, objects that were found through tedious dumpster dives, and random other goodies. I managed to get my hands on a doozie…a tube of white acrylic paint. Doesn’t sound useful to you?…well who won’t need to worry about investing in white toothpaste to patch wall holes in the spring? That’s right…score!
Meanwhile, while I was enjoying myself, across the street, I guess Kadie and Thuli were “studying”…I really have no idea what was going on…Anywho, it was late/dark, so they asked me when I was done to walk Kadie home (a 15 minute walk uphill through some crazy streets…). I agreed, but on our way, we bumped into this Italian student (who shall remain nameless, per his request). This is the kinda stuff that probably freaks out the parents…He has a car, and asked if we’d like a ride…of course, we were up for it (this sounds like we were kidnapped or something, but trust me, it was alright – we knew him well…don’t freak out…mom). Anyways, we got into his car, and he made the decision that we shouldn’t let this beautiful night go to waste, so he insisted to drive us up Mount Bre (if you aren’t familiar, google this thing – get the nighttime mental image). Keep in mind, too, that he’s Italian…a crazy “get outta my way” driver…it was insane! There was sort of that pre-vomiting feeling present…not that we were going to throw up, but the presence was definitely there. Curve after curve, old person after cat, we kept climbing and climbing…and then we got to this big neon sign that we could see from our school (looking a lot smaller from down there). It was about 2/3 up the mountain, but still served us one of the best, breathtaking views of the Lugano area. Tiny lights were all around this giant lake. He pointed out sights that we had previously heard about, and wanted to take us further up. We got back in, started climbing again, but much to our dismay, the road was closed. He explained that the owners of a restaurant at the top close this now at night due to some rambunctious (great word – everybody try using it today) college students coming up there and drugging it up…It is people like that (clearly from my school) that make a bad name for us in this city (see previous entry for more of an explanation). In any case, we saw some fantastic views on the way back down. He invited us on more of these outing, Thuli and he connected on a “spiritual” level, and Kadie and I rode in freight, nearly soiled, in the back. We finally came to our senses (aka the mound of reading that awaited us all) and headed back to earth.
It’s these types of instances, not all of the readings or lectures, which make for great college experiences. Anyone can get a college education, but incidents like this…not everyone can be so lucky. (sorry for getting all Disney Channel on you…it needs to be done once in a while!)
Phew…now that that’s down, its time for my reading… Sunday, 11:54pm…
Sunday, September 2, 2007
quick note...
One more thing - for all of those who were interested...
my mailing address is:
Theodore Schober
c/o Franklin College Switzerland
Via Ponte Tresa 29 6924
Sorengo (Lugano)
Switzerland
also, I am on Skype (a free download at skype.com). It works like a phone via the internet. Skype to skype calls are free, and it's only like $.02/minute from skype to landlines and cell phones. Check it out!
my mailing address is:
Theodore Schober
c/o Franklin College Switzerland
Via Ponte Tresa 29 6924
Sorengo (Lugano)
Switzerland
also, I am on Skype (a free download at skype.com). It works like a phone via the internet. Skype to skype calls are free, and it's only like $.02/minute from skype to landlines and cell phones. Check it out!
Weekend #1
Hey all! Ok, first of all, Happy Baptism to my niece Cadee!!! Now that that’s out of the way, back to me…
So it’s currently 12:43pm, and I have no Internet (the signal keeps crashing in our building so I am typing this on Word and saving it till we are patched)…only the best at Franklin College! Oh! Speaking of Franklin College…we got some interesting news this past week. I am honored to say that this establishment will be renamed sometime in the near future (forecasted for spring) to Franklin University Switzerland. That’s right, I will be attending FU Switzerland!…no joke. The t-shirts, bumper stickers, and lanyards will be in the mail for you all to support FU! (Ok, that part’s a joke - I am a college student, I have no money…)
On a more labor intensive and annoying note, I think I will be looking for a new room in this upcoming week. Things are a little awkward between us – still really haven’t had a conversation – too much silence. Also, the 2:30am “could you find somewhere else to spend the night” request (after I was asleep for an hour or so) kinda sealed that decision.
My first college weekend’s almost over, and what an experience. Friday night was the Blues to Bop Festival in downtown Lugano. Lots of music (all in English…I find that interesting) and a lot of very drunk people (I was not one of those. Y’all would be so proud!). I, instead, offered myself as a DW – designated walker. My expertise, however, was not taken advantage of, since no one that I went with (Kadie, Thuli and Kristin – tho we now call her Kristi since she was the only one without the long E sound at the end of her name) drank. It was fun, but how un-college are we – we were back by like midnight. We did, however, get some delicious gelato – pistachio and tiramisu…yummo. Are we lame?
Oh, and before that on Friday, we had this convocation thingy – lame. I don’t really know what its purpose was, but whatever. There were some speeches, music that I think was completely inappropriate for the occasion (“The Entertainer” played at a graduation-esque ceremony…really people?), and a reception afterwards. Woot woot.
So yesterday, I finally got to exercise my culinary skills for others and make people breakfast – French toast and hash browns. It doesn’t sound that exciting, but if you saw the kitchen that I cooked, you’d be impressed. Oh, and I also stocked my personal food stash. I am getting used to this thing…except for the whole money spending aspect. And speaking of spending money, I made a pretty intense purchase yesterday – a cell phone. Now a few things on the phone - first of all, it was super cheap (like 49 francs – that’s like $40) and it’s a pay as you go. This place is awesome for that. You can either add credit onto that at the post office (where all bills get paid here) or there are these ports all around the city that you can enter your phone number in, and add credit that way. Now even though it is that way, there is no way on God’s green earth that I will be calling the US on it – sorry! That in itself is a feat, as well as mucho francs.
Well, its time for one of two events – either a student vs. faculty soccer game in some town too far to walk or reading my bounty of books for my classes…time to whip out the books, I guess! Ciao for now!
So it’s currently 12:43pm, and I have no Internet (the signal keeps crashing in our building so I am typing this on Word and saving it till we are patched)…only the best at Franklin College! Oh! Speaking of Franklin College…we got some interesting news this past week. I am honored to say that this establishment will be renamed sometime in the near future (forecasted for spring) to Franklin University Switzerland. That’s right, I will be attending FU Switzerland!…no joke. The t-shirts, bumper stickers, and lanyards will be in the mail for you all to support FU! (Ok, that part’s a joke - I am a college student, I have no money…)
On a more labor intensive and annoying note, I think I will be looking for a new room in this upcoming week. Things are a little awkward between us – still really haven’t had a conversation – too much silence. Also, the 2:30am “could you find somewhere else to spend the night” request (after I was asleep for an hour or so) kinda sealed that decision.
My first college weekend’s almost over, and what an experience. Friday night was the Blues to Bop Festival in downtown Lugano. Lots of music (all in English…I find that interesting) and a lot of very drunk people (I was not one of those. Y’all would be so proud!). I, instead, offered myself as a DW – designated walker. My expertise, however, was not taken advantage of, since no one that I went with (Kadie, Thuli and Kristin – tho we now call her Kristi since she was the only one without the long E sound at the end of her name) drank. It was fun, but how un-college are we – we were back by like midnight. We did, however, get some delicious gelato – pistachio and tiramisu…yummo. Are we lame?
Oh, and before that on Friday, we had this convocation thingy – lame. I don’t really know what its purpose was, but whatever. There were some speeches, music that I think was completely inappropriate for the occasion (“The Entertainer” played at a graduation-esque ceremony…really people?), and a reception afterwards. Woot woot.
So yesterday, I finally got to exercise my culinary skills for others and make people breakfast – French toast and hash browns. It doesn’t sound that exciting, but if you saw the kitchen that I cooked, you’d be impressed. Oh, and I also stocked my personal food stash. I am getting used to this thing…except for the whole money spending aspect. And speaking of spending money, I made a pretty intense purchase yesterday – a cell phone. Now a few things on the phone - first of all, it was super cheap (like 49 francs – that’s like $40) and it’s a pay as you go. This place is awesome for that. You can either add credit onto that at the post office (where all bills get paid here) or there are these ports all around the city that you can enter your phone number in, and add credit that way. Now even though it is that way, there is no way on God’s green earth that I will be calling the US on it – sorry! That in itself is a feat, as well as mucho francs.
Well, its time for one of two events – either a student vs. faculty soccer game in some town too far to walk or reading my bounty of books for my classes…time to whip out the books, I guess! Ciao for now!
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