9/29/12

"My favorite part of Swiss tradition took place in Glarus today.  A few days before the first snowfall each autumn, the Swiss farmers will march their cows from their fields in the mountains to their winter barns.  Adorned in flowery headdresses and majestic bells, the sound of the processions can be heard all throughout the valley.  Billa and I spent the morning biking throughout Glarus, watching as many of these as we could.  I was entranced by the bells, and the rich culture behind the tradition."

9/28/12

"A Swiss birthday celebration consists of a huge family gathering, socializing during pre-dinner drinks, delicious foods, and homemade cakes.  I tried following the conversation in Swiss German, but zoned out after a bit.  The language mesmerized me, and I got lost in listening to the phonetics."

9/27/12

"Jamie and I spent the afternoon playing Wii together and looking up YouTube videos.  We danced together to American dance moves: Thriller, the Bernie, the dougie, etc.  She in turn showed me some traditional children's songs and dances from Switzerland.  So much laughted was exchanged throughout the night, and we grew a lot closer from spending time together."

9/26/12

"Blocked gym class with 4E and 4F is the best thing ever.  A co-ed volleyball tournament occupied most of the time, and Rhi and I had way too much fun messing around and joking with each other."

9/25/12

"Friends are supporters, encouragers, who may say the wrong thing or not even know what to say when others come to them in need, but who are there regardless.  I don't know what I would do without Billa, Rhi, and Ryan.  Life in Switzerland presents so many new challenges and cultural differences, and even though we don't share in exactly the same backgrounds, we can experience these new situations together."

9/24/12

"My first volleyball practice for Glaronia was very stressful.  Being the youngest and least experienced in the group, not to mention the language barrier, I felt very stressed and pressured to play better and be more fit than I was.  The girls on my team were very friendly and spoke to me in English when I didn't understand the drill or what we were doing."

9/23/12

"The sun illuminated the natural beauty of the Swiss landscape.  The grass became even more alive, the sky teemed with life and color.  Billa and I biked across Glarus to the Zurichsee, stopping to journal and enjoy the lovely fall weather."