ROTEX -LUZERN

On Saturday was the summer Rolex weekend. This weekend was for the exchange students who had not gone on the August inbounds Europe tour (so basically it was for the January inbounds. …..which includes me.)

For this weekend I met with Kay-Lea at the Solothurn Train Station and we travelled together to Bern. At Bern we met with Rachel (18,Aus) and some other exchangies and continued on our way to Luzern.

Once at Luzern we met with the other exchange students and Rotex members and then caught a bus to where we were staying. The bus ride was, well let’s say just interesting. I heard my fair share of exchange student only stories, some I think I would have preferred not to hear.


After a lot of noise and talking we arrived at our stop. After lugging our heavy bags up a hill (one of the hills that looks fine but is really a killer) we arrived at our Cable Car. (We were to use this cable car to reach our destination up in a mountain).

Now when I say we come to our cable car…I mean that 1 cable car, 1 cable car that takes maximum 4 people, 1 cable car to take up about 30 people, 1 cable car that took 1 hour to take us all up the mountain.

However the hour of wait of the cable car to get us all up the mountain was o worth it , as the view from the cable car was; a pictures aqua blue lake, tall grey mountains that cut into the dazzling blue sky …..So basically in other words,….To die for.






After singing a bit of’ sound of music’ (as you do) as we walked through the most beautiful lush green hill land scape we arrived out our Chalet.



We then rushed upstairs to claim the best beds (which in the end happened not to be the best as the rooms light was blown in the room).

After exploring the Labyrinth of rooms, and the bomb shelter (all Swiss building used to have to have a bomb shelter, and this one a had like a maze of rooms) . The huge big cement walls, and safe like doors did make one a little anxious of getting locked inside so we didn’t stay down there to long.


It was then Rotex games time. Rotex games are always designed to embarrass and humiliate (in a fun way) the people participating, and entertain those who are watching.

I am always up for bit of a laugh so I joined in the games……….such as having a candle on a spoon in my mouth and then having people pelt water at me trying to un-light the candle…. Shaving a balloon covered in shaving cream s, with a razor and trying not to pop it…you know that kind of thing.





After the games it was time for our BBQ. We cooked sausages on a fire and they tasted so good.



After toasted marshmallows (the good old burnt ones that are all gooey in the middle) the sun started to set. Yet the sun going down did not mean the fun stopped…in fact it inspired more fun. We all walked to the side of the mountain to watched the sun set,

And one says pictures paint a thousand words so………………









Just amazing,I really felt like I was in the lion king with the huge big sunset.

If the only thing I ever get out of this year is seeing this sun set it would have all be worth it. I really am now the strongest believer of the best things in life are free, and this sun set was no exception.


After the sun was totally gone it was back to the Chalet.




Here people were telling us all about the armed status of Switzerland…..and let me tell you it is well and truly armed.

One exchange students host dad showed him Villa’s were the whole front folds down (just like in James bond) and a huge big gun thing is inside. We were then told about how some of the mountains have huge big hospitals and war bunkers hidden inside them, and how with every tunnel that is built in Switzerland the odds are there is a special gap (concealed) at the side wide enough for one military car to drive through. This s really amazed me, but also didn’t surprise me as the Swiss are very obsessed with their military, and the boys still have to join the army for one years national service.


So after our gun chats it was about 12 it and time for lights-out and sleeping time… (ha-ha not likely Rotex, it was more like light-out and talking time.)

I had the nicest talk to Rachel, my Ginger Ninger pal (she also is blessed with red hair)

At about 3am we started to get sleepy and decided sleep was a good option.

The next day we packed up the chalet and had out hour procession down the mountain. I was on of the last to go down this time so had to wait an hour, however this was great photo opportunity time and I even got a photo of some awesome looking bird.



Once at the bottom it was time for few a group photos, (the pointing idea was the south African boys, still don’t know what we were pointing at but never mind, the photo is cool) .




We then piled back in the bus and went to a swimming area on the Luzern Lake. This was just amazing as the lake had a special section with diving boards, and floating platforms and a jetty.

Myself and Kay-Lea showed our true Aussie spirit and headed straight for the water. For me this was my fist time in water since I have been here (so 5 months) ……….and I loved it. However we did get some funny looks as we were in t-shirts and shorts ..and all the rest of the Swiss were in as skimpy bathers as possible Us Aussies still need to protect to this white skin of ours, well the blond and red haired variety especially

After a while some other Aussies came and joined us, so now Rachel, Kay-lea, Danielle, Lauren some Rotex girls (they came later as well) and I were having the best time in the water.

Bering exchange students we like to take every opportunity…so off we went to the 3 level diving structure.

We started with first level (3m ish )., The got the confidence to jump of the 5m ish…..this did take a bit of guts to start with….but once you jumped once it was fine.
Then I don’t know how but we then received confidence to jump of the 7/8m board.
This did take a bit of guts. Danielle jumped first , and I was second.

It was so much fun. So I decided to go up a second time. Lauren was now up there for her first jump, she jumped and smacked her arm on the water on her way down.

So now my confidence was not so high. I said OH I am scared (as I was). Then this man in little red (almost sprayed on) shorts, fake tan and the overly toned muscles grabbed and tried and said don’t ‘ jump with me now’ …with fear of him falling on top of me when we landed in the water…and me being squashed, …..and just because no normal person grabs a girl like he did ….. I got a bit freaked out and ran all the way down all the stairs to the next platform and jumped into the water and swam over to the others who were watching us jump. They asked me what was going on, as to them it was the funniest thigh hearing me let out a bit of a squeal and then run down all the stair and fling myself off into the water.


After our water experiences I went and played in the play ground ( the coolest playground I have ever seen) It had flying foxes you sit on, huge big rope platforms that you can spin and much more (just paradise).

After an ice-cream it was time to go back on the train. I had had a great time and really do love the Rotex weekends.

England *3/4*

Day three was the big day the reason of my being in England; It was the day of Cordelia’s First Holy Communion. I had a feeling this day would be wonderful from the moment I awoke. The little bit f rain we had had the day before had cleared up and the heavens were shining upon us. I got myself dressed the helped with what I could to get the final touches ready before church.


I tried to get myself looking half decent but my hair had a mind of its own. My hair is in a good need of a cut as I have not had it cut the whole time I have been in Switzerland. This is because I have not had the time and even if I did just a trim would set me back 40 franks (so 42 ish Dollars) and then a proper cut can set you back about 70 franks. (Totally crazy, but I guess the hairdressers all make good money as one has to have their hair cut…so they are in demand no matter what the price).

So I was trying to get my hair to be normal but it was refusing to work with me today. My hair is very stubborn and likes to annoy me. It will be lovely and look great ….just before I go to bed. Then when I need it to look nice it will refuse and flick or sit in eh oddest of positions.

So today I had a side fringe that was flicking out to the side creating a huge big wave across my head that made me look like a man, or a girl with a toupee, or a man old balled man with a toupee….and let me tell you this was not the look I was going for.

So after giving up on the hair and realising I would have to look like a little man with funny hair I went downstairs. Here Cordelia was dressed up and looking just stunning and so cute. She was dressed in the most exquisite dress that Elizabeth had made and with the lace jacket over the top she looked so lovely.




The other children also looked lovely as well, in fact the whole family look just fabulous.
Rupert was in little light weight suit, Olivia was in the most lovely skirt and a lovely cardigan, Elizabeth was in a beautiful pink dress, and Ted was in a nice suit with a wonderful tie. Magic (Mary the friend of Elizabeth) was sin the most lovely purple coat and look so elegant. In fact all of the other women in the house looked extremely elegant (which made me feel even more manly than ever).

It was then time for church. We hopped in the car , well Cordelia was strategically placed so she did not get creases in her dress. We then drove off to the church.

The church service was just charming. I really enjoyed it. Cordelia and another boy Joseph whom were both having their first holy communions looked so sweet together. The Priest gave a wonderful sermon ,the children read some passages, and took their first holy communion. We sang some songs……..I thought I had heard these songs before, and then I realised we had sung them once or twice at home in Australia in my schools weekly religious assemblies. This was great as I sort of knew the tune so tried to sing along as best I could.

After church we had some special’ First Holy Communion cake ‘and Champaign to celebrate.




Family photos were taken in front of the church and in the church.








Photos of Cordelia and Joseph



Cordelia had photos with her Godmothers

And she has some with me(please do excuse the hair)


And then we all had a big group photo.


After church we went back home and had breakfast. This was just amazing of Elizabeth as she had done so much getting everything organised for the party that we would be having later on that day…and she still made us all a hot English breakfast.


At about 12 people started to arrive for the party. First people waited outside in the courtyard, mingled and got to know one another.



Meanwhile behind the scenes a group of polish girls and young men who are house hold help for Elizabeth worked a miracle and had all the food prepared and cut went about making sure the guest were all OK, and had a drink in their hand

So after mingling and meeting more lovely people including another Australian (who is friend of Elizabeth’s), The head of Olivia’s school house and her husband , it was time for speeches. Lovely speeches were said and Cordelia presented her Godmothers with flowers as a thank you. It was now time to go to the barn, that was so beautifully decorated, and serve yourself at the buffet and then sit down.






From now on the adults talked the kids all went outside and played and I mingled between both. After a while the kids were getting a bit ratty, so after Cordelia presented her ‘First Holy Communion Teacher’ with flowers (as the teacher had told Ted that she would be come later as she had other commitments) it was time for the kid games that myself and other parents organised and marshaled.

These games were basically, running races, golf ball and hand races (so our new version of egg and spoon) and three legged races. This worked really well as the kids now were very occupied and were putting in all the energy they had to win some candy prizes.

After I escaped the sugar high children I went and talked with more adults.

The day was now drawing to an end. After some guest’s car was pulled out a ditch (I really hove no idea why he decided to par there….. but he did).

The guest slowly all left and it was time for us to all relax, and reflect on the fabulous day.
Cordelia opened her gifts and Elizabeth was a well trained mother a wrote a list of all the gifts and what came form who.

The day wound up with dinner, and then bed. I was once again tired and very sleepy.


The last day I awoke, got ready to go…. said goodbye to all the kids as they went off to school, and then ate breakfast with the adults and Ted drove me to the airport. On the way I had a great chat about life, his life and things in general.

I then went to book into my flight things ran relatively smoothly. We were delayed and hour but after Friday it really was a breeze. I bought some Cadbury’s chocolate. Ate all of it. Boarded my plane and went home.

So I really did have the most wonderful time you could imagine. I love visiting my God Mother and her family. They make me fell so welcome and almost a part of the family.

England * 2*

I awoke on day 2 really early........this is because England is one hour behind Switzerland.....so instead of waking up at my internally programmed 5.50am start for school I awoke at 4.50am. I then looked at my clock in horror rolled over and tried to go back to sleep. Sadly this was a bit harder that expected , as my body kept trying to tell me I had to get up…..however after giving my brain a quick talking to I was able to fall into a nice half awake , half asleep state and drifted in and out of dreams until 8.00am

After getting ready the next stop on my agenda was breakfast. So I went down stairs and had some toast for breakfast. Cordelia then went off to her last ‘First Holy Communion classes. The only kids left in the house were Olivia and I, as Rupert has school Saturday morning so he was not there.

Olivia and I then went and cleaned out the bunnies apartments. Now when I say bunny apartments I mean a room in the cottage were the bunnies live. Yes the bunnies have their own room. This is because in England they have a lot of foxes and to have rabbits in a cage outside does not mean the rabbit is safe form the foxes jaws. This is because the English foxes are extremely intelligent and have managed to be able to open many a rabbit cage and bring the rabbit that lives inside to an unwelcome end.

So we cleared out the 5 star bunny residence. This was not my favourite thing to do as we had to shovel all of the bunny poop, and straw. However we worked as a team and had the job done in no time.


Next we went and helped set up and get things organized for the Post Communion Celebrations that would be held at their house in the barn. However unlike the bunny apartments this barn was not a home to furry critters and was infarct a huge big hall style building with high roofs and wooden beams….so in other words it was just beautiful.


The plans for the room were 10 tables with 9 people on each. The tables were then to be decorated and set. There would be food tables and people could go and serve themselves like a buffet. The idea was perfect. My job was chief Table cloth steamer.



So with Olivia’s help we used this new super space looking machine to steam all of the table clothes (like a cross between an iron and a vacuum cleaner thing). As we were half way through steaming ….reinforcements arrived …aka friends of the family and Cornelia’s God mothers, who had come to help with the setting up.


One of Cordelia’s God mothers made the most amazing flower arrangements I have ever seen. They were just exquisite………if only I had these talents. She made the most lovely flower ball of Cordelia to hold at church while she was in her First Holy Communion dress (that Elizabeth had made her). The ball was made up of hundreds of tiny roses and looked jut exquisite.

I love meeting new people and getting to know their story. I find it so interesting and really like to find out what they have done in life, their beliefs, etc. I think that if you can get to know people you learn so much and I just find it so interesting and I enjoy it.
So after talking to people and learning what made them tick the day was drawing to an end.
Elizabeth sewed a little jacket for Cordelia’s dress. This was so sweet as it was all made out of embroidered lace.

We then had a 2nd time luck birthday dinner with the whole family………..so a nice meal and some Champagne.

It was now getting time for bed. I read Cordelia a bed time story………….but seeing as I was tried my dyslexia was taking advantage of me , so she probably would have been better off reading it herself with mistakes I was making. However the story was more eventful than normal so I think she enjoyed it.

I then slipped into be and fell fast asleep.

England *1*

I have just had the loveliest weekend. This weekend was very special as it took place in England at my godmother Elizabeth’s house. I stayed there with her lovely family, her husband Ted and the kids; Olivia, Rupert, and Cordelia (and when I say a lovely family, i mean some of the nicest people I have ever met kind of lovely).

The reason this visit took place was to celebrate Cordelia’s First Holy Communion. Cordelia has been going to Holy Communion classes for a year now and on Sunday all of her work was rewarded by an exquisite First Holy Communion and a fabulous big celebration afterwards.

I left my Swiss house early Friday morning so I could catch the train over to the Geneva airport, where I would be departing at 2.45pm.


I arrived ,after my 2 and a bit hour journey, in Geneva (or Genf as the Swiss insist on calling it…..why countries and places have different names in different languages I will never know…but what I have decided it that all of the different names were made up by some evil little man who wanted to trick us and make our life hard).

I then went and tried to check myself into the self booking machine. However Gatwick (the airport I was flying into in England) refused to show up on the screen. I then looked around and with my observational skills and my good ear I Herd some other people complaining and having the same problem, I then noticed that they were a tour group of English grannies.

So I went and said hello and asked if they knew what was going on. They were lovely and informed me that their tour guide had rung every place she could to get information ….and our plane would be delayed. Wanting to be certain I went and checked at the information desk………and sure enough we were delayed until 3pm.

So I rang my host family and then rang Elizabeth and informed all the adults of what was going on.

The airport then gave us all a 15 dollar voucher (to stop people compiling I am guessing, however it didn’t really work.)

I then waited……….and waited……….Talked to my new found English grannies and waited………………..and this went on and on,.....until the English grannies were put on a new flight as they were so old. So I was now left alone for a few hours in the airport.


Having a train pass that lets me use all public transport for free really did come in handy. So with 2 hours until my flight I hopped on a bus and just drove around Geneva. This was rather amusing as with only 2 hours I was scared to get off the bus and go shopping in case there was not a bus that took me back in time………….so I went around all the stops looking at the view ………..then went all the way back again…………..and let me tell t you this must not be normal practice in Switzerland as the bus driver seemed to develop a twitch in his neck and he kept looking back to see A why I was still on the bus, B what I was doing ….and C…..I think to see If I was sane.

After my amusing bus ride I arrived back in the airport with 50 minutes till my flight (a good safe time). I was all booked in so all I had to do was get a bite to eat with my voucher then go through security and hop on the plane.

However things did not turn out so smoothly. First my lunch ways so expensive…….what greedy person decided to make a small sandwich with only ham and cheese 10 franks I will never know………but that little greedy man must be very rich by now as everyone in the airport who had delayed fights had no choice but to by the sandwiches.

I ate my budget breaking sandwich so slowly trying to savour each bite, and drank my 5 dollar drink. (This was when I was so happy they had given me a 15 frank voucher).


I then went to look at the flights board to see which gate I had to go to……………this was when things started to look bad…………..the board said the flight was delayed and they would give us information at 6.15.

So for 3 hours I walked around and around the airport. I looked at everything in duty free, I learnt German, walked, walked and then walked some more until 6.15pm. Finally they gave us a boarding time 6.50pm.

So I went thought all the security checks , went to my gate, boarded my plane , and thought my luck was starting to turn around. I mean I was on the plane what else could happen.

Well let me tell you a lot can happen. With all the delays the Flight attendants were having trouble making sure that all the passengers were on the plane. At one stage they told us we were missing 20 people…..then the next minute we were one person up.

So after the flight attendants had a panic attack as you could see they thought we had a terrorist on board as we were one person up ,…we finally took off………….only after we found our terrorist…………. ..a 2 year old child on his mums lap who actually counts as a non seat needing passenger but was counted by the flight attendants as a as a seat needing child. So after the confusion we took off one hour later . So we dint leave the ground until 8pm. (a 8ish hour delay for a 1 hour flight…it may have been faster if I had swam over to England)


I arrived after having a chat about learning German to the man next to me on the plane, who was a American living in Germany. We arrived in England. This is were I was almost tempted to kiss the ground…………… but did refrain for such an act of joy.


Then I collected my bags, and we through to arrivals and was collected by Elizabeth’s husband Ted. We then drove thought the countryside, whilst having a lovely chat (so good to speak English again………even if it was hard at first as my brain was wanting to speak German and was automatically translating with out being asked………so I had to ignore the German in my head and try to find the original English word I needed…very confusing )

I then arrived at their lovely house and was taken inside.




Here I was greeted by a hug form all of the family, and a happy 18th birthday balloon and banner.



My godmother was so thoughtful that she had made a mini belated birthday celebration. Before eating I met the other guest who had come for the communion, John (Ted’s brother form Canada) and Mary, a friend of Elizabeth’s (or magic as the kids like to call her).

I then ate my dinner while the family looked on (as they had already eaten as my fight was so delayed). I then opened up some lovely gifts form Elizabeth and co. They were so lovely and highly appreciated. I received a pearl necklace, scarves, English china, a mirror, and some writing paper. Magic (Mary) also gave me a necklace…….this was such as a surprise as though she has met my parents before when they lived in the UK, but I personally have never met her before. SO this was such a lovely gesture.

It was then time for bed. I was so tire after my long day. However me being tired did not stop me form having a bit of a chat to Olivia D-T who’s room I was sharing.


(so thats the end of day one....the other days are to come)

Families

On Wednesday my host family now (the Rütti's) hosted an 'Angela's Host parents get-together'.

I helped my host mum (Michele) Prepare some nibbles and some of the finger food for the get-together.

The Couples then arrived and I was introduced to my next host families (well the parents).

My second host family have 2 children; a boy 16 and a girl 13. They live in a town (Balstal.. which is also my Rotary club town and it is about 20 minutes from my current town (Niederbipp)....so 20m minutes further in the direction away form my school.......so this will mean even earlier starts than 5.50am in the mornings.

However this early morning set back is totally over shadowed by the huge positive......I will have horses. I think this is extremely exciting. I never really was a huge horse person.....but I have always liked them. However since I have been in Switzerland and I have seen horses everywhere I have grown really fond of them. Also the thought of learning to ride a horse is totally awesome.


My third host family also live in Balstal. They also seem totally lovely. The have 2 sons one 21 (who lives away from home as he is studying law at university), and a one who is almost 18. This thought really excites me as I will have gone from being in Australia in a female dominated house hold.........to a male dominated one. I really could not have had a more different family. I am so excited. I also think one of my host brothers has dread locks.......but don’t quote me on that one as I am not totally sure.


It was great to talk to my new host parents and get to know everyone.
We have worked out that I will be changing host families (so form my 1st to my second) on the 29th of July


While this is exciting....it is also really sad. As I have grown really fond of my current host family; The Rütti's. I always knew I liked them and got along with them all really well, but now with the thought of leaving I really had not realised how much I really really liked them...............it is not that I took them for granted, but I just didn’t realise how great they really are. And they are great....sure at times I do miss my own family and miss the ways we do things...but this family really have opened their hearts to me and I really do feel welcome and almost apart of the family...and I just didn’t realise this until now I have to leave.

So while I am excited to have a change of host families and have new experiences........I will also miss the familiarities and the bonds I have with the Rütti’s.

I know it will be hard to connect with people all over again, Find my place in the family and get to know the family so well that I would almost call them my second or 3rd family.

However it will be a challenge I am ready to take it. Who know what will come form it.

So wish me luck.........now the biggest challenge is packing up all of my things and moving it over to the new house…and this is a problem because I have collected a lot of Swiss treasures along the way, and I have a strange felling it won’t all fit in my suit cases.

Angela and the Chocolate Factory

On Saturday Kay-Lea (the other Australian at my school), two other Rotary exchange students; Danielle (Aus) and Paul (Canada) , and I all decided to go to a ;Free entry ,free samples, Nestle Chocolate factory.

I went to eh train station and caught the train to Bern. I met Kay-Lea on the train as she joined me at her stop and we continued our way.

We arrived in Bern and then walked around the city for a bit waiting for the others to arrive so that we could catch another train and continue on our journey to chocolate.

Danielle arrived and she told us that Paul would meet us at the next stop as he missed his train. We arrived at our next stop, received directions on how to get to the factory and then waited for Paul. He arrived; we caught a bus, then a train and arrived at The Chocolate factory’s Train stop (about 1.5 hours later). Also in-between this whole train bus catching scenario we took a photo of our feet (don’t ask me why) and a photo of us with our little train.





We all bounded up to the factory with one thing on our mind 'Chocolate'.
As we got closer things started to look odd..........the lack of people or one, the lack of noise and the main problem the lack of a chocolate smell.

We arrived at the door to see sign saying

'Open Monday-Friday'. We had travelled all this was and had not thought to see if the factory was even open on a Saturday. …ooooooooooops



We then despondently walked back to the train stop (and were very lucky as there was a train coming in only 4 minutes).


We then took the train back to the larger station. We then decided we better go and buy some lunch. We went to the Coop supermarket and bought a big salad each. We then went and sat in a park and ate our really good salads.

This park had a beautiful view .



After eating and taking photos of the view we went to have a look around this town. We saw a castle in the distance and decided to go and see what it had to offer.



Once at the castle we went and walked around it's gardens. Here there was a really cool playground; a cement maze with slides and tunnels.





After running in the maze we walked past a Huge big fountain that allowed you to be able to walk through it’s middle.


Now what do you get when you combine exchange students, a hot day and a lot of water................... A HUGE big water fight.


I don’t know how it started..............(well actually I do , I will admit it was me.........I flicked the first bit of water ) but that aside what I do know for sure that it ended in all of us being totally soaked, dripping from every part of our body.................and smiling for ear to ear.





It was great fun, it really was, we ran around, fell in the fountain...and in my case out of the fountain as well. Weeven had poses in the fountain and just had so much fun.




We then walked back through the town in our sopping wet clothes to the train station. This was interesting as people really did stare as we were completely drenched ( our clothes, our hair everything) and there was not a river in sight, or any logical explanation as to why 4 kids were walking in the city soaking wet.

We then hopped back on a bus (we were good we sat on a plastic bag so we didn’t get the seats wet) .

We arrived at eh station and then went off in our different directions home, With a lack of chocolate...but a lot of good memories instead. As some wise old person once said ‘ it is not the destination that matters, it is the journey’...and our journey was totally awesome.


So we all said goodbye and went on our way.


However my day did not finish there as I went back to Kay-Lea's host families house for dinner. (This is because Kay-Lea's host sister is our 'God Mother’. or a return exchange student who is there to give us advice and help us at school etc if we need it).


SO Kay-Lea and I went back to her host family’s house. By now we had mostly dried off. By the time we arrived at her house only my hair and the bottom of my jeans were damp.


We went to Kay-lea’s room at first and looked at her photo albums , this was really nice to see her family and friends from back home

We then had dinner. Only Kay Leas host sister (my god mother) and her host sister’s boyfriend were home a (as the parents are away and the brother was at a choir camp thing)

We had home made pizza and fried cheese..........so yummy. It was so good.


Dinner was really nice. After dinner Kay-lea and I just chatted and were just normal girls.

I then went home after a very wonderful and enjoyable day.