Central Suisse!

What a fantastic weekend! As all good weekends begin, the fun started Thursday evening!  Some kids from BU came over and we played some “games” and hung out!  Friday after class some friends and I went to the Patek Phillipe museum.  The museum was full of private collections of watches starting from the first clock to the newest, most modern watches today.  The watches were so detailed, unique, and gorgeous.  We came back, made dinner, packed for the weekend, and watched High Fidelity. 

Saturday morning Chris and I woke up early and headed to Lucerne.  Many people, including my very own Swiss expert, Joan, and the other interns told me I just HAD to go to Lucerne.  Lucerne is beautiful with much history and culture.  We dropped our things off at our ADORABLE hostel and went all over the old towne.  I looked VERY touristy with my Rick Steve’s Guide to Switzerland, but followed it and was able to see all over Lucerne.  We must have stopped for 3 coffees and pastries throughout the day!  The sky was a beautiful clear blue and the covered bridge was even prettier than the pictures are able to express.  We had some traditional Swiss German food for lunch and hot tea with wine.  Lucerne used to be covered by glaciers and they have an awesome glacier museum that we went to, and inside was a very neat Hall of Mirrors, which was very fun.  I got so turned around and accidently ran into a little child, almost ran him over.  We visited a Panoramic huge 360-degree paining of the Franco Prussian war.  On our way back into town we stopped for some hot apple cider with whiskey andhors d'œuvre.  We had a delicious dinner at a local brewery and got the local specialty and the homemade beer, of course.  On our way back we stopped for some drinks at a local, funky wine bar and at a prison that was not converted into a bar.  It began to rain so we ran back to the hostel and got a good nights rest.

At dinner Chris and I were talking and were once again, reminded of how lucky we are.  We were sitting in a wine bar, drinking delicious drinks, in a beautiful city, just enjoying life.  I am having such an incredible time here, but I miss home.  I miss my family, my school friends, my home friends, and America.  Leaving is going to be so bittersweet, and what more can you ask for???

We woke up to rain (although the view from our balcony was still gorgeous) and headed towards Zurich.  Have you ever tasted something that was so delicious you thought you might faint of pure perfection; that is what a Zurich train station (yes a train station) Bretzel tastes like.  It is a homemade soft pretzel with loads of butter and different chooses of meets and cheeses.  Chris and I got Fromage Bretzels for breakfast and we (and our stomachs) were so happy!  Our main reason for going to Zurich was to see the Georges Seurat exhibit at the Modern Art Museum.  I had not seen much of Seurats’ work and was very pleased I decided to go.  I enjoyed his work very much! We ate lunch at the world's first vegetarian restaurant, it was delish!  

It was Sunday, so most of the stores were closed do we walked around, went into some gorgeous churches.  The streets are set up with Christmas decorations; it was such a lovely feeling walking down the street.  We ate MULTIPLE cakes and pastries and cafes, and enjoyed another Bretzel on the train ride home! 

I came to Zurich with no previous knowledge of the city, with only a guidebook in my hand, and a very patient friend.  I thought Chris was going to KILL ME, I asked him a million questions!!  I just wanted to soak everything up!!  My thirst for curiosity was unquenchable.  I read every sign and went into every building I could (I had A LOT of caffeinated coffee).  At first, I felt overwhelmed by just this city, and then I started thinking about Europe and the world.  I want to see everything! I want to learn everything! I want to know everything…and that will never be possible, but I refuse to think that way.  I will try to not only learn but also experience every place I am given to opportunity to visit.  I need to find a job that allows me to do all that, with a nice salary. J

This week is craziness!! A final exam tomorrow morning, a term paper due Friday, and our symposium Thursday and Friday!!  I am looking forward to relaxing this weekend.  Monday our office is closed so Sunday afternoon I am hading to Bern to stay with a friend and go to the Onion Festival on Monday.  The Onion Festival is supposed to be great!  Apparently they close down the entire city and there are vendors and entertainers and crafts!  Sounds like a great way to unwind after a crazy busy week.

Meeting with the Noreigian Ambassador and "Peaces" of the Puzzle

Defence for Children International gets most of its funding from various Ministries of Foreign Affairs and private organizations and foundations.  In the past fiscal year the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been the largest source of income for our organizations.  Grant Applications for the Norway MFA are due by the end of this calendar year, so on Tuesday, Laetitia and I headed over to the Norwegian embassy to meet with the human rights ambassador to discuss possible funding for next year.  It was a very interesting meeting and an awesome experience.  Laetitia and the ambassador began talking about their various experiences, where they have lived, etc. and next thing I know Laetitia had made a smooth transition into discussing the grant application.  I really admire the way the conversations shift was handled.  We discussed Norway’s stance on children in conflict with the law as well as what their human rights council will be focusing on for the upcoming year.  We began discussing the vulnerability and the ambassador had an interesting paint about it.  She said that people are not vulnerable, she stated than conditions, and situations create vulnerable situations.  I had never looked at it through this light; I think it is a very interesting point of view and gave me much to think about.  We discussed how there is a danger in labeling people as “victims”, if they are victimized it makes the individual seem useless, ineffective and less resourceful, which is in turn hurting the individual and the cause.  I realized how I throw the term, victim around, and how I really should choose my words more carefully.

Wednesday I was not feeling too feel so I stayed home, rested, worked on my paper, and did a little work from home.  Really looking forward to Lucerne and Zurich this weekend!!

I have been meaning to post my first essay on the blog for those interested in reading it (no pressure!)…so here it is! 

“Peaces” of the Puzzle: Essay 1

     Originally, when I decided I wanted to study abroad, Switzerland was not even on my list of options.  It is almost as if I have landed here by fate.  I was attracted to this study abroad program based on the internship aspect, and the timing.  Once I got accepted I began to do my research and realized that Switzerland is a lot more than just chocolate, cheese, and mountains—not that I am belittling ANY of that ! Although I still did not know what to expect.  I have spent the past two summers traveling.   Summer of 2008 I interned in Barcelona, and this past summer I spent doing community service in Israel.  Each experience was so different and I knew Geneva would be like nothing I had experienced before.
     When I started writing this paper I was having a lot of trouble because I didn’t want to sound cliché, but how many other ways are there to describe a mountain as breathtaking, which is exactly what they are.  This city is so diverse.  It is almost as if Geneva is a puzzle, with many different types of pieces; each one has different shapes, textures, colors, smells, etc.  At first glance one may wonder how these pieces could ever make a cohesive, fully functioning, exuberant city, but once they are together, and the puzzle is completed it makes perfect sense.
      The energy from this city is incredible.  I feel this most on my morning commute.  I am not a morning person, at all.  So when I realized that I have to be at work by nine, with a forty minute commute, and leave time to wait for the tram… and then the bus… and to get lost; I was not looking forward to it.  That quickly changed.  I enjoy my commute to work, never thought I would enjoy anything before eleven!  When I leave “home” the first thing I pass is the fountain in the garden.  I love hearing the sound of the water, it is very fluid and calming…how I hope my day will be!  Then I get to the tram stop.  I find that Geneva, in general is much like their public transportation system…effective, clean, diverse, and relatively easy to navigate.  I enjoy packing on to the train with people so close I can’t move.  The business man on the phone, the mothers dropping their kids off at school, even the dog…everyone has a place to be and everyone is getting there as quickly as they can with a positive demeanor. I love passing by and seeing H&M on one side of me and a beautiful historic fountain on the other.  It is what Switzerland is all about, uniqueness within similarity.  I then transfer to the bus via Bel Air Cité.  Walking to the bus I pass the cutest little bakeries that I thought only existed in books…over overpriced (as usual) but none the less adorable!  Then get on the bus towards Vermont.  Vermont, my stop is also the stop for many Non governmental Organizations, as well as organizations affiliated with the UN and non profits.  On this bus everyone is speaking different languages, dressed quite nicely, and wears very official looking badges.  I love feeling like one of the locals!
      I had the preconceived notion that the Swiss were not friendly.  I can not even tell you exactly where I got that from, but I just thought everyone was going to be stuck up and rude.  Within an hour of my arrival I knew that was not the case.  Let me start out by saying that I speak no French, with the exception of hello, good bye, where is the bathroom, and some inappropriate phrases some friends felt necessary to equip me with before I boarded the plane….So here I am in the Geneva airport, with the name of Le Cénacle, no knowledge of French and an over stuffed backpack, 2 duffels, and an absurdly large tote bag.  I got my bags, went through customs and stared at a map.  Someone must have noticed the dazed and confused look on my face and asked me where I was going.  This gentleman showed me which bus and tram to take and wrote it down for me. After getting on the tram I was waiting at the bus stop and once it came I unsuccessfully tried to get ALL of my luggage on the bus.  The bus driver stopped the bus, came out and helped me!!  I was so pleasantly surprised!  He asked me where I was going and at my stop he again, stopped the bus and helped me take everything out of the bus.  Another girl got off at my stop as well and she offered to walk my bags to Le Cénacle with me.  I told her I would be able to manage on my own but nonetheless it was such a nice offer.  Since then I have learned that the Swiss are happy to help, all you have to do it ask!
      At first I was very frustrated with my lack of French, and while at times it is still frustrating I have decided to embrace it.  I try to learn and pick up as much as I can but I also am taking time to read peoples’ facial expressions and mannerisms and it is quite astonishing to realize what you can get out of a glance or a tone of voice; things I have never had to pay attention to when I can understand the words alone.
      I am loving Geneva.  Everyday I try to not just visit this city… but to experience it.  I want to soak it all in!  I think I’m off to a pretty good start and can’t wait to continue my journey with the country that is more than just cheese, chocolate, and mountains!

 

Bon Week-end!  Miss you all!!  See you soon!

Annecy: Family Sunday with my Cenac Fam!!!

Sunday in Geneva is family day.  Stores are closed and you can always find families taking walks or playing on the playground.  Some of my Geneva family aka my friends and I decided to have our own family outing on family day!  Caitlin, Heidi, Chris and I went to Annecy, France for the day!  I could not think of a better way to spend a Sunday!  Annecy is an adorable little town that is built around mountains, a lake, and consists of little canals throughout.  































When I first arrived the first thing I thought of was that it looked like a little Venice!!  Along the bridges and the cobble stone streets, tents were set up selling everything from fruits and vegetables to sausage to cheeses to hats to handmade wooden items! It started raining but that didn't stop us from having an awesome day!  We found a great little creperie and had savory, followed by sweet crepes! 

We also stopped for some INCREDIBLE hot orange wine; I can't wait to bring it back to Columbus on those cold Ohio days! 

We went to two museums about the Annecy castle, the history of Annecy, and an old prison. 

We walked to Lover's Bridge, to the water, and just enjoyed the day and each others company!  

We had some delicious local cuisine in a cute little restaurant and then headed home!  

I feel so lucky to have the opportunity to just hop on a bus and go to Annecy for an awesome day trip with incredible friends.  I love Family Sundays with my *Cirque du Cenacle* Family!!

**Term courtesy of Caitlin Jurman :)
Annecy pictures are on the Picassa site!


Some exciting things coming up:
This weekend: Lucerne and Zurich
Thanksgiving in Geneva (we are all bringing a traditional Thanksgiving dish and eating together--I'm in charge of wine and dessert!)


Can't believe I'll be home in a little over 3 weeks!! Miss you all!

Shabbos in Lausanne!

What an awesome Shabbos in Switzerland!!  My uncle Jon was in the Israeli army with a gentleman named Daniel Gazzar who now lives in Lausanne, Switzerland, about 30 minutes by train from Geneva.  Daniel and his wife Oana invited me over for Shabbat at their house! I left Geneva Friday afternoon, arrived in Lausanne, and walked around...I found a cute book shop (with books in English!), and walked to the water and took pictures of the sunset!  I couldn't take enough pictures, it was so gorgeous!  Here are a few samples, for more check out my picassa site.

Here are a few shots:

I met Daniel at 6:30 at the train station and drove the short way to his house.  I arrived and was immediately greeted with warmth by Oana!  I walked in and the house smelled like Shabbat!  I was also greeted by their 3 kids. Nati (10), Ben (9), and Zelda (4)!  I helped Oana finish up making homemade, and prepare the chicken.  Daniel and Oana's friends came over to join us for Shabbat.  They also have 3 kids around the same age.  At dinner all of the adults spoke English for my benefit, which was very thoughtful. The Gazzar kids speak and understand both French and Hebrew, I ended up understanding and communicating with the kids via Hebrew/French, drawings, and lots of hand gestures!!  The highlight of my evening was doing the prayers before dinner.  It reminds me how cool it is that no matter where you are in the world the Shabbat prayers are universal and we can all understand and enjoy them together.  It sounds cheesy but it is the truth!  Dinner was delicious!!! It was my first home cooked meal in 2 months and it was incredible!!!  Daniel buys and sells wine for a living so delicious wines with each course accompanied the meal.

Most Friday nights, in Columbus I am one of the many lucky wranglers of Hillel's awesome Rabbi's 2 adorable kids!  Shabbat felt complete with awesome food and kids (6 of them!) using me as a jungle gym :-)!

This morning I woke up and Oana and I prepared breakfast!  Daniel went out for a run so Oana, the kids, and I all hung out and played games!  We all played some games together and Zelda and I did some arts and crafts!  When Daniel returned we went to lunch at an Italian restaurant in the town center with some other family friends of the Gazzars.  Most of the kids are bi-lingual, the parents each speak a different language; these kids have no idea how lucky they are!!  Oana, Zelda, Ella (Zelda's friend), and I took a walk to the chateau in Lausanne and walked around Old Town! For the rest of the afternoon we played more games, practiced the violin and alto, read a little, and hung out.  It was awesome being with a family, in a real house (with towel warmers!!!), with great food, and really nice people!  The Gazzars were going to a party in Geneva this evening so they offered to drive me back, which was very sweet! Daniel, Oana, and their family welcomed me into their home and I can't wait for them to come visit us in Baltimore!

Blooms taking over La Suisse!!!

Monday: And so another week begins!  I can not believe my trip is over 1/2 way over!  Today Mom and Dad wandered around the city and I went to work…but I got to meet them for lunch! 
We ate at a delicious Italian restaurant and I made them try all my favorite chocolates and a Renverse (a yummy coffee drink)!  After work I med up with them at their hotel and we went to dinner with some of my friends from my trip. We went to Le Brassiere, which is a local brewery. 

We ate some typical Swiss dishes and got a Beer Giraffe! 
After dinner we got some delicious Movenpick gelato and waffles! 



Tuesday: Mom and Dad enjoyed Annecy, France while I was at work …but we had an awesome evening! After work I met them at their hotel and we went for dinner and drinks in one of my favorite parts of Geneva, 
Carouge.  (For more about Carouge see previous post)  We ate at a great restaurant called Qu’ Importe. 

Mom wants to open up a restaurant just like it in Baltimore…  We got fresh cheese, prosciutto, and
bruschetta as well as incredible drinks.  My personal favorite was called, ironically enough, the Rachel Beer.  This beer is made with white beer, grapefruit juice, and almond flavoring!  After dinner we got café au lait and played backgammon at a local cafe! 



Wednesday: Wednesday we went to Zermatt, where the Matterhorn is located.  We took the inter Switzerland train to Visp and then the Glacier express form Visp to Zermatt. It was a beautiful train ride.  

Zermatt is an adorable ski town.  Mom and I were discussing and decided that it is what all ski towns in America try to be!  We took the cable car up and went to a beautiful viewing location.  We walked around town, ate some chocolate, and shopped.  We took the train back and arrived in Geneva and headed straight to Seven Arts Bar for some live music, toasties, and Desperados!  It was a great last day to a great trip with the rents!  This morning we met for coffee and said good-bye to Mom and Dad!  Tomorrow I have class and then am heading to Luasanne to spend Shabbat with one of Uncle Jon’s friends and his family.  I am really looking forward to a home cooked meal!!  

Thanks Mom and Dad for an awesome week!  You guys are the best!
Lots of Love from Geneva!!!! 

See you in 28 days!  

xoxox

Maman et Papa (et Grizzlies) avec moi à Paris et Genève

WEDNESDAY/THURSDAY: Seven Arts is a cute little bar in Paquis, mostly serving Canadians, Americans, Brits, and other English speaking patrons!  Last Wednesday Norina, Auriele, and I went to a delicious Indian restaurant for dinner and then to Seven Arts.  On Wednesday nights they have live music and it is really great and a fun atmosphere!  Thursday night my colleague told me about a special event that was happening that evening.  All of the art galleries in Old town were having and open house event.  Every gallery was open until 9pm and welcoming visitors with hor d’euves and wine.  The other interns were tired or didn’t really feel like going so I headed off on my own.  I know my art history major friends would have been proud!  It was really fun and nice!  Of course, I would have rather gone with some friends but I had a great time on my own!  I headed home and packed up by bags for Paris!!!


FRIDAY/SATURDAY: A little bit of a rocky start would be a calm way to put the first hour of Paris.  The Paris train station is HUGE and Confusing, at least for us Blooms!  I could not find my parents.  They said meet at the Upper Crust restaurant, no. 36 on the map.  There are 2 Upper Crusts restaurants, both labeled no. 36 on the map.  Then we decided to meet at relay, and there are about a million Relay stores in the airport…anyway, after a very stressful hour we were reunited at last!  From the train station we headed to our cute hotel and walked around the Latin Quarter and had a delicious dinner in a little French bistro in a fun area!  The Latin Quarter is full of life and vibrancies and diversity!  Saturday was a very busy fun-filled day.  My parents recently adopted the motto, No place is too far to walk, so we walked. EVERYWHERE!  The day started by a delicious cafe au lait and croissant followed by a walk up the Eiffel tower…no elevator for us!  We certainly worked off that croissant!  The view from the top was beautiful!!!  Geneva looks like such a tiny city compared to Paris, because it is!  After the Eiffel Tower we had a great lunch and then headed to Marsais.  Marsais is a predominantly Jewish and Gay district.  It has lots of funky shops and really cool vintage stores.  We also got a DELICIOUS crepe of banana and nutella…YUM!  We walked around for a little then headed back to the hotel to get ready for dinner.  We met Kierstin, Poppy, and Mary at Bastille and went to a cool bar for drinks.  It was so much fun, as it always is with my GFS buddies!!!  After drinks my parents took us out for dinner, it was Halloween and the Parisians were definitely getting into the spirit…we even had delicious lime green cocktails called l’alien.  Gelato was our next stop; then we left the rents and went to Pop’s dorm.  We quickly make shifted some costumes and headed to Champ Elysses where there was a house party.  After that it was time to head home.  I was really sad to leave my GFS buddies but happy to know I have such awesome friendships! (Cheesy, I know...but it is true!)

 

SUNDAY: Sunday morning we got up at the crack of dawn and took the TGV to Geneva.  For the first time it felt like I was really coming home!  I was so excited to show off « my » city to my parents.  We dropped their stuff of at the hotel and walked to Lac Leman.  We walked through Paquis, took a boat ride to the Jet d’eau, ate roasted chestnuts in Old Town, climbed the stairs at San Pierre, had Prosecco in the Gardens at the reformation wall, shopped in the flea market in Plainpalleis, and walked through Carouge!  Us Blooms know how to fit a lot in one day!!  We had awesome fondue in Paquis and then the rents took me home so I could show them my humble abodes.  My room was so messy I thought my mom was going to have a heart attack.  The first thing she said was "Your room never looked this bad last year", and I said yes, because if it did I think Arlyn would have either killed me or had a heart attack. I am so happy to have my mom and dad with me in Geneva.  It feels like my two worlds are coming together and I could not be happier, but it doesn’t feel complete without Eric!

Sending lots of HUGS from the land of Cheese and Chocolate!!

xoxo,

Samantha (and Rachel and Steven)