Saturday I woke up and went for a run. I still could not make it up the entire hill at the end, but I made it more than halfway, which I was happy about.
I had lunch and then went outside, watched Christof vacuum his car, then I vacuumed Roman's car, and then the house. After that I showered and went out to the restaurant. Around 6pm, I skyped with my mom and dad. At 6:40 I went to the train station in Tobel to pick up T and her teammate Sonja. They came to see me because they were trying to get a train from Zurich to Paris on Sunday. They did not get off the train at 6:43, but luckily T also told me that they might be on the one arriving at 7:10. So I waited and was very happy to see their faces around 7:13. We came back to the farm and sat down at the restaurant. Even though there were only about two people there when I left to pick them up, there were about twenty when I came back, so I helped.
Once everything settled down a bit, T and Sonja had some food and the three of us chatted with the family sitting at our table who are regulars at the restaurant. I like them a lot.
Around 11pm, the three of us went inside and checked the trains for Sunday and then Roman texted me the time that he and a friend needed to be picked up. We left to get them shortly after and sat in his car listening to music before he got in. It was fun.
Once we had collected the two guys, we headed back and dropped off his friend on the way. We stayed up a little while talking and laughing and then headed to bed. It was a good day.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Friday, July 29, 2011
7/29/11
I slept in this morning, showered, and then ate lunch with the family. After lunch, I skyped with my dad and then my mom and then read more of The Lord of the Rings.
It was such a nice day, until around 5pm. Then it started to rain. Once it let up a bit, I began washing Roman's car as a thank you for him letting Patti and me borrow it last weekend. While I was washing it, people from the restaurant began to notice. A woman came up to me and gave me ten franks to wash her's as well. Then a man came up and gave me twenty. I thought that was very generous of them and I was happy to do the work.
After I was finished washing all three cars, I had some dinner and then helped wash dishes and such. I sat with Cony and a few of the customers for a little while and around 9:30 came inside.
I skyped with Grandma Carol, Jessi, and Timmy Rico! He was over my grandma's fixing her computer for her. Then I skyped with Michelle, the Schmitz family, and Sheff. It was nice to talk to everyone. I am going to bed now.
Gute Nacht!
It was such a nice day, until around 5pm. Then it started to rain. Once it let up a bit, I began washing Roman's car as a thank you for him letting Patti and me borrow it last weekend. While I was washing it, people from the restaurant began to notice. A woman came up to me and gave me ten franks to wash her's as well. Then a man came up and gave me twenty. I thought that was very generous of them and I was happy to do the work.
After I was finished washing all three cars, I had some dinner and then helped wash dishes and such. I sat with Cony and a few of the customers for a little while and around 9:30 came inside.
I skyped with Grandma Carol, Jessi, and Timmy Rico! He was over my grandma's fixing her computer for her. Then I skyped with Michelle, the Schmitz family, and Sheff. It was nice to talk to everyone. I am going to bed now.
Gute Nacht!
7/28/11
After I got ready for the day, I had lunch with the family and then Nadja came and picked me up to go buy stuff for the restaurant and the American party that is in a week and a half. We bought so much food and we were happy that we used Roman's car to go there because Nadja's probably would not have made it back haha
Once we got back, we unloaded the car and then went and bought pastries for the mechanics on our way to the garage to see how Nadja's car was doing. They obviously appreciated those and her car should be ready Friday. Cross your fingers everything is fixed!
We came back to the farm and started preparing the salad for the restaurant. When we were done with that, I folded laundry and then went back outside to help because people started showing up. It was pretty busy at first, but after an hour or two it slowed down. I like that I know how to do more things now because I feel like more of a help instead of just being in the way.
Once everyone had pretty much left, I sat and talked with Peter, and two guests named Peter and Tanya. They were very nice, but my head hurt after thinking so hard about all the German rules and such they were trying to explain better to me. It was a good evening and then I went to bed.
Once we got back, we unloaded the car and then went and bought pastries for the mechanics on our way to the garage to see how Nadja's car was doing. They obviously appreciated those and her car should be ready Friday. Cross your fingers everything is fixed!
We came back to the farm and started preparing the salad for the restaurant. When we were done with that, I folded laundry and then went back outside to help because people started showing up. It was pretty busy at first, but after an hour or two it slowed down. I like that I know how to do more things now because I feel like more of a help instead of just being in the way.
Once everyone had pretty much left, I sat and talked with Peter, and two guests named Peter and Tanya. They were very nice, but my head hurt after thinking so hard about all the German rules and such they were trying to explain better to me. It was a good evening and then I went to bed.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
7/27/11
Today Nadja and I finished cleaning the restaurant. It took hours, but now everything looks great. We took a break in the middle in order to eat lunch.
After we finished, we had a few hours before practice so I ate and then skyped with Patti. It was nice to talk with her, especially because I had just seen her for over a week and now she is gone.
Nadja and I went to practice at 7pm and there were eight of us there, which was fun. We warmed up with a game of football, in order to get our run in. After about fifteen minutes of practice it started to rain. We did live hitting first, in order to make sure that everyone got some at bats in. Everyone was able to get 5 at bats each and then we did defense until it was just way too wet because we did not want anyone to turn their ankle. A few of us practiced sliding after that because the ground was wet so the conditions were perfect. Once we were soaked and starting to get cold, we stopped and Nadja took me back to the farm.
I was so happy to shower and then I was able to skype with my Grandma Carol and my dad. Good night!
After we finished, we had a few hours before practice so I ate and then skyped with Patti. It was nice to talk with her, especially because I had just seen her for over a week and now she is gone.
Nadja and I went to practice at 7pm and there were eight of us there, which was fun. We warmed up with a game of football, in order to get our run in. After about fifteen minutes of practice it started to rain. We did live hitting first, in order to make sure that everyone got some at bats in. Everyone was able to get 5 at bats each and then we did defense until it was just way too wet because we did not want anyone to turn their ankle. A few of us practiced sliding after that because the ground was wet so the conditions were perfect. Once we were soaked and starting to get cold, we stopped and Nadja took me back to the farm.
I was so happy to shower and then I was able to skype with my Grandma Carol and my dad. Good night!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
7/26/11
I woke up this morning at Nadja's and then we headed back to the farm to clean the kitchen in the restaurant. We did a few things in there and then called it quits for the day because we will finish it tomorrow. After that, we came inside and had lunch with Cony and Andreas. Showers followed, and then Cony, Nadja, and I headed to Zurich.
They did some shopping and I got to see the pretty city again. We were there for a few hours and then made our way home.
When we got back to the farm, I skyped with Nicole, Greevy, T, and Sam all at the same time! It was really nice to talk to everyone. I spent way too much time on the computer and then headed to bed.
They did some shopping and I got to see the pretty city again. We were there for a few hours and then made our way home.
When we got back to the farm, I skyped with Nicole, Greevy, T, and Sam all at the same time! It was really nice to talk to everyone. I spent way too much time on the computer and then headed to bed.
7/25/11
On Monday, Nadja and I slept in and then we went to Säntispark. It is always so relaxing there. We did the sauna, cold pool, lay out cycle three times and then after being there for a few hours, we headed back to the farm. I got my things together again and we headed to her apartment.
We had a yummy dinner and then watched a movie. The whole day was relaxing, which was nice. I went to sleep after talking with T for a little while on skype.
We had a yummy dinner and then watched a movie. The whole day was relaxing, which was nice. I went to sleep after talking with T for a little while on skype.
Monday, July 25, 2011
7/24/11
Sunday morning Patti and I woke up early so that I could take her to the airport. We left around 7:15am and got there in plenty of time. I drove back to the farm and let her know that I made it and then she let me know that she was able to get on the flight. It worked out well and I am very happy I was able to spend a week with her!
I took a nap when I got back and then woke up and put more pictures up on facebook, caught up on my blog, and skyped with T and my family. Eric got contacts and so I was able to see him without glasses. Yay!
I helped Nadja in the restaurant a little after that and then we went to Christof's. We were only there for about half an hour and then headed back to her apartment because she had recorded the softball games on ESPN America. We ate dinner and watched softball and it was fun. Then we went to bed.
I took a nap when I got back and then woke up and put more pictures up on facebook, caught up on my blog, and skyped with T and my family. Eric got contacts and so I was able to see him without glasses. Yay!
I helped Nadja in the restaurant a little after that and then we went to Christof's. We were only there for about half an hour and then headed back to her apartment because she had recorded the softball games on ESPN America. We ate dinner and watched softball and it was fun. Then we went to bed.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
7/23/11
On Saturday, Aunt Patti and I woke up around 8:30am in order to say goodbye to Roman because he was leaving for a week for Greece. He and I joked about him making sure that he got to the airport two hours early so that he will not miss his flight haha
We ate lunch with Cony, Peter, and Nadja and then drove to Zurich. Roman let us use his car and he changed the navigation system to English so that we would be able to understand it. He is so nice! We parked in the parking garage and then headed toward Bahnhofstrasse (train station street). Patti had a list of things that she looked up for us to do in Zurich, so we headed down the street and to the train station. I showed her around inside and then we headed back down Bahnhofstrasse the other direction. Patti's list of things to do included Old Town and a beautiful church. Then we made it to the lake and headed back on the opposite side of the river. After two smoothies and a few hours in the city, Patti and I headed back toward Tobel. I showed her my field in Wil first though and she bought chocolate to bring back to Blake.
We had dinner with Cony, Peter, Nadja, Andi, Andreas, and Debbie in the restaurant and after that Patti and I went with Nadja and Andi to another restaurant where we were meeting Cony because she had left a little earlier than us. We all had a drink and talked about them hopefully coming to visit the U.S. I would love to have them!
Patti figured out her flight information once we got back and then we went to bed.
We ate lunch with Cony, Peter, and Nadja and then drove to Zurich. Roman let us use his car and he changed the navigation system to English so that we would be able to understand it. He is so nice! We parked in the parking garage and then headed toward Bahnhofstrasse (train station street). Patti had a list of things that she looked up for us to do in Zurich, so we headed down the street and to the train station. I showed her around inside and then we headed back down Bahnhofstrasse the other direction. Patti's list of things to do included Old Town and a beautiful church. Then we made it to the lake and headed back on the opposite side of the river. After two smoothies and a few hours in the city, Patti and I headed back toward Tobel. I showed her my field in Wil first though and she bought chocolate to bring back to Blake.
We had dinner with Cony, Peter, Nadja, Andi, Andreas, and Debbie in the restaurant and after that Patti and I went with Nadja and Andi to another restaurant where we were meeting Cony because she had left a little earlier than us. We all had a drink and talked about them hopefully coming to visit the U.S. I would love to have them!
Patti figured out her flight information once we got back and then we went to bed.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
7/22/11
On Friday, Patti and I checked out of our hotel, thanked the staff, and were driven to the airport. Our driver made both of us a little sick with all of the starting and stopping and then the fact that we reached 170kph at one point, which is about 105mph. Patti started praying that we would make it safely there, but the driving I had experienced in Greece was a little more terrible so I was not too worried haha
We did not have any issues with our flight and when we arrived in Zurich, Roman was waiting for us. I was really excited that Patti was going to get to see the farm and meet the people I had been living with for this whole summer! We headed back to the farm and Patti was able to see a lot of the countryside that is Switzerland. She kept agreeing with me about how beautiful everything is.
When we arrived at the farm, all of the Lehmanns were there and I was so happy! She was able to meet everyone in the family and they are not always in the same place, so that is rare hahaha We had dinner, talked with the family, showed them the American Tshirts Patti brought everyone for the American party in two weeks, and hung out at the restaurant until it was time to go to sleep. We were heading to Zurich in the morning, so we tried not to stay up way too late!
We did not have any issues with our flight and when we arrived in Zurich, Roman was waiting for us. I was really excited that Patti was going to get to see the farm and meet the people I had been living with for this whole summer! We headed back to the farm and Patti was able to see a lot of the countryside that is Switzerland. She kept agreeing with me about how beautiful everything is.
When we arrived at the farm, all of the Lehmanns were there and I was so happy! She was able to meet everyone in the family and they are not always in the same place, so that is rare hahaha We had dinner, talked with the family, showed them the American Tshirts Patti brought everyone for the American party in two weeks, and hung out at the restaurant until it was time to go to sleep. We were heading to Zurich in the morning, so we tried not to stay up way too late!
7/21/11
Thursday morning Patti and I got to sleep in! We were very happy about that.
We started our day with lunch about ten minutes away, by Piazza Navona, followed by what else but gelato. We had a lot of gelato during our lovely vacation week. When we finished eating, we explored the piazza a little more and then headed back to our hotel in order to take pictures of each of us looking out from our room. It was fun, but then I could not find Patti after she had taken my picture, and she did not see me, so we spent about ten or fifteen minutes wondering where the other person was...luckily we are BBM friends hahaha
Once we reunited, we decided to visit a few places around the Colosseum. We walked around and noticed a few areas we had not seen on our first trip that way, including the Domus Aurea, and then the Campidoglio. After those, we visited the church where La Bocca della Verità is. This is a sculpture carved of marble of a face with a mouth. The mouth is a hole and supposedly if a person tells a lie while their hand is inside, it will be bitten off. La Bocca della Verità was made famous in the movie Roman Holiday.
On our way back to the hotel afterwards, we stopped in an Irish Pub. Eric Smith told me that I needed to while I was there and I had seen it while riding back in the cab the day before. They were very friendly and I enjoyed it a lot. Plus, the news was in English so I learned a few things that are going on in the world, even if they are not so happy.
After our drink at the pub, we once again went to the rooftop bar of our hotel and said goodbye to our bartender friends. They were very nice and we even got a picture with the one that had begun to expect us each night! We ate dinner at another place around the corner that was recommended by the desk of the hotel, and they really seem to know their food! There was also such a cute family there celebrating a new house. They were so nice and we talked to them for some time.
We probably stopped for gelato after that, but I do not remember because we literally had it about twice a day for the entire week. I got to bed at a decent hour because all of the walking we had been doing that week was really tiring me out!
We started our day with lunch about ten minutes away, by Piazza Navona, followed by what else but gelato. We had a lot of gelato during our lovely vacation week. When we finished eating, we explored the piazza a little more and then headed back to our hotel in order to take pictures of each of us looking out from our room. It was fun, but then I could not find Patti after she had taken my picture, and she did not see me, so we spent about ten or fifteen minutes wondering where the other person was...luckily we are BBM friends hahaha
Once we reunited, we decided to visit a few places around the Colosseum. We walked around and noticed a few areas we had not seen on our first trip that way, including the Domus Aurea, and then the Campidoglio. After those, we visited the church where La Bocca della Verità is. This is a sculpture carved of marble of a face with a mouth. The mouth is a hole and supposedly if a person tells a lie while their hand is inside, it will be bitten off. La Bocca della Verità was made famous in the movie Roman Holiday.
On our way back to the hotel afterwards, we stopped in an Irish Pub. Eric Smith told me that I needed to while I was there and I had seen it while riding back in the cab the day before. They were very friendly and I enjoyed it a lot. Plus, the news was in English so I learned a few things that are going on in the world, even if they are not so happy.
After our drink at the pub, we once again went to the rooftop bar of our hotel and said goodbye to our bartender friends. They were very nice and we even got a picture with the one that had begun to expect us each night! We ate dinner at another place around the corner that was recommended by the desk of the hotel, and they really seem to know their food! There was also such a cute family there celebrating a new house. They were so nice and we talked to them for some time.
We probably stopped for gelato after that, but I do not remember because we literally had it about twice a day for the entire week. I got to bed at a decent hour because all of the walking we had been doing that week was really tiring me out!
7/20/11
On Wednesday, Aunt Patti and I woke up, got ready, and headed to the Galleria Borghese. It is an art gallery that is housed where the Borghese family had lived for many years and where Cardinal Scipione Borghese started the collection. There were so many beautiful paintings and sculptures, but my favorite was by far The Rape of Proserpina. It is a sculpture of Pluto, the Roman god of the underworld, capturing Proserpina, daughter of Ceres, and taking her back down with him to the underworld. The myth says that her mother was able to get permission for her daughter to come back to earth for half a year every year, and that is why in spring we have flowers because it is the earth welcoming her back. It was done by Bernini and was so detailed it was unbelievable. I am amazed with his ability to sculpt.
After getting a tour of the gallery, Patti and I rented this two person, side-by-side bike contraption with a roof over it and rode around the rest of the grounds exploring for an hour. It was a large property and there were a few different roads to choose from to explore. We went pretty much every way and after seeing the majority of the grounds, we turned in our ride and then had a cocktail and a sandwich at this really cute outdoor bar on the grounds.
We relaxed for a little while there and then went to the Spanish Steps. They are huge and beautiful, much like everything else that I was in awe about on this trip! We took pictures there and went inside the church at the top. After looking at the beautiful paintings on the walls inside, we checked out the area a little more, found a restaurant that Patti's friends recommended, even though it was not open yet so we did not eat there, and then took a cab back to our hotel. The cab driver drove us right past Piazza della Repubblica, which was one of the few places we had not seen on our own yet. So we were excited about that!
When we got back to our hotel, we went up to the roof, of course, for another cocktail and then headed around the corner for dinner. It was a cute little place about three minutes walking distance and the food was delicious! Our new bartender friend from the roof had suggested it to us and we thanked him for it when we saw him the next evening.
I think I fell asleep pretty early again that night because I was exhausted! Such a great time :-)
After getting a tour of the gallery, Patti and I rented this two person, side-by-side bike contraption with a roof over it and rode around the rest of the grounds exploring for an hour. It was a large property and there were a few different roads to choose from to explore. We went pretty much every way and after seeing the majority of the grounds, we turned in our ride and then had a cocktail and a sandwich at this really cute outdoor bar on the grounds.
We relaxed for a little while there and then went to the Spanish Steps. They are huge and beautiful, much like everything else that I was in awe about on this trip! We took pictures there and went inside the church at the top. After looking at the beautiful paintings on the walls inside, we checked out the area a little more, found a restaurant that Patti's friends recommended, even though it was not open yet so we did not eat there, and then took a cab back to our hotel. The cab driver drove us right past Piazza della Repubblica, which was one of the few places we had not seen on our own yet. So we were excited about that!
When we got back to our hotel, we went up to the roof, of course, for another cocktail and then headed around the corner for dinner. It was a cute little place about three minutes walking distance and the food was delicious! Our new bartender friend from the roof had suggested it to us and we thanked him for it when we saw him the next evening.
I think I fell asleep pretty early again that night because I was exhausted! Such a great time :-)
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
7/19/11
Today Aunt Patti and I woke up, got ready, ate breakfast, and headed to the Vatican to meet Erwin, a good friend of a friend of Patti's. He was giving us a private tour and we were both excited! We met him by the obelisk in St. Peter's Square. He toured us around St. Peter's, including the underground tombs of former Popes, and the Swiss Guard barracks, which was really cool!
I realized that I knew a lot more about Switzerland than I had realized because he and I talked about a lot of Swiss things, due to the fact that I told him I have been living there for almost two months now. Erwin has been a Swiss Guard for twelve years and was very knowledgeable about all of the happenings of Vatican City. He let us know that the summer is one of the least busy times for the Swiss Guards because the Pope goes to his summer home, which is only about 30km away, just up in the mountains. It is a five minute helicopter flight!
After our private tour, Patti, Erwin, and I went for lunch. We walked a few blocks away, down a really pretty street, and continued with great conversation. I was really happy that I was able to meet Erwin because he seems like a wonderful person.
After lunch, we said goodbye to Erwin and Patti and I went to see the Sistine Chapel. This was not something that we will need to do again, unless we have a private tour. While the actual Chapel that Michelangelo painted was absolutely stunning, we had to walk through a maze of other rooms, that were also beautiful, but there were at least thirty of them and SO MANY PEOPLE! We felt like herded cattle. Now, you are not actually supposed to take pictures in the Chapel, but after walking for over an hour to actually get to it, and seeing so many other people trying to be stealthy and taking pictures as well, I took some. I kept the flash off so as not to draw attention to myself, but some of the pictures came out pretty well anyway, which I was happy about.
Exiting the Sistine Chapel was not as complicated as getting to it, thankfully. Patti and I walked to a more southeastern location from the Vatican, where two of her friends recommended and is considered to be less touristy. It was the Trastevere neighborhood and we could tell that there were a lot more Romans there than in other sections. We had ice cream and then dinner there and everything was very good.
After dinner we made our way back to the hotel and I fell asleep right away. I was exhausted!
I realized that I knew a lot more about Switzerland than I had realized because he and I talked about a lot of Swiss things, due to the fact that I told him I have been living there for almost two months now. Erwin has been a Swiss Guard for twelve years and was very knowledgeable about all of the happenings of Vatican City. He let us know that the summer is one of the least busy times for the Swiss Guards because the Pope goes to his summer home, which is only about 30km away, just up in the mountains. It is a five minute helicopter flight!
After our private tour, Patti, Erwin, and I went for lunch. We walked a few blocks away, down a really pretty street, and continued with great conversation. I was really happy that I was able to meet Erwin because he seems like a wonderful person.
After lunch, we said goodbye to Erwin and Patti and I went to see the Sistine Chapel. This was not something that we will need to do again, unless we have a private tour. While the actual Chapel that Michelangelo painted was absolutely stunning, we had to walk through a maze of other rooms, that were also beautiful, but there were at least thirty of them and SO MANY PEOPLE! We felt like herded cattle. Now, you are not actually supposed to take pictures in the Chapel, but after walking for over an hour to actually get to it, and seeing so many other people trying to be stealthy and taking pictures as well, I took some. I kept the flash off so as not to draw attention to myself, but some of the pictures came out pretty well anyway, which I was happy about.
Exiting the Sistine Chapel was not as complicated as getting to it, thankfully. Patti and I walked to a more southeastern location from the Vatican, where two of her friends recommended and is considered to be less touristy. It was the Trastevere neighborhood and we could tell that there were a lot more Romans there than in other sections. We had ice cream and then dinner there and everything was very good.
After dinner we made our way back to the hotel and I fell asleep right away. I was exhausted!
Monday, July 18, 2011
7/18/11
Happy Birthday Jack!
This morning Patti and I slept in. After getting up and ready, we headed into the Pantheon because it was not open to the public on Sunday. It was huge and beautiful and we were able to see where Raphael was buried. After checking everything out in there, we headed to the Colosseum.
In case you did not know, I have wanted to see the Colosseum, in person, since I knew it existed. So as you can imagine, today was a bit exciting for me. It was very surreal however, being in this city where so much history has taken place, pictures and movies have been shot, and seeing everything up close. When Aunt Patti and I were going through our tour given by Paolo, and hearing all about gladiators and such, which made me think of watching that show with my mom by the way, it was hard for me to truly believe that I was there. I am still getting used to the concept of travelling the world it seems.
After our tour of the Colosseum, we grabbed a bite to eat and took the second part of the tour with our next guide, Jill. This consisted of Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum. Everything is so old and it amazes me what has been able to be kept intact. I love it!
Patti and I headed back to take more pictures in front of the Colosseum after our second tour was completed and then we headed back to our hotel. There we had a cocktail and then went and grabbed dinner. She had gnocchi and I had lasagna. We came back to go to sleep after a quick stop for more gelato haha I have so many pictures though that it takes me forever to sort and edit them all...I do not mind though :-) Wonderful future memories!
This morning Patti and I slept in. After getting up and ready, we headed into the Pantheon because it was not open to the public on Sunday. It was huge and beautiful and we were able to see where Raphael was buried. After checking everything out in there, we headed to the Colosseum.
In case you did not know, I have wanted to see the Colosseum, in person, since I knew it existed. So as you can imagine, today was a bit exciting for me. It was very surreal however, being in this city where so much history has taken place, pictures and movies have been shot, and seeing everything up close. When Aunt Patti and I were going through our tour given by Paolo, and hearing all about gladiators and such, which made me think of watching that show with my mom by the way, it was hard for me to truly believe that I was there. I am still getting used to the concept of travelling the world it seems.
After our tour of the Colosseum, we grabbed a bite to eat and took the second part of the tour with our next guide, Jill. This consisted of Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum. Everything is so old and it amazes me what has been able to be kept intact. I love it!
Patti and I headed back to take more pictures in front of the Colosseum after our second tour was completed and then we headed back to our hotel. There we had a cocktail and then went and grabbed dinner. She had gnocchi and I had lasagna. We came back to go to sleep after a quick stop for more gelato haha I have so many pictures though that it takes me forever to sort and edit them all...I do not mind though :-) Wonderful future memories!
Sunday, July 17, 2011
7/17/11
Happy Birthday Sam!
I woke up at 4:30am this morning, which I did not really enjoy. Once I thought about why I was waking up that early however, it was alright. Roman dropped me off at the airport around 6am and my flight was at 7:25. It is very nice to know that I could still get on the flight even though I was not there two hours before scheduled takeoff to check in.
The flight to Rome was short and sweet and then I met Aunt Patti and our driver, Max, who took us to our hotel. It is in a very central location and is literally right next to the Pantheon! So cool!
I put longer pants and sleeves on, even though it was over 80 degrees, and Patti and I walked to the Vatican. We went to mass, even though the Pope had to bless us via satellite because he is on vacation right now hahaha It was really cool.
After that, Aunt Patti and I stopped to eat. I had gnocchi and she had pizza. I helped her eat a lot of the pizza though. It was sooo hot, Patti even thought so, and so we went back to the hotel room to change afterwards because our clothes were way too heavy for the weather. We skyped with my family at the hotel and were able to show them our amazing view of the Pantheon. Jessi and Eric were especially impressed and I was happy. I miss everyone a lot so it is always great to talk with them!
When the skype session ended, Patti and I went to the bar on our rooftop. It was a really great view up there too, everything is old and beautiful! We took our own look around when we finished our drinks and got pictures on the roof, of course.
The Fontana di Trevi (Trevi Fountain) was really close to our hotel, but for some reason it took the two of us quite a long time to finally find it. In the process however, we finally saw the guards with machine guns that my father kept asking about hahaha Once we got to the fountain, we each made our wishes and took turns throwing our coins in. There were so many people lining the edges of the fountain and packing the area surrounding it! There were a lot of people everywhere we went all day actually. I hope that maybe it is a little less packed tomorrow, since it will be a Monday. Cross your fingers for us!
Buona notte! Gute Nacht! Goodnight :-)
I woke up at 4:30am this morning, which I did not really enjoy. Once I thought about why I was waking up that early however, it was alright. Roman dropped me off at the airport around 6am and my flight was at 7:25. It is very nice to know that I could still get on the flight even though I was not there two hours before scheduled takeoff to check in.
The flight to Rome was short and sweet and then I met Aunt Patti and our driver, Max, who took us to our hotel. It is in a very central location and is literally right next to the Pantheon! So cool!
I put longer pants and sleeves on, even though it was over 80 degrees, and Patti and I walked to the Vatican. We went to mass, even though the Pope had to bless us via satellite because he is on vacation right now hahaha It was really cool.
After that, Aunt Patti and I stopped to eat. I had gnocchi and she had pizza. I helped her eat a lot of the pizza though. It was sooo hot, Patti even thought so, and so we went back to the hotel room to change afterwards because our clothes were way too heavy for the weather. We skyped with my family at the hotel and were able to show them our amazing view of the Pantheon. Jessi and Eric were especially impressed and I was happy. I miss everyone a lot so it is always great to talk with them!
When the skype session ended, Patti and I went to the bar on our rooftop. It was a really great view up there too, everything is old and beautiful! We took our own look around when we finished our drinks and got pictures on the roof, of course.
The Fontana di Trevi (Trevi Fountain) was really close to our hotel, but for some reason it took the two of us quite a long time to finally find it. In the process however, we finally saw the guards with machine guns that my father kept asking about hahaha Once we got to the fountain, we each made our wishes and took turns throwing our coins in. There were so many people lining the edges of the fountain and packing the area surrounding it! There were a lot of people everywhere we went all day actually. I hope that maybe it is a little less packed tomorrow, since it will be a Monday. Cross your fingers for us!
Buona notte! Gute Nacht! Goodnight :-)
7/16/11
Saturday the Devils had two away games again. Tiin picked me up at 7:30 and we went and got the van. I drove his car to Wil so that we could leave the van afterwards. I did alright, but Tiin's clutch is definitely different than Roman's and Nadja's.
Our games were in Lucerne and we won both by mercy rule! We were all very happy because we need to keep winning so that we compete in the playoffs. They were good games too and I got to play a lot of positions. In the first game I played center and then first base. In the second, I pitched and then played shortstop. It was a good day for Devils softball.
After the games, it turned out that I had to drive Tiin's car back because we did not need to leave the van in Wil. I was not as successful as the first time let me tell you, but after rush hour traffic, a slightly uphill roundabout, a pedestrian, and a bus later, I made it back to where we dropped off the van.
When Tiin dropped me back off at the farm, I told Roman that I probably need more practice and he laughed at my story. Also, we now have a pool at the farm that I noticed after getting home from the games. It is not very deep, but a good size and I am excited!
After eating and showering, I went out to the restaurant to help Nadja. I made a few salads, put some bottles away, and cleaned some dishes. Tiin and Daniela stopped by around 8pm and I had a good talk with them. They are going to visit Claire later this week so I hope they have a great vacation in America and do a lot of shopping while the dollar is so cheap for them hahaha
When the restaurant cleared, I finally laid in the hammock. I do not know why it took me so long because it has been there for a few weeks and is very comfortable! I was able to look at the stars, or at least the ones not covered up by clouds, and then I went on the tiny merry-go-round that the Lehmanns have. I apparently did not spin it fast enough, so Roman got on and showed me how...he was a lot faster at it than me and I had to ask him to just let it spin instead getting faster because I was getting so dizzy! It was fun, but I was sooo much better at that stuff about ten years ago haha
After that I headed to bed because I had an early flight to meet Aunt Patti in Rome the next morning!
Our games were in Lucerne and we won both by mercy rule! We were all very happy because we need to keep winning so that we compete in the playoffs. They were good games too and I got to play a lot of positions. In the first game I played center and then first base. In the second, I pitched and then played shortstop. It was a good day for Devils softball.
After the games, it turned out that I had to drive Tiin's car back because we did not need to leave the van in Wil. I was not as successful as the first time let me tell you, but after rush hour traffic, a slightly uphill roundabout, a pedestrian, and a bus later, I made it back to where we dropped off the van.
When Tiin dropped me back off at the farm, I told Roman that I probably need more practice and he laughed at my story. Also, we now have a pool at the farm that I noticed after getting home from the games. It is not very deep, but a good size and I am excited!
After eating and showering, I went out to the restaurant to help Nadja. I made a few salads, put some bottles away, and cleaned some dishes. Tiin and Daniela stopped by around 8pm and I had a good talk with them. They are going to visit Claire later this week so I hope they have a great vacation in America and do a lot of shopping while the dollar is so cheap for them hahaha
When the restaurant cleared, I finally laid in the hammock. I do not know why it took me so long because it has been there for a few weeks and is very comfortable! I was able to look at the stars, or at least the ones not covered up by clouds, and then I went on the tiny merry-go-round that the Lehmanns have. I apparently did not spin it fast enough, so Roman got on and showed me how...he was a lot faster at it than me and I had to ask him to just let it spin instead getting faster because I was getting so dizzy! It was fun, but I was sooo much better at that stuff about ten years ago haha
After that I headed to bed because I had an early flight to meet Aunt Patti in Rome the next morning!
Friday, July 15, 2011
7/15/11
I woke up, tried to motivate myself to go for a run for about an hour, failed to motivate myself, but went for a run anyway. I had to walk half of the hill at the end though...I could not run the whole thing.
After my run, I showered and had lunch. It was, once again, delicious. Then I looked for jobs on the internet for entirely too long because I did not really find anything. After that, I packed for Rome. I am meeting Aunt Patti there on Sunday and we are staying until Friday. I am sooo excited!!!!
Then Roman got home and I went with him to meet his friend Uschi. She was very nice and the three of us went to a restaurant that is kind of like Steak on a Stone...except with horse meat. It was so good though!
When we were finished, we drove Uschi back to her car and Roman and I went to the full moon party in Lommis. We saw Tiin and Daniela there and stayed for awhile. It was fun and a very good day. I have to go to sleep now because I play in the morning...hope we win both!
After my run, I showered and had lunch. It was, once again, delicious. Then I looked for jobs on the internet for entirely too long because I did not really find anything. After that, I packed for Rome. I am meeting Aunt Patti there on Sunday and we are staying until Friday. I am sooo excited!!!!
Then Roman got home and I went with him to meet his friend Uschi. She was very nice and the three of us went to a restaurant that is kind of like Steak on a Stone...except with horse meat. It was so good though!
When we were finished, we drove Uschi back to her car and Roman and I went to the full moon party in Lommis. We saw Tiin and Daniela there and stayed for awhile. It was fun and a very good day. I have to go to sleep now because I play in the morning...hope we win both!
7/14/11
Happy Birthday Alex Kenyon!!
Thursday I slept in way too late, then got up and had lunch. My mom says I write a lot about food in these blogs, but it's just because everything is so good here!
I uploaded pictures, read some of The Lord of the Rings, and looked for jobs after lunch. I hope that once I get back to America I will have found something that I like doing. Cross your fingers for me!
At 5:45 Tiin picked me up for practice. It was a pitchers' practice and so it was just Jrene, Chanti, and me. We pitched for about an hour, and then I threw balls to Tiin and Jrene at first base because they will be playing there for another team soon. They wanted the extra practice and I had no problem with that. I love everything softball!
After practice, Tiin brought me back and I had dinner with Roman. I love that he likes to cook! He is good at it too, which is wonderful!
I got to skype with Nick McGreevy and Corey Nash after dinner, which was fantastic! I did not think that Greevy's computer could ever work for skype again, seeing as the screen is shattered and about twenty different colors, but somehow he managed it. I was happy about it for sure. After that I went to sleep. It was another good day!
Thursday I slept in way too late, then got up and had lunch. My mom says I write a lot about food in these blogs, but it's just because everything is so good here!
I uploaded pictures, read some of The Lord of the Rings, and looked for jobs after lunch. I hope that once I get back to America I will have found something that I like doing. Cross your fingers for me!
At 5:45 Tiin picked me up for practice. It was a pitchers' practice and so it was just Jrene, Chanti, and me. We pitched for about an hour, and then I threw balls to Tiin and Jrene at first base because they will be playing there for another team soon. They wanted the extra practice and I had no problem with that. I love everything softball!
After practice, Tiin brought me back and I had dinner with Roman. I love that he likes to cook! He is good at it too, which is wonderful!
I got to skype with Nick McGreevy and Corey Nash after dinner, which was fantastic! I did not think that Greevy's computer could ever work for skype again, seeing as the screen is shattered and about twenty different colors, but somehow he managed it. I was happy about it for sure. After that I went to sleep. It was another good day!
Thursday, July 14, 2011
7/13/11
Wednesday I woke up and got ready for practice. Nadja picked me up and we went to the batting cage because it was raining. Nadja, Jrene, and I hit for a little over an hour and then Jrene and I pitched to Nadja. It was good.
After practice, Nadja and I came back to the farm for lunch. It was mashed potatoes and pork and it was sooo good. I ate too much though haha
I helped clean the restaurant a little afterwards and Tiin picked me up for practice at 6:40. It was in the batting cage again because it was still raining. I got a lot of hitting in, which is good.
After practice, I went to another little restaurant with Roman, Peter, and Cony. We had salami, cheese, and bread. Everything was very good. When we got back I went to sleep because I was tired.
After practice, Nadja and I came back to the farm for lunch. It was mashed potatoes and pork and it was sooo good. I ate too much though haha
I helped clean the restaurant a little afterwards and Tiin picked me up for practice at 6:40. It was in the batting cage again because it was still raining. I got a lot of hitting in, which is good.
After practice, I went to another little restaurant with Roman, Peter, and Cony. We had salami, cheese, and bread. Everything was very good. When we got back I went to sleep because I was tired.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
7/12/11
Tuesday was a lazy day, that consisted also of me trying not to scratch my ten different, golf ball sized moquito bites. I succeeded pretty well, surprisingly. I sat around a lot, then ate lunch, and then was able to skype with Nicole, Amanda, and Kevin. That made my day!
I talked with Michelle Krier, cleaned the chairs for the restaurant, and then took a nap because I knew that if I was asleep I could not scratch. I woke up and Roman had stopped at the store and bought me some creme and antiallergenic pills so hopefully the giant mutant bites go away hahaha
After that I talked with some more friends, had dinner, and skyped with Nicole again! I hopefully will get rid of these bites soon.
I talked with Michelle Krier, cleaned the chairs for the restaurant, and then took a nap because I knew that if I was asleep I could not scratch. I woke up and Roman had stopped at the store and bought me some creme and antiallergenic pills so hopefully the giant mutant bites go away hahaha
After that I talked with some more friends, had dinner, and skyped with Nicole again! I hopefully will get rid of these bites soon.
7/11/11
On Monday I woke up in a real bed, not a tent, which was fantastic! I enjoyed camping a lot, but the bed was extremely welcome. I showered, vacuumed, and had lunch with the family. I love that they all eat together at noon pretty much every day.
After lunch, I mowed the lawn. I was happy to do work again because I felt lazy from being gone for two weeks hahaha I skyped with my dad, Mikey, and Eric after that, which I was very happy about since it felt like a really long time since I had talked with them. I still need to talk to my mom and sister though!
At 6pm, Nadja got here to take me to practice. We were going early so that she could get more practice in because she had to leave early. I was very happy to be playing again, since it had been two weeks, if you don't count playing catch randomly. At practice, Nadja said mostly everything to me in German first, and then if I didn't understand said it in English. I didn't do too bad though!
After practice, I came home and had some food. I watched TV with Roman and Christof, even though it is more like they watch and I try to figure out what the people on TV are saying. After that, we all went to bed. Another good day :-)
After lunch, I mowed the lawn. I was happy to do work again because I felt lazy from being gone for two weeks hahaha I skyped with my dad, Mikey, and Eric after that, which I was very happy about since it felt like a really long time since I had talked with them. I still need to talk to my mom and sister though!
At 6pm, Nadja got here to take me to practice. We were going early so that she could get more practice in because she had to leave early. I was very happy to be playing again, since it had been two weeks, if you don't count playing catch randomly. At practice, Nadja said mostly everything to me in German first, and then if I didn't understand said it in English. I didn't do too bad though!
After practice, I came home and had some food. I watched TV with Roman and Christof, even though it is more like they watch and I try to figure out what the people on TV are saying. After that, we all went to bed. Another good day :-)
Monday, July 11, 2011
7/10/11
On Sunday morning, I got up around 9am. I had a little bit of breakfast and sat around with the Lehmanns for awhile at Openair. Around noon, we packed everything up and headed out. It was a good weekend, but I was very excited for a shower haha
I just hung around the house for the rest of the day, which was nice to relax. Roman and I watched The Simpsons...even though I do not understand it in German I still like it. We had meat and potatoes, which we made. I cut food very slowly though hahaha
Then we watched a movie. It was a nice day and good to be back at the farm after a long vacation.
I just hung around the house for the rest of the day, which was nice to relax. Roman and I watched The Simpsons...even though I do not understand it in German I still like it. We had meat and potatoes, which we made. I cut food very slowly though hahaha
Then we watched a movie. It was a nice day and good to be back at the farm after a long vacation.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
7/9/11
Saturday morning I woke up a few times, every time sweating. I did not actually get up until around noon though, lazy haha I had breakfast, and then went and showered at Nadja and Andi's with them again. It is nice that they live so close to the Openair.
When we got back to our tents, Roman and Rolf, his friend, had gotten there. We grilled and then headed to the concert area. We walked around there for a bit and got a few drinks and then headed back to the tents because it was starting to rain again. There were always a lot of people at our tents because we had such a big area and nobody wanted to stand in the rain. After hanging out for a little while, we went back to watch some of the performances. While we were waiting, it started raining again, so we went inside the bar area and finally saw Christof. Nadja tried to call him the day before, but he did not answer. So we were happy to find him that night.
The rest of the night we listened to music, danced, ate, and drank. It was a good time, but then I was tired so I went to bed around midnight.
When we got back to our tents, Roman and Rolf, his friend, had gotten there. We grilled and then headed to the concert area. We walked around there for a bit and got a few drinks and then headed back to the tents because it was starting to rain again. There were always a lot of people at our tents because we had such a big area and nobody wanted to stand in the rain. After hanging out for a little while, we went back to watch some of the performances. While we were waiting, it started raining again, so we went inside the bar area and finally saw Christof. Nadja tried to call him the day before, but he did not answer. So we were happy to find him that night.
The rest of the night we listened to music, danced, ate, and drank. It was a good time, but then I was tired so I went to bed around midnight.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
7/8/11
When I woke up on Friday, I was not wet! Even though it rained for most of the night. I was happy about that. Andreas, Debbie, Nadja, Andi, and I all ate breakfast and then shortly afterwards I went back to Nadja and Andi's house with them to shower. We stopped at the store on the way back to Openair to grab some things and then got back to our tents. Our tents have a big tents over the top of all of them too, so it is a nice little area we have going on.
We grilled again, and then Nadja, Andi, and I went up to the concert area to see everything that was set up. There were a few bars, a lot of little shops, and even a shower area sponsored by Axe, so all of the shower stalls were giant Axe bottles. That was funny. We headed back to our tents and then played beer pong, sitting down. I am happy that people seem to like the game.
After a few games of that, we went back because it was time for a few of the bigger artists to perform. I saw Ice Cube and Snoop Dogg and a few German performers too. We were there until about midnight, and then I headed back to go to sleep because I was tired.
We grilled again, and then Nadja, Andi, and I went up to the concert area to see everything that was set up. There were a few bars, a lot of little shops, and even a shower area sponsored by Axe, so all of the shower stalls were giant Axe bottles. That was funny. We headed back to our tents and then played beer pong, sitting down. I am happy that people seem to like the game.
After a few games of that, we went back because it was time for a few of the bigger artists to perform. I saw Ice Cube and Snoop Dogg and a few German performers too. We were there until about midnight, and then I headed back to go to sleep because I was tired.
Friday, July 8, 2011
7/7/11
In the morning, it was raining. We packed up our campsite and headed out. The four of us ate croissants right next to the train station, because T was taking the train back to Munich. Nadja, Andi, and I watched T get on the train and then we headed back too. We stopped at McDonald's on the way home and they pointed out a bar called "Pirates" to me...I would love to go there haha
Once we got back to the farm, I had to lay all of my camping things out to dry because of the rain in Tessin. I needed them for the Openair this weekend, a giant concert where everyone camps out, that I am going to with Najda, Andi, Andreas, and Debbie. It is like a giant outdoor concert with multiple bands. I showered, did some laundry, and then packed my stuff up for the weekend.
A little before I had to leave with Andreas and Debbie, Cony came and got me and took me to the barn where I literally watched a calf being born. Peter pulled it out of the mother. It was insane! It was a girl and Cony told me they named it Kristin (pronounced more like Kristine, but after me) hahaha
I left with Andreas and Debbie around eight for Openair, which was taking place in Frauenfeld where Nadja and Andi live. We had to carry all of our stuff to where Nadja and Andi set things up and it was a long way...good workout. It rained for a lot of the night, but we had a big tent over our little tents so we did not get wet. We ate and went to bed around midnight.
Once we got back to the farm, I had to lay all of my camping things out to dry because of the rain in Tessin. I needed them for the Openair this weekend, a giant concert where everyone camps out, that I am going to with Najda, Andi, Andreas, and Debbie. It is like a giant outdoor concert with multiple bands. I showered, did some laundry, and then packed my stuff up for the weekend.
A little before I had to leave with Andreas and Debbie, Cony came and got me and took me to the barn where I literally watched a calf being born. Peter pulled it out of the mother. It was insane! It was a girl and Cony told me they named it Kristin (pronounced more like Kristine, but after me) hahaha
I left with Andreas and Debbie around eight for Openair, which was taking place in Frauenfeld where Nadja and Andi live. We had to carry all of our stuff to where Nadja and Andi set things up and it was a long way...good workout. It rained for a lot of the night, but we had a big tent over our little tents so we did not get wet. We ate and went to bed around midnight.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
7/6/11
Happy Birthday Roman!
When the four of us woke up, we ate breakfast. T and I love Nutella chocolate spread and are happy they eat it a lot here. We packed some food, the grill, and our towels and headed off to a spot that Nadja and Andi knew. On the way, we stopped at the dam that James Bond jumps off of in the movie Golden Eye. It was huge and pretty awesome. They even offer bungy jumping, but we did not do that haha
Once we left the dam, we drove to this nice rocky area in between mountains that had a stream, with such clear water, running through it. That is where we set everything up for the day. There were small sandy beach areas and we picked one for the four of us. It was a beautiful day and even the the water was pretty cold, it was so refreshing. We laid out for awhile and then grilled more of the food we brought. We went swimming for a little bit after eating, and then T and I saw an area that had a waterfall down a few rock steps, which looked really pretty so we made our way towards it. Once we got closer, we saw an area where there were boys jumping off of a platform thing into the water...of course we wanted to do this! So I went and told Nadja and Andi about it and they walked over too. We all headed for it and had to climb a little. I love climbing though so I was happy about that.
Once we got up to it, I looked into the water and it looked higher from the top, of course. The lower platform was about 20 feet high and then there was a thing that came out even higher, about 40 feet high. I was nervous, but I decided that since we all had come out of our way to get here, we had better jump. I watched a few of the boys do it first and then I went first. I got a running start, just in case, and jumped. It was so fun!! Andi went with me next and then T and Nadja went after us. I thought we were going to go back then, but Andi looked at me and said "now we do the higher one?" I was really excited he wanted to because I wanted to, but I was nervous until I knew someone would go with me. Now, the taller one was not a platform. It was this steel constructed thing that came out of the rock and curved around to go back into the rock on the other side. We had to climb up the rock wall to get to it, where there were a few pegs sticking out. That was the hardest part and once we got up it, Andi and I looked at each other and said that there was only one way down, because we were not going back the way we came, and so we had to jump now. We watched one of the boys do it first, just to make sure we did not have to jump any special way. Then we counted to 3 and jumped...I screamed so loud hahahaha
T's camera has an awesome quick shot feature for wonderful opportunities like this, so we took pictures with her camera and videos with mine. I was so happy that we had wanted to go look at the stairs waterfall thing because otherwise we would not have seen that we could jump!
We went back to our little beach area after that and laid out for a little longer. Then we packed everything up and headed back to the campsite. When we got there, we played a little bit of racquetball, showered, played more Swissican pong, and then made more food. Then we went to bed. It was a great day!
When the four of us woke up, we ate breakfast. T and I love Nutella chocolate spread and are happy they eat it a lot here. We packed some food, the grill, and our towels and headed off to a spot that Nadja and Andi knew. On the way, we stopped at the dam that James Bond jumps off of in the movie Golden Eye. It was huge and pretty awesome. They even offer bungy jumping, but we did not do that haha
Once we left the dam, we drove to this nice rocky area in between mountains that had a stream, with such clear water, running through it. That is where we set everything up for the day. There were small sandy beach areas and we picked one for the four of us. It was a beautiful day and even the the water was pretty cold, it was so refreshing. We laid out for awhile and then grilled more of the food we brought. We went swimming for a little bit after eating, and then T and I saw an area that had a waterfall down a few rock steps, which looked really pretty so we made our way towards it. Once we got closer, we saw an area where there were boys jumping off of a platform thing into the water...of course we wanted to do this! So I went and told Nadja and Andi about it and they walked over too. We all headed for it and had to climb a little. I love climbing though so I was happy about that.
Once we got up to it, I looked into the water and it looked higher from the top, of course. The lower platform was about 20 feet high and then there was a thing that came out even higher, about 40 feet high. I was nervous, but I decided that since we all had come out of our way to get here, we had better jump. I watched a few of the boys do it first and then I went first. I got a running start, just in case, and jumped. It was so fun!! Andi went with me next and then T and Nadja went after us. I thought we were going to go back then, but Andi looked at me and said "now we do the higher one?" I was really excited he wanted to because I wanted to, but I was nervous until I knew someone would go with me. Now, the taller one was not a platform. It was this steel constructed thing that came out of the rock and curved around to go back into the rock on the other side. We had to climb up the rock wall to get to it, where there were a few pegs sticking out. That was the hardest part and once we got up it, Andi and I looked at each other and said that there was only one way down, because we were not going back the way we came, and so we had to jump now. We watched one of the boys do it first, just to make sure we did not have to jump any special way. Then we counted to 3 and jumped...I screamed so loud hahahaha
T's camera has an awesome quick shot feature for wonderful opportunities like this, so we took pictures with her camera and videos with mine. I was so happy that we had wanted to go look at the stairs waterfall thing because otherwise we would not have seen that we could jump!
We went back to our little beach area after that and laid out for a little longer. Then we packed everything up and headed back to the campsite. When we got there, we played a little bit of racquetball, showered, played more Swissican pong, and then made more food. Then we went to bed. It was a great day!
7/5/11
On Tuesday, we woke up before 9 so that we could get the car packed and ready to go camping in Tessin. After we were all ready, we dropped the tables from the Independence Day Party back off at the farm, grabbed a few things, and headed out. The drive was about four hours and it went through the Alps, so it was gorgeous. We stopped to eat the rest of the pizza dip and some bread and cheese when we were about an hour and a half away and it was funny how much colder being up in the mountains is than normal.
Once we got there, we unpacked everything, set up our tents, and then sat down for a little bit. The campsite is in a valley between the mountains in the Italian part of Switzerland and there was a little lake next to it. T and I went swimming while Nadja and Andi went to the store and then they met us by the lake. It was nice to lay out and relax.
After swimming, we went back and grilled some food. We had brats, hot dogs, vegetables, bread, pasta salad, and cheesecake for dessert...I love leftovers! Since we were fed and happy, we made up a new game. We sat two and two across from each other in our chairs and set a circle of six cups and then one in the middle in the center of all of us. We threw ping pong balls at the cups and if you made it in the cups in the circle, one person from the other pair had to drink, but if you made it in the middle cup, both people had to drink. It was fun and I called it Swissican pong because it was the Swiss vs the Americans haha
After that it was time for bed. Nadja was especially happy that we did not have to set any alarms!
Once we got there, we unpacked everything, set up our tents, and then sat down for a little bit. The campsite is in a valley between the mountains in the Italian part of Switzerland and there was a little lake next to it. T and I went swimming while Nadja and Andi went to the store and then they met us by the lake. It was nice to lay out and relax.
After swimming, we went back and grilled some food. We had brats, hot dogs, vegetables, bread, pasta salad, and cheesecake for dessert...I love leftovers! Since we were fed and happy, we made up a new game. We sat two and two across from each other in our chairs and set a circle of six cups and then one in the middle in the center of all of us. We threw ping pong balls at the cups and if you made it in the cups in the circle, one person from the other pair had to drink, but if you made it in the middle cup, both people had to drink. It was fun and I called it Swissican pong because it was the Swiss vs the Americans haha
After that it was time for bed. Nadja was especially happy that we did not have to set any alarms!
Monday, July 4, 2011
7/4/11
Happy 4th of July America!!!!!!!!
This date does not really mean anything in Switzerland, but lucky for me, T came from Munich to visit and Nadja threw us an Independence Day party. When T got here, we did a lot of grocery shopping and then went to the farm to get tables to take to Nadja's apartment for the party. T was able to meet Peter, Cony, Andreas, and Roman at the farm. I was happy about that.
After loading up the van, Nadja, T, and I headed to her house to get things ready. We made a lot of food and everything was very good. We even made red, white, and blue dessert fruit cups with blueberries, whipped cream, and raspberries. This was due to me remembering Aunt Patti making something similar a few years ago. We had a bbq and lots of people came. Then we played beer pong for a little while, but the cups were small so it took a really long time for just one game. Because of this, the game ended in a tie...Switzerland is neutral! It was a good day, even though the fourth is a lot different in America and many more people are drunk haha
Going to bed now because T, Nadja, Andi, and I are camping in Tessin starting tomorrow until Thursday!
This date does not really mean anything in Switzerland, but lucky for me, T came from Munich to visit and Nadja threw us an Independence Day party. When T got here, we did a lot of grocery shopping and then went to the farm to get tables to take to Nadja's apartment for the party. T was able to meet Peter, Cony, Andreas, and Roman at the farm. I was happy about that.
After loading up the van, Nadja, T, and I headed to her house to get things ready. We made a lot of food and everything was very good. We even made red, white, and blue dessert fruit cups with blueberries, whipped cream, and raspberries. This was due to me remembering Aunt Patti making something similar a few years ago. We had a bbq and lots of people came. Then we played beer pong for a little while, but the cups were small so it took a really long time for just one game. Because of this, the game ended in a tie...Switzerland is neutral! It was a good day, even though the fourth is a lot different in America and many more people are drunk haha
Going to bed now because T, Nadja, Andi, and I are camping in Tessin starting tomorrow until Thursday!
Sunday, July 3, 2011
7/3/11
Woke up this morning in the hostel in Interlaken at 6am so that I could eat breakfast with Felicia and Eric before they had to catch their train. I took a shower, without any soap, so I did not get very clean and then had bread, cheese, jam, toast, and orange juice with Felicia, Eric, and Roman. When they left around 7:15, I went back to bed until about 9am.
After waking up the second time, Roman and I got in the car and drove to Bern, which is Switzerland's capital and only about half an hour away from Interlaken. It was very pretty, but much different than Zurich. All of the buildings were connected to each other pretty much. That was cool. They also have bears in one area, kind of like a zoo, because the first animal caught in Bern was a bear and so the bear is now on their flag. I thought that was a fun fact.
It happened to be "car free Sunday" in Bern so there were a few little concerts going on and the streets were blocked off. We could walk everywhere, and once Roman and I walked to the opposite end of the city, we turned around and started heading back. On our way back, Roman spotted one of the guys we met in the hostel the night before. His name was Erik and he is from Buffalo. He went to UB actually and so we hung out with him for a good amount of time and showed him where the bears were. We offered to give him a ride to Zurich, where he was catching a train to Amsterdam, but he already had his ticket so there was no need. The world is so much smaller than I used to think, and I love it!
We said goodbye to Erik then and agreed to become Facebook friends haha Roman and I drove back to the farm, which took about two and a half hours. It was such a nice day for Bern and we were very happy about that. When I got back, I updated my blog and uploaded pictures, since I had been a little preoccupied the last two days. Then I went out to the restaurant, visited with the family, had dinner, and by that time it was time to come back inside and go to sleep.
Goodnight!
After waking up the second time, Roman and I got in the car and drove to Bern, which is Switzerland's capital and only about half an hour away from Interlaken. It was very pretty, but much different than Zurich. All of the buildings were connected to each other pretty much. That was cool. They also have bears in one area, kind of like a zoo, because the first animal caught in Bern was a bear and so the bear is now on their flag. I thought that was a fun fact.
It happened to be "car free Sunday" in Bern so there were a few little concerts going on and the streets were blocked off. We could walk everywhere, and once Roman and I walked to the opposite end of the city, we turned around and started heading back. On our way back, Roman spotted one of the guys we met in the hostel the night before. His name was Erik and he is from Buffalo. He went to UB actually and so we hung out with him for a good amount of time and showed him where the bears were. We offered to give him a ride to Zurich, where he was catching a train to Amsterdam, but he already had his ticket so there was no need. The world is so much smaller than I used to think, and I love it!
We said goodbye to Erik then and agreed to become Facebook friends haha Roman and I drove back to the farm, which took about two and a half hours. It was such a nice day for Bern and we were very happy about that. When I got back, I updated my blog and uploaded pictures, since I had been a little preoccupied the last two days. Then I went out to the restaurant, visited with the family, had dinner, and by that time it was time to come back inside and go to sleep.
Goodnight!
7/2/11
I woke up at 7:30 on Saturday, after only about 3 1/2 hours of sleep and not in a very good mood. I scrambled around base for the next three hours while Eric had to work, trying to find internet so that I could find a flight and hopefully get back to Switzerland.
First I tried to book a cheaper flight that would have landed me in Germany on Sunday, which meant that I would not be able to see Felicia and her boyfriend Eric Reno, and Roman would have picked me up way out of his way, but it would not take any of the cards I had with me so that was no longer an option. I saw another flight, but that had two stops and I did not want to risk being stuck somewhere that I did not know anyone. That option was expensive anyway so it was quickly cut out. Around 9:30 I found a non-stop flight to Zurich, but it was out of Heraklion airport, the one that was two hours away and did not work out the day before. Eric Smith had to work all day, so I was not sure he would be able to take me and plus I now knew that I needed to be two hours early. My options were not looking good.
Turns out, I booked that flight around 10:15am, said goodbye to Eric, hopped in the car with Mario at 10:30am, who I thanked about fifty times in the next two hours, and drove to Heraklion to try again. We got there about three hours and fifteen minutes early and I still was not allowed to check in because this time I was too early. Mario waited with me until I was able to get my boarding pass, probably because neither of us trusted that I would not have to call him and ask him to turn around again, and then I went through security, where they made me open my bag because I had my emptied of rum bottle now full of Greek sand. The guy said "oh ok" when he saw it and then I sat literally fifteen feet from the gate until they basically whispered to the people to board. Needless to say, there were not a lot of happy people in that airport.
After getting on the plane and having it take off, showing me the route to Zurich on the screen in front of my seat, I started to feel a little better. They fed me and I had the beef jerky that Mario gave to me in case I got hungry. Three hours after taking off, Roman picked me up in Zurich, Switzerland. I do not think that I have ever been so happy to see a country before.
We drove straight to Interlaken to see Felicia and Eric Reno, seeing as we were already six hours later than we originally intended to be and we still had a two hour drive to get there. Once we got there though, and I saw Felicia's face when she opened her room door, because she was not expecting me since I told her through Facebook that I had missed my flight out of Greece, I felt immediately better. I had been having not the greatest 24 hours and it was so good to see her. We stayed at Balmer's, a hostel in Interlaken, and talked for hours. There was a bar in the basement and we also watched her canyoning video from the day before.
Even though I was not happy about having to buy another ticket, by the time I was with Felicia, Eric, Roman, and some new friends, I did not care anymore. It was a really good night so I was thankful for that.
First I tried to book a cheaper flight that would have landed me in Germany on Sunday, which meant that I would not be able to see Felicia and her boyfriend Eric Reno, and Roman would have picked me up way out of his way, but it would not take any of the cards I had with me so that was no longer an option. I saw another flight, but that had two stops and I did not want to risk being stuck somewhere that I did not know anyone. That option was expensive anyway so it was quickly cut out. Around 9:30 I found a non-stop flight to Zurich, but it was out of Heraklion airport, the one that was two hours away and did not work out the day before. Eric Smith had to work all day, so I was not sure he would be able to take me and plus I now knew that I needed to be two hours early. My options were not looking good.
Turns out, I booked that flight around 10:15am, said goodbye to Eric, hopped in the car with Mario at 10:30am, who I thanked about fifty times in the next two hours, and drove to Heraklion to try again. We got there about three hours and fifteen minutes early and I still was not allowed to check in because this time I was too early. Mario waited with me until I was able to get my boarding pass, probably because neither of us trusted that I would not have to call him and ask him to turn around again, and then I went through security, where they made me open my bag because I had my emptied of rum bottle now full of Greek sand. The guy said "oh ok" when he saw it and then I sat literally fifteen feet from the gate until they basically whispered to the people to board. Needless to say, there were not a lot of happy people in that airport.
After getting on the plane and having it take off, showing me the route to Zurich on the screen in front of my seat, I started to feel a little better. They fed me and I had the beef jerky that Mario gave to me in case I got hungry. Three hours after taking off, Roman picked me up in Zurich, Switzerland. I do not think that I have ever been so happy to see a country before.
We drove straight to Interlaken to see Felicia and Eric Reno, seeing as we were already six hours later than we originally intended to be and we still had a two hour drive to get there. Once we got there though, and I saw Felicia's face when she opened her room door, because she was not expecting me since I told her through Facebook that I had missed my flight out of Greece, I felt immediately better. I had been having not the greatest 24 hours and it was so good to see her. We stayed at Balmer's, a hostel in Interlaken, and talked for hours. There was a bar in the basement and we also watched her canyoning video from the day before.
Even though I was not happy about having to buy another ticket, by the time I was with Felicia, Eric, Roman, and some new friends, I did not care anymore. It was a really good night so I was thankful for that.
7/1/11
On Friday, I woke up and was able to see Eric work for a little while. He helped direct a plane on base. It was fun to watch and nice to see what his job is.
After having some food, a nap, and packing, Eric and Mario drove me to the airport that is two hours away from the base. We arrived at 7:30 for my 8:50 flight. Long story short, I was apparently too late. I was told that I missed my flight, even though it was not even scheduled to take off for another 45 minutes by the time I was trying to understand why the lady was telling me I missed it because the board said "Check" still, not boarding or departed. I argued with one lady, had another lady help me, tried to go through security without a boarding pass, and then had to call Eric and tell him to turn around because I missed my still twenty minutes to taking off flight. The lady also told me, while the other one was trying to help me figure out what to do next, "buy another ticket" and then she shut the plastic window and was done talking to me. It was frustrating to say the least. Now I know never to go to the airport less than two hours early.
Eric and Mario drove me back to the base where I stayed and tried to find another flight. I decided to go to bed after a long time and did not sleep very well at all.
After having some food, a nap, and packing, Eric and Mario drove me to the airport that is two hours away from the base. We arrived at 7:30 for my 8:50 flight. Long story short, I was apparently too late. I was told that I missed my flight, even though it was not even scheduled to take off for another 45 minutes by the time I was trying to understand why the lady was telling me I missed it because the board said "Check" still, not boarding or departed. I argued with one lady, had another lady help me, tried to go through security without a boarding pass, and then had to call Eric and tell him to turn around because I missed my still twenty minutes to taking off flight. The lady also told me, while the other one was trying to help me figure out what to do next, "buy another ticket" and then she shut the plastic window and was done talking to me. It was frustrating to say the least. Now I know never to go to the airport less than two hours early.
Eric and Mario drove me back to the base where I stayed and tried to find another flight. I decided to go to bed after a long time and did not sleep very well at all.
Friday, July 1, 2011
6/30/11
Thursday I slept in until about noon. Apparently I was tired. Then Eric and I made pizza dip again for a picnic type thing on base. I am happy it is such an easy, amazingly good thing to make. After that, we went to the beach again. Definitely something I do not mind doing every single day.
After snorkeling again and laying out for a few hours, Eric, Collin, Mario, and I went to Bella Pizza. We had great food. Eric and I shared a peynirli, which is like a pizza but has the edges folded up and all the toppings stuffed inside. The potatoes were phenomenal and I also got to try a bite of Collin's rigatoni and a piece of Mario's pizza. Then, we went and got dessert for later.
After getting back to base, we all hung out and Eric and I talked with Davis for about two hours about how great Ohio is hahaha Some things never change.
After snorkeling again and laying out for a few hours, Eric, Collin, Mario, and I went to Bella Pizza. We had great food. Eric and I shared a peynirli, which is like a pizza but has the edges folded up and all the toppings stuffed inside. The potatoes were phenomenal and I also got to try a bite of Collin's rigatoni and a piece of Mario's pizza. Then, we went and got dessert for later.
After getting back to base, we all hung out and Eric and I talked with Davis for about two hours about how great Ohio is hahaha Some things never change.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)