Jack has been in school for the last week and he loves it. I'll write more on that later when I have the chance. Will is still waiting to get in, but he is guaranteed to be in by December 17 and maybe earlier. So a little more home schooling for him, I'm afraid.
Today's blog is about nothing much but a couple of little things. I don't know that my mom or others will like this blog much, but for some reason I am writing about these random things...
Right now we go to the grocery store almost every day. The grocery story here, Coop, was running a promotion and handing out bags of small items. It was really nice as it included a Swiffer duster, some dish washing tablets and other items. As soon as we got home, Josi loved rummaging through the bag and dusting all of our items and immediately using all products - she is a consumer marketer's dream! One of the items was a little sanitary pad (sorry any men reading) and she wanted to know what it was. I started on the long story about it while answering 4 year old questions and realized part way through that I was not making any sense. So I simply said - "It is a padded sticker!" And we opened it up, stuck it to her shirt and she walked around for couple of hours with it stuck to her shirt! Thank heavens we had no place we had to go!
Chocolate and cheese - I could eat only those two things for the rest of my life and be a very happy girl. They are everywhere in everything and in every form. I have no idea how these skinny little Swiss people can be eating both of these things all the time, but they must because they are EVERYWHERE! I had made a previous post about how healthy all the food is here and lacking in hormones and preservatives. Let me state that I think it is not possible to lose weight if all you ever do is eat chocolate and cheese.
And lastly, we have run out of the U.S. toilet paper that we brought with us from home. So now it is on to European toilet paper. Need I blog more?
Friday, October 29, 2010
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Ode to the Alps
Ahhhh, the Alps. How amazing to see these mountains as a backdrop to the lake and hills outside our home. It still amazes me how they are in full view one day and completely hidden the next because it doesn't appear as if they are covered by clouds - they simply cease to be visibile. It is truly as if God plucks them up and then drops them back down again on another day. It's as if they are only here visiting. If that is the case and they travel around, I hope they decide to stop by and visit you!
This week has been beautiful. At different times during the day I think "Oh, I need to take a picture of the mountains - they are beautiful." About an hour later they have changed and seem even more beautiful and I want to take another picture. I only wish I was a better photographer with a better camera to do them justice. Here are a few from our balcony that I wanted to share with you:
Rich has been gone all week and came home today to finally see the mountains in full view. We were so glad he was finally home after a long week's worth of work - and happy the mountains were here to help greet him!
This week has been beautiful. At different times during the day I think "Oh, I need to take a picture of the mountains - they are beautiful." About an hour later they have changed and seem even more beautiful and I want to take another picture. I only wish I was a better photographer with a better camera to do them justice. Here are a few from our balcony that I wanted to share with you:
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| Alps at sunrise - about 7 am |
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| Still morning |
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| Morning on a different day |
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| Another morning |
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| During the day |
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| During the day |
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| Dusk - this was far more beautiful than picture suggests. |
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| Dusk |
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| Almost night - love the moon in this one. Later in the evening, you could still vaguely see the mountains in the light of the full moon. |
Rich has been gone all week and came home today to finally see the mountains in full view. We were so glad he was finally home after a long week's worth of work - and happy the mountains were here to help greet him!
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Boat Ride
Lazy, easy day today. Took the train to the city center and then took a boat ride down the river and out on Lake Zurich. It was a cloudy day, but we really enjoyed ourselves. Thought I would post a couple of pictures since I haven't yet. Part of the reason there have been no pics is that someone who will remain nameless (although his name rhymes with "itch" and he was super happy Wisconsin beat Ohio State) lost the camera on our first outing. We bought a new one on Friday so I can finally share some photos:
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| Jack on the boat |
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| Will on the boat on the river |
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| Josi on the boat on Lake Zurich |
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| All three on the train. Note: Will is wearing a t-shirt, Josi is wearing long sleeves and Jack is in a winter coat. You'd think we were in three different climates! Actually, we did break out the winter coats today to stay plenty warm. |
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| Josi at the kitchen table |
Saturday, October 16, 2010
The Man on the Bus
Now that we have adjusted to the time change and are beginning to figure things out a little, I am looking forward to beginning a routine. Jack starts school on Wednesday which is the International School's first day back after mid-October break. I am hoping some second grader doesn't show up after the break so Will has a spot soon as well. I am looking into a preschool a couple of mornings or so for Josi - I think she would do really well in a bi-lingual school so that she is taught part of the time in German. I can't wait to hear the kids speak German. It is one of things I am looking forward to the most.
We bought our train passes yesterday. They are one of the few things that are reasonably affordable for adults and very affordable for the children and a much better deal than daily or round trip rates ... and it simply feels better to not have to hand over money to travel to the grocery store!
We normally walk about a half mile to the train station and head out from there. It is a really nice walk and we are trying to do more of that. On the way back it was raining so we skipped the train completely and took the bus that drops off about a half a block from our home.
As we were waiting for the bus, a gentleman of about 70 years of age sat down by Jack and spoke to him in Swiss German. When Jack answered in English, he spoke to him in English and began a conversation. I told him it was our first time to ride the bus here and wondered if we needed to push the button before our stop or if the bus automatically stops at each stop - one of those little things that makes you feel better once you know what to do.
The kids began talking to him. They told him we had moved here last week. Josi told him her dad was in Paris for a whole week. Will (who stood up every time he spoke and sat down afterwards) told him that he had never been here before we moved here. He told the kids how much fun they would have learning a new language and that his little granddaughter is five and speaks four languages. He seemed to be a genuinely kind man who sat across from us as we boarded the bus. Right before his stop, he asked if I had a pen and he took it and wrote down his name and number. He said, "My name is the same as the famous ketchup - Heinz. If you need anything at all, please call me. Please do not hesitate. Even if you and your husband are looking for a place to eat. I have llived in your town for 14 years and now live in the neighboring one. I would be happy to help."
I was genuinely touched by the gesture. I teared up a little as he handed me his name and number. It was such a random act of kindness, one of many that I have experienced here.
I often wonder why we are here - what we will gain from this experience that will make us better people and make it worth all the effort? I keep thinking it will be obvious things like travel and culture. But maybe it will be the small things such as a greater understanding of the value of small acts of kindness. I thought I knew those before, but I have been dramatically educated in that area by our friends back in St. Louis and a number of virtual strangers here who have been so kind to help in any way they can. And since my life has slowed down to a crawl here for the moment, I am able to say hello in my terrible Swiss German to every person we pass on the street and appreciate each kindness, regardless of how small or simple. I hope that is a lesson our family has learned for life.
We bought our train passes yesterday. They are one of the few things that are reasonably affordable for adults and very affordable for the children and a much better deal than daily or round trip rates ... and it simply feels better to not have to hand over money to travel to the grocery store!
We normally walk about a half mile to the train station and head out from there. It is a really nice walk and we are trying to do more of that. On the way back it was raining so we skipped the train completely and took the bus that drops off about a half a block from our home.
As we were waiting for the bus, a gentleman of about 70 years of age sat down by Jack and spoke to him in Swiss German. When Jack answered in English, he spoke to him in English and began a conversation. I told him it was our first time to ride the bus here and wondered if we needed to push the button before our stop or if the bus automatically stops at each stop - one of those little things that makes you feel better once you know what to do.
The kids began talking to him. They told him we had moved here last week. Josi told him her dad was in Paris for a whole week. Will (who stood up every time he spoke and sat down afterwards) told him that he had never been here before we moved here. He told the kids how much fun they would have learning a new language and that his little granddaughter is five and speaks four languages. He seemed to be a genuinely kind man who sat across from us as we boarded the bus. Right before his stop, he asked if I had a pen and he took it and wrote down his name and number. He said, "My name is the same as the famous ketchup - Heinz. If you need anything at all, please call me. Please do not hesitate. Even if you and your husband are looking for a place to eat. I have llived in your town for 14 years and now live in the neighboring one. I would be happy to help."
I was genuinely touched by the gesture. I teared up a little as he handed me his name and number. It was such a random act of kindness, one of many that I have experienced here.
I often wonder why we are here - what we will gain from this experience that will make us better people and make it worth all the effort? I keep thinking it will be obvious things like travel and culture. But maybe it will be the small things such as a greater understanding of the value of small acts of kindness. I thought I knew those before, but I have been dramatically educated in that area by our friends back in St. Louis and a number of virtual strangers here who have been so kind to help in any way they can. And since my life has slowed down to a crawl here for the moment, I am able to say hello in my terrible Swiss German to every person we pass on the street and appreciate each kindness, regardless of how small or simple. I hope that is a lesson our family has learned for life.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Basic Day
Nothing exciting today, but it was a very nice day. It started out cool and then the sun came out and the clouds cleared. The Alps poked out a bit over the hills and it was beautiful. I am surprised by how much the kids like it here. They have not met any kids yet because school is on mid-October break and they have limited toys (and no television ), but they are extremely happy and doing very well. MUCH better than expected.
For those of you who don't know, Sara (our sitter from the states) is here with us until the middle of December. Thank heavens for her. Not only is she great with the kids, but she is also a good friend and lots of fun. She is finishing her college classes online and able to take classes from here. Rich is gone this week to Dusseldorf and Oslo until Thursday night, then leaves again on Saturday for Paris and is gone until the following Saturday. It is so nice to have Sara here to have another adult around and to figure out cooking and the train station and all those things that are always more intimidating to do on your own.
We successfully used the Combi steamer oven tonight for the first time. I am still not sure what the heck it really is, but it looks like a mini oven for munchkins. I have no instructions for it and what I can find is in German. However, it did makes some excellent food even though I don't think we used it exactly as was intended.
I have to say that I am really liking our kitchen. It is has a lot more space and storage than I thought it would. The little refrigerator reminds of the Mary Poppins suitcase as things seem to fit in it that shouldn't and apparently our freezer is super-sized compared to others. I really think we are good on space.
Laundry is a new experience. The water is heated by the laundry machine itself so it takes more than an hour and a half to wash a load of laundry. The Swiss claim it is energy efficient and the clothes are especially clean. I guess I always thought our clothes were pretty clean before :).
I feel a little in limbo right now as I need to register with the local village to become an official resident. I can't do that until the entire family can go together and prove that everything is in order. Keep in mind, I have given this information already to the country of Switzerland and the Swiss embassy in Chicago, but I still need to show up with our Passports, birth certificates, marriage license, drivers licenses, work permit, apartment lease, passport pictures and visas. That has to come first before we can open a bank account, get a cell phone and buy a car, plus a number of other things. We will do that if Rich gets home in time on Thursday or first thing on Friday.
For those of you who don't know, Sara (our sitter from the states) is here with us until the middle of December. Thank heavens for her. Not only is she great with the kids, but she is also a good friend and lots of fun. She is finishing her college classes online and able to take classes from here. Rich is gone this week to Dusseldorf and Oslo until Thursday night, then leaves again on Saturday for Paris and is gone until the following Saturday. It is so nice to have Sara here to have another adult around and to figure out cooking and the train station and all those things that are always more intimidating to do on your own.
We successfully used the Combi steamer oven tonight for the first time. I am still not sure what the heck it really is, but it looks like a mini oven for munchkins. I have no instructions for it and what I can find is in German. However, it did makes some excellent food even though I don't think we used it exactly as was intended.
I have to say that I am really liking our kitchen. It is has a lot more space and storage than I thought it would. The little refrigerator reminds of the Mary Poppins suitcase as things seem to fit in it that shouldn't and apparently our freezer is super-sized compared to others. I really think we are good on space.
Laundry is a new experience. The water is heated by the laundry machine itself so it takes more than an hour and a half to wash a load of laundry. The Swiss claim it is energy efficient and the clothes are especially clean. I guess I always thought our clothes were pretty clean before :).
I feel a little in limbo right now as I need to register with the local village to become an official resident. I can't do that until the entire family can go together and prove that everything is in order. Keep in mind, I have given this information already to the country of Switzerland and the Swiss embassy in Chicago, but I still need to show up with our Passports, birth certificates, marriage license, drivers licenses, work permit, apartment lease, passport pictures and visas. That has to come first before we can open a bank account, get a cell phone and buy a car, plus a number of other things. We will do that if Rich gets home in time on Thursday or first thing on Friday.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Hello Zurich!
Overall, today was a very good day. There were some not so good moments - mainly trying to go through TSA security (think shoes off all kids, handfuls of coats, three laptop computers and eight carryons and personal bags) but I can't imagine it having gone much better. The kids were very excited. Jack was a little sad at first, but once on the big plane out of O'Hare with a personal television and choice of movies and games, everyone was pretty darn happy.
Our superhuman relocation person, Claudia, picked us up at the aiport and we headed off to our new apartment, about 7 miles from the city center of Zurich. We hadn't seen the apartment since construction was finished and so I was a little concerned, but it really looked great. The kitchen has a lot more cabinet space than I expected and the appliances are pretty neat and everything is high quality. Claudia already had rental furniture, cooking utensils and linens in place so we are able to settle in to our new home and learn about the area. The place is pretty modern - much more so than to which I am accustomed. It has this modern parquet floor - not sure how to describe it but it is really pretty. The ceiling is basically a cement ceiling - it is the only thing I don't like about the apartment, but I guess it considered a "cool" thing here. I just want to paint it white!
After Claudia left, we headed to the little grocery store about a half mile from our home and we headed there on foot. I must say, that was a pretty comical experience. Nobody spoke English - and of course we don't speak any German yet. We wanted to purchase fruit, but needed to weigh it and put a label on it, but we had no clue we were supposed to do that. There was one checker and we held up the line trying to take care of all the dumb things we did wrong. You have to buy special garbage bags at the grocery store - they cost $2 each and are about the size of a standard kitchen bag. They are expensive in part to try and minimize waste so that you recycle more. If you put out your trash and don't use the special bags, you are fined $1000. Seriously! The grocery stores keeps the bags behind the counter, probably because they are worth their weight in gold, and we had no idea how to ask for them and miming out the explanation didn't work. I finally found a random customer to help translate. Both Rich and I were sweating by the time we got out of there!
We came back to our place and had spaghetti for dinner, during which the kids talked about how happy they were to be there and that they thought they were going to like it here. That was a nice thing to hear.
We then unpacked and the kids were all asleep by 9 pm, which is great considering that it is 2 pm their bodies' times. I am hoping that is a good sign for less jetlag.
I feel such relief simply being here. It is really beautiful and I am feeling optimistic. The adventure has begun!
Our superhuman relocation person, Claudia, picked us up at the aiport and we headed off to our new apartment, about 7 miles from the city center of Zurich. We hadn't seen the apartment since construction was finished and so I was a little concerned, but it really looked great. The kitchen has a lot more cabinet space than I expected and the appliances are pretty neat and everything is high quality. Claudia already had rental furniture, cooking utensils and linens in place so we are able to settle in to our new home and learn about the area. The place is pretty modern - much more so than to which I am accustomed. It has this modern parquet floor - not sure how to describe it but it is really pretty. The ceiling is basically a cement ceiling - it is the only thing I don't like about the apartment, but I guess it considered a "cool" thing here. I just want to paint it white!
After Claudia left, we headed to the little grocery store about a half mile from our home and we headed there on foot. I must say, that was a pretty comical experience. Nobody spoke English - and of course we don't speak any German yet. We wanted to purchase fruit, but needed to weigh it and put a label on it, but we had no clue we were supposed to do that. There was one checker and we held up the line trying to take care of all the dumb things we did wrong. You have to buy special garbage bags at the grocery store - they cost $2 each and are about the size of a standard kitchen bag. They are expensive in part to try and minimize waste so that you recycle more. If you put out your trash and don't use the special bags, you are fined $1000. Seriously! The grocery stores keeps the bags behind the counter, probably because they are worth their weight in gold, and we had no idea how to ask for them and miming out the explanation didn't work. I finally found a random customer to help translate. Both Rich and I were sweating by the time we got out of there!
We came back to our place and had spaghetti for dinner, during which the kids talked about how happy they were to be there and that they thought they were going to like it here. That was a nice thing to hear.
We then unpacked and the kids were all asleep by 9 pm, which is great considering that it is 2 pm their bodies' times. I am hoping that is a good sign for less jetlag.
I feel such relief simply being here. It is really beautiful and I am feeling optimistic. The adventure has begun!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
The Gift of Good-Byes
One of the hardest parts about the moments of the last week are the constant good-byes. These don't count just people, but saying good-bye to places, sites of important memories such as the home where we brought home each of our kids. But most frighteningly is saying good-bye to a way of life in which I am very content. I like our house, our neighbors, our church, our schools and all the lovely people who are a part of our lives here in St. Louis.
I think maybe the most wonderful and unexpected gift of the whole process has been how amazing it is to experience a challenge that results in such support from friends and family. This has allowed us to witness the depth and extent of the friendships we have created. I am humbled by our friends' acts of kindnesses... Will's soccer coach giving him a soccer ball signed by the team, Catherine Cox giving me a journal to record my thoughts (and one of the kindest cards I have ever received), Marie Wesolowski (who wins the award for most helpful friend) and Susan Conley offering time and time again to take the kids, the Johnsons taking the boys fishing for the day, Jennifer McGillivery taking Josi to play, the teachers at school creating booklets for the kids to do on the plane and working to keep a network in place for the kids with their classmates, the calendar of pictures from the Cub Scouts for Jack, Cubmaster Steve Gum who made sure the kids know they will be missed and encouraging them with their move, my neighbor Sandy offering her basement for storage, Ann Mabry (who also deserves an award) coming over to help me pack and making us a farewell dinner and helping dispose of our furniture. Friends who have helped organize and throw farewell celebrations like the Williams, Mosses and Sigmunds. I know there are others I have forgotten to mention, but I felt like I needed to mention some of the friends who have been so selfless with their time and showed their support through their actions. It is so bittersweet because the kindness of these people make it even harder to say good-bye. My only saving grace is to believe that we hope to be back to continue those friendships and hopefully make new friends to add to the treasuretrove already in place.
So it is with a sad but very grateful heart that I look around my house that I have loved so much and count my blessings. Tonight, the house is mostly packed up and we are close to being ready to go. The furniture is on its way by sea. We will travel with 11 bags that can weigh up to 70 pounds each plus 5 carry-ons and a few personal bags that will go with us on the plane. Can you imagine the number of tiny little Swiss cars it will take to get all our luggage to our apartment? :)
I am ready to be there and for the adventure to begin!
I think maybe the most wonderful and unexpected gift of the whole process has been how amazing it is to experience a challenge that results in such support from friends and family. This has allowed us to witness the depth and extent of the friendships we have created. I am humbled by our friends' acts of kindnesses... Will's soccer coach giving him a soccer ball signed by the team, Catherine Cox giving me a journal to record my thoughts (and one of the kindest cards I have ever received), Marie Wesolowski (who wins the award for most helpful friend) and Susan Conley offering time and time again to take the kids, the Johnsons taking the boys fishing for the day, Jennifer McGillivery taking Josi to play, the teachers at school creating booklets for the kids to do on the plane and working to keep a network in place for the kids with their classmates, the calendar of pictures from the Cub Scouts for Jack, Cubmaster Steve Gum who made sure the kids know they will be missed and encouraging them with their move, my neighbor Sandy offering her basement for storage, Ann Mabry (who also deserves an award) coming over to help me pack and making us a farewell dinner and helping dispose of our furniture. Friends who have helped organize and throw farewell celebrations like the Williams, Mosses and Sigmunds. I know there are others I have forgotten to mention, but I felt like I needed to mention some of the friends who have been so selfless with their time and showed their support through their actions. It is so bittersweet because the kindness of these people make it even harder to say good-bye. My only saving grace is to believe that we hope to be back to continue those friendships and hopefully make new friends to add to the treasuretrove already in place.
So it is with a sad but very grateful heart that I look around my house that I have loved so much and count my blessings. Tonight, the house is mostly packed up and we are close to being ready to go. The furniture is on its way by sea. We will travel with 11 bags that can weigh up to 70 pounds each plus 5 carry-ons and a few personal bags that will go with us on the plane. Can you imagine the number of tiny little Swiss cars it will take to get all our luggage to our apartment? :)
I am ready to be there and for the adventure to begin!
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