Christmas in the Alps

I know I still have to post about Paris. I have slacked a little but I will be sure to get to that. However while this is fresh I will start with Christmas in the mountains.
Christmas Eve we arrived in Davos by train just in time for lunch and everything was much different then what I had imagined in my head of course. Davos is a whole little ski town with shops and restaurants and each team had there own hotel. In our hotel we were given two rooms. Myself and the big boys shared a room, which of course resulted in immediate jumping on the bed.
Being Christmas Eve we had a dinner to attend. So we laid low until it was time to get all dressed up and head downstairs to eat. The boys were so excited to play with English speaking kids!! They spent the evening cruising around the hotel with the other kids playing hockey in the halls and in and out of their rooms from floor to floor. Trying to keep track of them was not easy. By the end of the night everyone was melting down. And all of the sudden it hit me and there was a flood of tears. I was lonely and tired and feeling ineffective. I took a hot shower and cried for like an hour on the bathroom floor thinking of everyone at home. Only to come out to a boy who could not fall a sleep. So i was up till 2am and opening Christmas presents by 8am I woke up looking and feeling like death with not an ounce of Christmas spirit. I watched the boys open their gifts and then tired to go back to sleep. With litte success I decided to shake the funk and sleep deprivation and get ready for the day. Now that the internet was working I waited and waited for morning in Buffalo so I could skype my family. Final I was able to talk to my mom for the first time in two weeks, that was all I needed. However not much felt like Christmas in our European hotel even though we were to be dressed and in the lobby for pictures and presents with Santa in a few hours.
Name by name they called the families up and Ami reassured me I would be in their family photo lol. Everyone was given really nice team Canada gear even me. And while we were mingling waiting for dinner to start I scored myself a dinner date. The only single boy on team Canada. Ami more then oked me being off duty for the evening. We had a nice time I was just so thankful for the company. I missed home way more then I excepted!

the Christmas Markets

December 1st begins the locate Christmas markets. They are featured all over the area. We have seen the one in Bern and today in Biel and soon the favored Christmas market in Mulhouse France :)
All through the city streets the sellers set up litte wooden huts. They decorate the outside with pine branches and other festive decor and set up shop on the inside. It kind of reminds me of the Allen town Art Festival, meets NYC street venders, meets Christmas craft show. People sell all sorts of things from yummy food like crepes and hot wine to sausage, dried fruit, teas and chocolate, both to eat or gift. And there are lots of other gifty items evrywhere like blown glass, jewelry and candles, ect. All the streets are lined with Christmas lights and in the center is a fire pits for people to sit, eat and watch. As we walked by this particular intersection I heard a song I recognized besides Mariah Careys christmas.. which I love, they were playing Leeland. There was a group of middle school aged kids preforming a skit. That made me really excited! It was a fun day at the Christmas market. The only downer was that I started a cleanse with Ami today only fruits and veggies so I was dying. I have no self control which is why I am trying to do it and everything smelled and looked delicious. So I will be going back in a few days for sure!

A Night on the town

Last night we went to another hockey game. I love it. We walk to the games and its always a perfect night stroll. We got the boys snacks and watch dada play hockey. Griffin loves to yell, "Go dada GO!!" Its really cute. This particular game we left just before it ended and saw the swat team lining the parking lot ready for the fights to break out. Ami had us rush through the gated area to avoid getting caught in the crowd.
After the game at about 11:00pm we had a birthday party to go to. It was one of the wives birthdays and she invited us to Ballono. Curtis decided not to go so I was Ami's date. Mind you I dont drink, dance or go out.. so I was a little nervous but Ami really doesnt either and I had meet most everyone who would be there so it was not so bad. We got dressed to impress lol and spent most of the night chatting, did a little dancing and I finished my first full drink lol. I had fun watching the people and observing the seen. One of the married men from the team escorted me over to meet one of the younger players who I guess has been asking about me. Hahaha He was a 20 year old Swiss boy. He told me I smelled so good.. "what is that sent all American and Canadian girls smell like that" lol. "Its like something tropical." I told him it was my coconut lime lotion. That made me laugh, apparently we all smell like coconuts haha. I think we got back at like 2:30am. I am pretty tired today.

Thanksgiving week

Before I tell ya about my Thanksgiving Ill catch ya up on the latest. Tuesday Ami, the boys and I went to Geneva which is another big city in Switzerland. I think it might be the second largest. We were just looking to get out and do something. So we threw everyone in the car and drove an hour and a half. It was a beautiful ride and the best part was we escaped the rain in Biel. On the route there were mountains and vineyards. We even saw a rainbow. First thing we did when we got there of course was grab STARBUCKS and then to H&M to get something pretty to wear for the holidays. Isnt it funny how bad you want to go and see new things and you end up going right for the things that are most familiar. Ami actually had to run to H&M half way through the starbucks to get griffin a new pair of pants since he peed through the ones he had on. And so he was in his new batman rain gear with no pants on in starbucks lol. And before we left I managed to dumped my drink all over the floor :) What are you gunna do. The shopping was fun and next we went out to find this carnival we had seen online for the kid however we were sadly informed it closed for the season. The sun was setting so pretty when we decided to find dinner. We ate at a yummy pizza place and then before the trip was over I bought a leather jacket!!! But I think I am going to return it.. I feel to much like a biker chic. So the search continues.
On Wednesday Bern tv had arranged to come interview the Brown family. So we spent the morning cleaning the house till the camera guy came. He filmed them as a family and then asked them questions about the season and about their daughter that passed away. God is using their story to touch so many lives. I am just amazed. To bad we missed it on the air lol.
Thursday Ami decided she was going to buy a turkey but they are hard to come by around here since people dont celebrate Thanksgiving in Switzerland. Even back at home before flying out Ami had me buying her certain spices and things that they dont sell here so she could make Thanksgiving dinner. I was so excited I got to help. I told her sweet potatoes were my favorite so she had me find the recipe and I made them myself. A couple from the team came for dinner as well and being from Switzerland they were so excited to have an American thanksgiving. They said it was just like the movies haha. I had mentioned to Ami I wished I could watch the parade so Curtis was able to get it on his computer that made my day!! It was a lovely Thanksgiving so yummy. I even tried to carry out tradition by watching a Christmas movie after everyone had gone to bed since I missed the Thanksgiving movie tradition but the dvd player wasnt working.
Of course I missed my family and friends but I hope everyone enjoyed the day and I am thankful for you all.

If only in my dreams

"Ill be home for Christmas.. if only in my dreams" :( I am sad to report I will not be home for Christmas or New Years as planned. I have been asked to stay and help. Curtis has been asked to play for team Canada over the holidays and they are hosting all the players at a restore in the Alps for the Spangler cup. I heard its just beautiful there. There is skiing and skating and sledding and Christmas parties with Santa Claus and nice dinners and lots and hockey games and hockey boys!? I guess its suppose to be amazing. It will probably end up being the highlight of my trip. But its so weird to not be home preparing for the holidays. They dont even celebrate Thanksgiving here :(
Christmas and New Years will just not be the same without all my friends and family. I am going to miss everyone coming home. I am honestly a little bummed about that part.. so if you are reading this and that applies to you be sure to send some love my way when it gets close and I will send it right back. I love and miss you all.

Zurich

This morning I got up, got ready, got on the bus, then on the train and headed off to Zurich. I was very nervous about heading out on my own I was delaying walking out the door and Ami knew it. She was like just get out of here already haha.
The ride was not so bad I was on the train about an hour and a half and I just read my book :). Thankfully Ami's friend Natasha agreed to meet me there so I had some company!!
Since I got there before her I just shopped around the train station. There were stores and restaurants, a gym and tanning lol. But what I was really looking for was a bathroom. Finally I asked someone and followed their directions to a separate room that you could only get in with money. One side looked like showers and showed a sign for 2 franks or 2 dollars and the other side for 1. I thought this is crazy I have to pay to go to the bathroom, so I figure it had to be the 1 dollars side. So I put in my money and went threw to find the urinals. Some how I missed one side is for men and the other for women :/ Lucky a worker was standing there and told me to put in another dollar and go to the other side lol. I was like Oh my gosh.. haha with a line of men behind me. It was priceless.
Natasha and I could not have had a better day to walk the city, which I had prayed for.. thank you God. Zurich was beautiful!! It is the largest city in Switzerland. The 3rd wealthiest in Europe and 9th most expensive in the world.
First thing we set out for coffee. Natasha found this cute cafe and we sat and had our coffee and pastries. We talked and people watched. Men were putting up Christmas lights and there were a group of men singing. We think that they were a religious group but of coarse we could not understand them. They started talking to people walking by. This one lady in her 40s looked totally drunk and she was definitely mocking them out. She was laughing and folding her hands in prayer the middle of the street looking up to heaven. Then she got up and stood with them and pretended to talk to the people as well. It was kinda sad to see.
After our coffee we shopped!!! Lots of stores!! It was fun. I actually did not buy a thing but Natasha found everything she was looking for and more. When it started to get dark we grabbed Starbucks!! and head towards the water. The buildings were all lite up on the water like a postcard.. so pretty. We sat down by the swans and just enjoyed the view. While we were talking some man introduced himself and asked us for drinks haha got to love that.
We ended the evening walking up and down the most expensive street in Zurich like the Rodeo Drive of California. We look at diamonds and more things I couldnt afford but it was fun and I manged to get myself home in one piece.. the end.

Another trip downtown

Ami and I have start to get a little routine going. Monday, Tuesday, Friday she goes to the gym in the morning and I get the boys ready and start home school with them. Tuesday, Thursday she takes the boys to the gym and I have the mornings free. This Tuesday I wandered back downtown. Its about a 15 min walk. I love it, everyone is out biking and walking. Its so funny though when I think about it. I have never seen so many old people out and about and neighbors on their daily route to wherever they are headed. It makes you really feel apart of the community but then again not. Even though people trust each other enough to send their kids roaming the streets and walk around the town they do not look at you or say hello. And at home you may trust your neighbor enough to say hello but not to send your child out alone.. so weird. I dont get it.
Anyway it was a beautiful day out. I walked around in and out of shops. I think I found the leather jacket I want!! I sat in a cute little cafe and ordered coffee and a chocolate croissant and read. It was yummy and waitress spoke English. She was so happy to talk to me and she gave me her number. She said she would show me around.. that was so nice. On my walk home I saw the coolest thing ever.. a covered bike. It said energy for the future and it was a low riding bike with a cover over it.. so cool. i totally want one.
Later that evening we went to my second hockey game. This time we had the boys with us. The games was a nail bitter, the fans were crazy. After we got to go in the locker room and watch the interviews while waiting for Curtis. It stunk for sure but fun to watch. Thursday I am going to go to Zurich which is one of the biggest cities I believe... should be fun. I am trying to recruit Ami's friend. We will see how it goes.

Today we went to the lake dont know what its called but it is like ten mintues from the house and its very pretty. According to my roomates research everywhere you go in Switzerland you are 10 miles from a lake! I know there is at least one more I am looking to visit before I leave. I can not believe how time is flying. I am going to have to get some courage and get to traveling.. fast.
Today I watched church online for the first time since I have been here. What a good service. I love the story of the 2nd widow. But watching maybe me miss home : ( I love and miss you all. Hope everyone is well.

Bern

Today I got to go to Bern!! We took the Bus then the train and went with Miss Natasha and the boys to see the bears. Too bad all but two of the bears are m.i.a for the winter but we had fun. We went to a Mexican restaurant lol and shopped. I had my first Starbucks here in Switzerland for a meir $8 and I got my mug to add to the collection!!! Bern was really cool looking. I found out by talking to my mom later that Bern is one of the oldest best preserved medieval cities in the world or something like that.. you can look it up if you want the facts but it was nice. I had a wonderful day! And now I am going to work on my new knitting project.. I am learning to follow patterns with Ami's help and I am making really fun things! Youll see.. you might be getting your own hand crafted item for Christmas!?!?

Gages Birthday

Gage turned 7 on Wednesday! So we had a little family + me celebration. Early on wed we got up and headed into town to find some donuts! Which with all the pastry shops they have around here they dont really have donuts. Surprisingly the only place we could find them was McDonald's and they were actually really good. I didnt even know McDonald's sold them.. maybe they dont at home.
Anyway for lunch Gage wanted grilled cheese and tomato soup. We had just been to the grocery store gotten home and realized we forgot the soup. So I volunteered to go get some. Ami asked if I wanted to drive ha I laughed and put my walking shoes on. I am still not brave enough to try that one even though the store is around the corner. So when I came back with the soup she asked me to start it while she went to pick up one of her boys for preschool. Studying the package in German I had to go to the computer and find the conversion from deciliters into cups or something I could understand. Thankfully the soup came out all right. The rest of the day we spent building all the Lego sets Gage got for his birthday. We had dinner with Miss Melanie and some cake, it was a nice little celebration.
And then on Thursday Gage got to have his friend party. The day started out by me walking into town for cupcake mix. Ami wanted chocolate and vanilla. So of course I had to ask for help. The picture on the box the lady pointed out looked like a slice of chocolate bread and then did not have vanilla.
On the way home I got to see them putting up Christmas light! Since there is no thanksgiving here they have already started putting up decorations. So when I got home Ami made the cupcakes which turned out great. I frosted them and we all gathered in the car for Kloton. Kloton was where the Browns had been last year and they had friends there that were going to meet us at trampalino! It was about an hour away but so fun. They had everything a kid could want to do.. the place was crazy. All the adults sat and chatted. I got to follow Griffin around and we had a blast! He made me go down all the slides and through all the tunnels haha. I loved it.

Downtown Biel

So I went downtown Ami dropped me off, told when she would be back and where to meet her. I had no way to get in touch and no idea where I was going but I was not to worried. I was excited to be out exploring. There are lots of shops and restaurants, lots of benches and people to watch and a beautiful river (which I didn't have time for but there is always tomorrow). I found lots I wanted as I shopped around but it was hard not to be drawn to the familiar stores and styles and then I would just think to myself I can get that cheaper at home. Not only that but it is so hard to spend my money now when I have no idea what other opportunities and things I will want to do and buy.. so I am practicing self-control (trying). I bought three things on my outing two of which were for Gage's birthday (which is tomorrow) and for me a headband that was 4.90 CHF or franks. I believe 1 franks is = to about $1.20. So the dollar is better here however most of Europe uses euros which its like $1.40 for 1 euro ..not so good.
Anyway I had fun roaming around. I didn't talk to to many people so as to not give away my identity. I was surprised at the similar styles and things, I was expecting more obvious differences.
One major difference is the people ride their bike or mopeds, walk or take the train or bus everywhere and I love that.. young, old, warm ,cold doesnt matter. Even children walk to school and home and its mandatory they walk by themselves no parents allowed. Time here is different too they go by military time, I had to suck it up and ask someone what time it was well I was out. Almost nothing is open on Sundays. Things here are slower paced, McDonald's does not open until 10am.
All the women were fashionable leather boots.. I love them all. The music in the stores is in English..which is kind of wierd. They have McDonald's (of course), Clarie's, H&M, curves lol, and Starbucks that I have noticed so far. I am hoping that's not all they associate with America, actually I think we stole H&M.. which is probably the best of the above. They have a store here called the New Yorker I didnt go in .. its was tempting. It was calling my name I felt like such a foreigner out there. I was trying to take pictures without people noticing haha. But if they didnt notice that they probably noticed that I was walking in circles trying to get my bearings and sometimes I just turned right back around lol. Oh well what can ya do. I am going back Thursday.. I am sure I will be a pro by Dec.

Slightly Jealous

So I heard it is 65 in buffalo today.. not so here. Its a wee bit cooler and rainy. I have been wearing a winter coat, hat and gloves since I got here. But more importantly I am SOOOO jealous to all of you who are helping with Extreme Home Makeover, I am not happy with any of you and some one has to give me details!!! I need pictures,video, audio anything, everything..I want to feel like I am there and I cant wait until it airs. Someone anyone please give the scoop.
Thankfully God knows I need a distraction so tomorrow I am headed downtown. Ami is going to drop me off in the morning and I am going to spend the day exploring. I hope to read and shop and take pictures, get some post cards and such. So that will be fun and Ill tell ya all about it.
Chow for now

Just another day in Switzerland

Since our crazy three days together I am now the boys new play toy lol.. but we are having fun.
Last night Ami made us a traditional Swiss meal. I forget what it was called but you use this table size oven to melt your cheese and you put it on pickles, pineapple and potatos.. I know sounds weird. I was skeptical but it was good on all of the above and Curtis cooked us some yummy meat on the grill. It was delicious.
Today we went to the big market with a grocery store, H&M, a media store and others. It was great!! Really cute shopping and Ami bought me the cord for my camera to hook up to the computer that I forgot!! Hence the delay on posting my photos : (.
I love the fashion here it is very simple and sophisticated. I also love that everyone bikes or rides mopeds.. that makes me happy. I even like listening to them speak though it is intimidating, it is growing on me. I never liked the German in high school I didnt like the sound you had to make in your throat..ya know the one but its beautiful when used in its element. The people here keep to themselves and have very particular ways of doing things. The government has a way for the people do almost everything and the locals will be sure to let you know if you are not following suit so I am told. But everything is very clean the people are taken care of. You will not see a homeless person in Switzerland.. its very interesting.
Anyway in addition to soaking it all in I getting to spend sometime in the word and God is softening my heart. I open it and begin to cry every time but I am enjoying the time with my Lord. This is the word he spoke to my today and I thank him for it!
It is simple but so fitting to my circumstance. "But everything exposed by the light becomes visible- and *everything that is illuminated becomes a LIGHT*". Ephesians 5:13 I am going to stand on that promise.

Thrown to the wolves

Four days in and I was left to fend for myself with the boys. Ami and Curtis were off to Italy for three days and I was put in charge. No car and no idea how to get anywhere but the park across the street, we were pretty much stuck inside the apartment.Did I mention the apartment is on the third level of a an assisted living community.. so some how I have to keep the boys quiet while trapped inside. And having not been without mom for a year now the wild boys were not ready to listen to me.
My first day in, my only saving grace was the Wii, which can only be played on the weekend and being sunday I let them take full advantage. However not wanting their eyeballs to dry up I dragged them to the park for a bit where one of them almost took out his eye on a tree branch.. lovely. Hoping to end the day with a nice quiet movie night no movies would play in the dvd player.. "the disc you are trying to play does not work in this region". So disappointed the boys reluctantly went to bed. From sun up to sun down the following day it was all about how to get more Halloween candy. In order to create a method for the madness we made everything a game win the game, win a prize, they loved it. However by the end of the day they were strung out on candy, bouncing off the walls.
Mid day one of the boys came to me with their mom's BROKEN cell phone that she had given me to use if I needed her. Thinking I was going to have to tell her one of the boys broke her phone I excused myself to the bathroom and cried. Ready to lose my mind, turns out it was one of their old cell phones PTL. So we called them up and the boys all said hi, with the phone in his hand the littlest one dropped it on the floor and it went dead : ). Although the phone was not broken it would not let me do anything more without a pin, which I did not have. Over to the computer we skyped them and mid conversation the computer died as well as I later found out was connected to the house phone. So with no way to get a hold of them we went on braving the remainder of our adventure.
Day three was the best thank the Lord. We had a picnic in the park, build tents and finally found a movie that worked for movie night.
Needless to say it was a crazy couple days without ALL the hair pulling details. I was so exhausted and overjoyed when Ami and Curtis come home that night.

I need a friend

Not only am I experiencing a little loneliness but I was told that I could have a friend come stay. Ami and Curtis told me they really want me to go explore Europe and I should have a friend come visit.. any takers?? Now is the time if anyone has the money lol. I know I sure wouldn't be here if that were the case so I understand but come on people. What better motivation then a traveling companion to meet you. Cant say I know where I am going quite yet but maybe soon.

Halloween

They don't celebrate Halloween in Switzerland. But the Brown boys sure do! Dressed and ready to go in their Star Wars costumes the boys, Ami, Melanie (their other babysitter) and I went to the apartments of the other Hockey imports to do some trick or treating. Surprisingly a handful of people in their building participated, so we went door to door with the boys, they made out ok. Poor Griffin though was to afraid of the boy in the Satan mask beating him to all the doors that he wouldn't run up their with his bubba's (brothers) : ( but they made sure he got some candy. After Halloween was over we went and got some pizza. I wondered how it would taste but I should not have doubted... we are close to Italy! The crust was amazing and you could see the man take it hot off the stove. Yummy : )

the Hockey Game

So Ami got a babysitter haha two days after I, the babysitter arrived..love it.. she wanted to take me to the hockey game just the two of us. A couple of the other wives from the team picked us up. They are also imports mostly from Canada.
Before the game we got to have drinks and food with all the other players wives and girlfriends and other important people in the lounge that over looks the rink. I was so afraid to speak to anyone thinking that they would not understand me and just stair at me funny. However pretty much everyone can speak English and if they didnt talk back to you its not because they are rude or cant understand so much as they are not confident in their English.. which is a relief. People here greet each other with three kisses on the cheek. This was a little nerve racking for me too but everyone was very nice. And when the game finally started we went down to our seats which was right next to the opposing fans. Ami told me that the gangs in Switzerland are formed around hockey and that the fans got so bad they had the swat team present.. mind you I sat between her and them lol. However there were few people there and they were mostly all drunk teenagers. The drinking age here is 16. In the section next to them is the home team fans that want to cheer. They stand the whole game long singing and chanting with a big band drum. It is crazy but really fun!! Curtis made the front page of the paper they pass out each game. I saved it but I couldn't tell ya anything it said. Well stay tuned more adventures to come.

Jet lag

So no such luck I tossed and turned and did not sleep much at all. And since it was dark out it maybe for no good views other then the really cute flight attended haha. The whole flight I just kept remembering what my mother told me about being careful of blood clots and to move around often so I just kept thinking my legs were going numb.. thanks mom. Giving up on sleep I just read my book which literally left me crying like a baby under my blanket..no lie. Its seriously a good read.
Finally I arrived!!!
I went down to get my bags which were there waiting :) and then to find Ami. Thankfully she was there with her three boys one of which handed me a bouque of candy flowers..so cute!!!!
We all hugged and loaded into their mini machine courtesty of EHC Biel. For as long as I have know the Brown family they have riden an XL yukon denali.. which I have driven before, the things a beast. This car was just big enough for my two bags and all three car seats were side by side in the back.. it was commical.
As tired as I was Ami said its best to just stay wake and she took us all to breakfast. The place was a cute little cafe with two parking spots out front. The menu was in german and She ordered in german.. I was impressed. While waiting for our food I got to give the boys their tim bits as requested. They were so happy!
From there we had an hour ride to the apartment. Come to find out they do not drive on the wrong side of the road here but they do have cameras that ticket you for speeding (I would be broke). Ami pointed out the watch company and the mountains and more I cant remember but I am sure I will get to explore soon.

The Big Day!!

Well I can honestly say I am not much of a blogger but if there is anything in my life worth blogging about this would be it. For those of you that know me you know writing is not my speciality but I am gonna assume only those that love me : ) will be reading so please excuse the misspellings, missing words and word confusion its bound to happen.
So for those of you who don't know I am traveling to Switzerland to work and visit with my friends the Browns, who for some reason grace me on multiple occasions with trips to come and see them wherever they land. God has blessed me from day one with their friendship. Ami was my table leader in youth group a long time ago. I look up to her so much as a woman of God. I love learning from her and her family. She has three sweet boys I will be watching.. which is going be so FUN. I'll tell you more about that along the way : )
But so far I am half an hour into my eight hour flight from Washington to Zurich. When I arrived at the airport in Buffalo I was fully intending on paying $50 for my second bag and unloading stuff from my suitcase for my dad to take back home due to over stuffing. But PTL I got to take both bags for free : ) all 100lbs of stuff.. crazy 100lbs.
Saying Good Bye to my dad brought unexpected tears to my eyes but off I went no turning back. I safely arrived in the DC international airport and already felt like I was in a foreign land. I LOVE the airport people are so cool, I could watch them for hours. I especial like to take notice of all the fashion tends! Just after shopping at duty free I got my last Wendy's meal (my only good option) and sat down to eat at my gate. Making my last calls and texts good bye to everyone I heard the flight attendant call for Schnitzel.. oh yeah that's a ladies name!! How awesome is that??
I was seated in row 38 out of 39 with two aisle and three rows of seats.. the plane was huge. First class had like a bed and desk for each seat. Lucky me I got the window seat and no one was seated next to me. Blanket and pillow ready to go with my book Redeeming love, (which I am enjoying.. thanks roommate) I was pumped.
God knows I have some big expectations for this trip just him and I and already he has overwhelmed me with the mountains of clouds. But now I am going to rest it will be 7:05am when I arrive.. Or maybe I will watch Greys. I can watch in German or English haha.