1 Month in Reinach, Switzerland
Departed Australia early September on a very good note - lots of farewell parties and dinners with friends - thanks to all of you, especially Missy L. for helping to get me here!
Well, here I am making the dream of climbing abroad come true. It has been a mix of emotions as I trade one world for another! This world here in Switzerland is very different from the one I am use to, although the same in many ways.
Village life is sweet and laid back (here in Reinach) with the cows and their bells - fresh bread and cheese - not a place for the lactose intolerant! My new family are great, Carsten, Anke and the twins - at times things have been a little challenging (life with little ones is sometimes interesting) but they really need my help and its good to finally be here.
I have been climbing, walking and walking some more in the Swiss country side - so many mountains and so many lakes - all so beautiful!
So far, I've travelled with my Au pair family to Germany - strolled the vineyards of Stuggart - sampled local foods (namely the giant pretzel). Visited old, old walled towns of Esslingen and Kurlsuhre.
Climbed many limestone crags with back drops like picturesque landscape paintings.
And travelled through mountain passes over 2000m to the eastern border of Switzerland to an Italian speaking village for an Agentinian BBQ. Where I sat at the table for dinner, everyone speaking little English, but they treated me with kind hospitality - filling my wine glass full of Italian Merlot, even though I refused at first - I drank anyway, and ate and laughed with the locals.
So, that has been a taste of Swiss life so far - many more german lessons and new experiences to come - keep you posted.
Well, here I am making the dream of climbing abroad come true. It has been a mix of emotions as I trade one world for another! This world here in Switzerland is very different from the one I am use to, although the same in many ways.
Village life is sweet and laid back (here in Reinach) with the cows and their bells - fresh bread and cheese - not a place for the lactose intolerant! My new family are great, Carsten, Anke and the twins - at times things have been a little challenging (life with little ones is sometimes interesting) but they really need my help and its good to finally be here.
I have been climbing, walking and walking some more in the Swiss country side - so many mountains and so many lakes - all so beautiful!
So far, I've travelled with my Au pair family to Germany - strolled the vineyards of Stuggart - sampled local foods (namely the giant pretzel). Visited old, old walled towns of Esslingen and Kurlsuhre.
Climbed many limestone crags with back drops like picturesque landscape paintings.
And travelled through mountain passes over 2000m to the eastern border of Switzerland to an Italian speaking village for an Agentinian BBQ. Where I sat at the table for dinner, everyone speaking little English, but they treated me with kind hospitality - filling my wine glass full of Italian Merlot, even though I refused at first - I drank anyway, and ate and laughed with the locals.
So, that has been a taste of Swiss life so far - many more german lessons and new experiences to come - keep you posted.