Crossing the Finish Line

On Wednesday we attended classes with our Swiss counterparts. We had the ability to break down borders and truly see what life is like in school for High School students in Switzerland. Although many of the classes were in German, I believe it was an interesting experience for our students, and one that gave them a better sense of how teenagers live their lives across the ocean.

From there we attended the Tinguely Museum, a space dedicated to the artist/architect who sparked people's imaginations from the 60s to the 90s in Switzerland. Many of the pieces of art were mechanical and could be put into motion by clicking a button. Some of the machines were small in nature, like the one that could draw a picture using a mechanical arm and a market, while the larger ones sort of reminded you of what a life sized game of mouse trap might have looked like. The favorite room was the white walled polka dot room, where stickers were given out to be placed by museum guests.

On Thursday it was a national holiday similar to our Labor Day, so the students had some time to sleep in and begin the long process of packing. We had a farewell dinner in the school cafeteria, where Swiss students cooked all sorts of soups, entrees and desserts. It was a fun way to cap off our program and admire all the great times we've had together. Watching the Swiss and American students interact was inspiring. They have built a strong bond, and hopefully have learned much from each other over the course of the last year Mrs. G and I couldn't have been more proud of the job our students have done soaking in the great opportunity that this has been.

This has been an amazing experience that has touched each and everyone of us. Thank you to the parents for their wonderful job hosting, to the families for supporting us at fundraisers, and to the students for opening their homes and their lives to students from another country. It has been our pleasure to see them through this experience to the end. We are grateful for everything that you all have done. Thank you for helping to facilitate an experience that these students will never forget.

Capital City of Bern

On Tuesday we went to the capital city of Switzerland in Bern. We traded our mountains and nature for Parliaments and architecture. It was a short hour long ride there from Basel and we began our exploring.

First we walked through the arcade with many fashionable shops and souveneir stands. The arcade is a sight to see on its own, with the flags of all the cantons of Switzerland lining the street. It was alive with activity, providing an interesting take on how people live their daily lives in the capital. From there we hiked over to the famous bear pits to see the three live, fully grown bears that have become a symbol for the city. We had a quick lunch and headed on our way.

Next we headed down the banks of the Aare River up to the Parliament building and got to observe its majesty up close. The design reminds of the castles of old, with large green and gold spires. Sadly no tour was available to us, but seeing it was important just the same. From there we went to the large cathedral, and climbed hundreds of steps up to the observatory on top. The view was incredible, seeing the old medieval city built so interestingly into the bend of the Aare, like a large one armed hug. Impressive to say the least.

With time quickly dwindling on our Swiss trip, we allowed the students to do some last minute shopping in the arcade to find keepsakes for family and friends. A nice trip all in all. The next post will be the last one, putting together our final days attending school with our partners, seeing the mad hat museum of artist/architect Tinguely, and breaking bread one last time at the farewell dinner.