My first of many trips to...

Wow it’s been a long time. I hope I can remember everything!

Ok. So Friday. That morning we went and had a tour of Roche Pharmaceuticals. Not too interesting. We got to dress up in these fun little jumpsuits with booties and hair nets. Very sexy. Then we wandered around the areas where they fill up vials but not much was going on. The FDA had visited them recently so almost everything was shut down so they could clean and fix problems. After that, we had a delicious lunch. A yummy salad, some kind of fish, an apricot desert thingie all arranged beautifully. And to top it off they served a delicious white wine. My day was pretty uneventful after that. I went back to the hostel and immediately passed out for a few hours. When I finally woke up I spent most of the rest of my night doing some class work.

The next morning a few of us went out to the weekly flea market. Very interesting. Sadly, I did not find anything On our way back to the hostel I decided to find out about a train ticket to Strasbourg. Within an hour I was on my way there! Strasbourg was lovely. I wandered around a bit and did some shopping. Everything is so much cheaper over there! Next I found the cathedral. Simply gorgeous. And huge! The entire exterior is covered with intricate detail. After I wandered out, I found a crowd of people gathered around a singing man. He was dressed in some kind of authentic garb and was playing an old guitar. He had the most beautiful acapello voice. If you had only heard him you might mistake him for a woman. I listened for awhile and took a video. By the way, I tried uploading videos on here and it takes FOREVER. I might have the patience to upload all of them when I get back to Seattle.
After the show, I headed in the direction of the old town. Before I even left the square I ran into a group of artists doing portraits and caricatures. After watching for awhile I knew I had to have my own caricature done (I would have loved a detailed portrait but that was much more expensive). I picked the only artist that hadn’t done any portraits within the last 20 min and to my delight he was amazing. The only complaint I have about the drawing was that he gave me cleavage (of which I have none). Other than that, he made me look very lovely. I told myself I would take a picture but I never got around to it. THEN I left the damn thing in the trainstation. Great huh? There goes 10 Euros and a great souvenir (the only one I got in France) down the drain.
Anyways, before that happened all I did was pretty much wander around old town and eat dinner. A nice cheap dinner. I took the train back to Basel just before 10 and that was the end of my night.

The next morning I slept in past breakfast. Grr. Then a few of us decided to wander over the border and look for a village in France called Village Neuf (nine). After discovering that the bus we wanted didn’t run on Sundays, we decided to walk. After an interesting walk through hot industrial areas, we stumbled upon the beginnings of a residential area. Now this is where the day got weird. The first shop we ran into was a Canadian canoe shop! The shop owner heard us coming from down the street (most of our group is pretty boisterous) and came out to great us. We chatted for a moment about what we were doing and where to get some food and he invited us in for coffee! In the back of his shop with his dogs and a big couch we all sat down, drank coffee and conversed (or mostly all of us…he had more to say to one of us than the whole group). Turns out he actually lived in the Seattle area for a few years. Then he came out here and got involved in a charity organization that organizes group events for the elderly! He even gave the contact info of the director to someone in our group doing a project on elderly activities. Yay. When we finished up our coffee, he told us the best way to get back to Basel through Germany. We went for a pleasant stroll along the Rhine, walked across to Germany, had yummy cheap crepes, and walked back to Basel.

Next, we decided to go swimming in the Rhine (which, btw, according to this Canadian fellow had been found to have some antidepressant properties in it thanks to one of the nearby factories). After some drifting in the river and jumping off of a dock, we headed off to a small chapel service. We brought clothes to change into but couldn’t find anywhere to change. We ended up quickly changing under a bridge… with lots of people on the nearby streets. I didn’t bother to wear my glasses so I have no idea if anybody was watching. Ha, let’s hope not.
So we went to a cute little chapel service held in English. We sung lots of the dullest hymns I have ever heard. Just imagine singing the majority of a sentence on one note and then squeezing in too many words at the end. Ghastly. However the organist was slightly above average and the choir was delightful. The pastor was also pretty nice and he gave a great sermon on eco-friendly/conscious. One of the better sermons I’ve ever heard. Overall it was a nice experience. It’s been quite a long time since I’ve gone to church. It brought up a lot of memories since I grew up going every to church every Sunday.

After that, Mari (one of the girls from the group) and I decided to go over to our Program Director’s (Diana) apartment to hang out and use her kitchen to cook cheap food. We got spaghetti, sauce, lettuce and a 6 franc bottle of white wine and only spent about 4 francs each. Dinner was delicious and we sat around for a bit, talked, and relaxed. That was the end of last night. A lovely, relaxing, and very surprising day.
On Monday, we had a few presentations on Eden Alternative. It’s hard to describe because it’s not a model of an elderly community but rather ideas to be implemented. I don’t really want to get into describing all of it but if anyone’s interested you can ask me questions. They also have a website www.eden-europe.net . I haven’t checked it out yet so I don’t know how good it is.

After that I pretty much just studied for my project for a few hours. By that time, it was time for dinner at Diana’s. Almost the whole group was there and we learned how to make fondue. Soooooo yummy. We shared stories from our weekends and had a lovely night. Oh wait! We went to a bar on the way back to the hostel! It’s basically a man made beach on top of a parking garage. It’s got board walk things, sand in between, palm trees, and tons of chairs to lounge around on. Not to mention a pool, volley ball courts and a second bar area with a hot tub (that part was closed). We stayed for only a little while and took pictures but we will plan to go back on Thursday after enjoying ladies night at Bar Rouge (a bar at the top of the highest building in Basel with amazing bathrooms. The wall you face is on the side of the building and is entirely glass so you can gaze down upon the city whilst upon your thrown).

Today we woke up nice and early and got ready to go to a spa. Only problem was two of us hadn’t heard that we weren’t meeting at the usual spot and were supposed to be at the train tracks instead. Of course both of those people went to the meeting spot on their own and one of those people was me. I sat around for a bit, thought I was the first one there, and waited for everyone to show up. Nobody did. The other member of the group kept coming over and then wandering off to look for people. I got fed up, called the director and found out where I was supposed to be. I ran to the train, made it on just in time and got a call from someone else in the group telling me that someone just went out to find me (even though they could have just called- they had my number) and that’s when the train took off. Goodbye Doug. I don’t know what happened to him but he didn’t come on any of the later trains either.
Anyways, that was a big stressful mess that was a little of my fault, his fault and Diana’s fault. While all of us went to the spa, Diana waited for Doug to show up on a later train. That didn’t happen. Although Diana only got an hour at the spa, she had been there on her own two or three times before. Ok, done with that… Now I can describe the spa and how much I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Oh god, where do I start? First there was a giant pool. It had jets all over the place, places to sit in jets, a water fall, and this cool spiral thing in the middle that you could get into and it would basically push you around in a circle (as long as you stayed afloat). Right across from the entrance to the pool they had a little salt inhalation room. There was a crazy viney bush thing in the middle…. It was pretty hard to understand what everything was because all of the signs were in German. I could figure out the temp. and that’s about it. Past that, they had two hot tub thingies. One was blue and one was red. The blue one was icy cold and actually had a little slide thing that periodically dumped in ice cubes. The red one directly across from it was nice and hot with a big jet in the middle. Just past those, there were 3 little sauna rooms. Each one had a different aroma in it. One was nice and minty, one was a sort of the vanilla, and one smelled of citrus. Heaven. Smelly steamy heaven.
Oh, and inbetween the hot and cold tubs there was a freezing waterfall room and another room that had different areas where you could stand under water falling from the ceiling. I think it was supposed to feel like rain. They had a light one that felt like mist, a medium one and another one that kind of made you feel like you were in a storm. In the middle of this they had this big concrete square. You could enter one side, walk down the stairs and enter a pool that was up to about my knees. The water was super salty so that you could float effortlessly. Once your ears were in the water, you could hear music playing. Peaceful, calming music. Ahhhhhh. The room was also amazing. They had two huge walls in the middle that had a window in the ceiling between them. The rest of the ceiling was concrete with the reflection of the water dancing on it. There were also dim reds lights scattered all over. As Mari so aptly described it, it was like, “being in the womb.”

After enjoying that for some time, I was reminded that there was a nude section of the spa. After consulting with some of the group, I ventured in alone. To my delight there were several cozy little steam rooms and a wet sauna thing. I have no idea if I’m using the correct terms because everything was in German and this was my first spa experience. After peeling off my bathing suit and storing it in a cubby, I ventured into a steam room with my white towel. I had been told by Diana to make sure to cover any area you are laying on. Only thing was, everyone else had blue towels…. Not wanting to leave immediately after walking in and look like an idiot, I pulled off my towel, spread it out and ended up laying down with my crotch pointed directly at an older naked gentleman. Not the best decision. I lay there for awhile trying to relax. I found it surprisingly easy to do. The only thing I worried about was looking crazy with my white towel. Probably not something anyone’s going to care about when everyone’s walking around without clothes on…. After what seemed like forever, I left and found the blue towels. Then I felt great. I ventured out into the courtyard, relaxed on a lounge chair in the sun for awhile and went back in to the wet steamy rooms. Long story short, I was naked in front of lots of strangers, male, female, old, and middle aged, and I had a great time. It felt very natural. Yay! With only 15 minutes left, I went back to the womb and the smelly steam rooms before heading back to get dressed. Ahhhhh. If I found a spa of that quality in Seattle and if I had enough money, I would go at LEAST once a week. Oh did I mention they had a plain old swimming pool for exercise? And body masks and massages? Sadly I didn’t have enough time or money to participate in any….

Ok. I’ve written way too much. We just got back to the hostel and I have nothing to do for awhile so I figured it was time to update you all. I’ve got pictures to upload but unfortunately none of the spa…

Alrighty. Adios!

The past few days…

On Tuesday we had a quick early morning lecture and then headed off to Basel Paper Museum. Thankfully this paper museum was as interesting as a paper museum can get. The museum was actually the first paper producer in Switzerland and was known all over Europe for making the finest paper of its time. First, we made our own paper with a Basel watermark on it. Such fun! Then, we got to see many original paper producing “machines”. Not much more I can say about that…

Next, I wandered around town and discovered some interesting shops near our hostel. I was lucky enough to find an antique shop with some cheap glass animals in it! Yay for Swiss glass animals to add to my collection! I feel so relaxed and safe here. I did a little shopping and a little laundry. It feels so good to wash my own clothes in a sink and hang them on the window (I took a picture as proof ). I haven’t touched a washing machine or dryer since I got here. After mozying around for awhile, I hopped on a tram, took in some scenery, and almost got lost . Thank goodness people here are so helpful.

That night, I chopped off my hair. On a whim. I bought some kitchen scissors at the local grocery store and hacked it all off. While drinking a beer. Ha. It turned out pretty good though and I’ve received many compliments! After making a mess in the bathroom, I was cleaning up and getting ready for bed when our neighbors started to party. Very loudly. I mean music pumped up, yelling, and jumping/dancing so crazily that we could feel the floors vibrating in our room. Finally I had enough and went over to tell them off. Somehow we got to talking and I actually hung out with them for quite a bit. Crazy German males. I was very stern with them and kept turning down their music. However, they convinced me to do a little dancing. Haha. After awhile they decided to go out and I decided to get some sleep…. Only to wake up to the sound of them partying again around 0330.

The next morning we left for Freiburg Germany! We went straight to their University Hospital, listened to several wonderful lectures and went for a tour of the hospital. Then we went to check in at the most adorable hotel. They had the most amazing giant fluffy pillows I have ever rested my delicate and now short-haired head on. Just as we were getting comfortable it was off to a vineyard dinner.

We had the loveliest most relaxing meal. We hiked out into the middle of nowhere, surrounded by grape plants. At the top of a little hill with a beautiful view we sat at some picnic tables and enjoyed the most delicious homemade wine I have ever had, homemade bread with homemade pesto and wonderful company. The weather was perfect, the view was perfect, and the snack was perfect. After everyone got a little tipsy, we ventured back into town to have our real dinner. Delicious German food. Our lovely evening was soon complete and we went back to our hotel to enjoy our pillows.

The next morning we woke up bright and early to go out. The entire group spilt up to go shadow someone in the healthcare field. I had the opportunity to join a home care nurse for her morning visit to clients. Most of the work was very similar to what I did at my old job so I was very comfortable. I helped give a bed bath to a dying and often unresponsive woman and was delighted when she waved goodbye to us. It was very fun to meet people in their own homes and to finally see the inside of the cute little European apartment buildings for once. I met many cute old German folks and one of the cutest old Italian men I’ve ever seen. I also got to meet a woman that had just had a foot operation that involved the shaving of some bone and the insertion of some metal rods. The nurse changed her bandages and I had the pleasure of seeing the metal rods sticking of the dear lady’s toes.

After I departed from my sweet German nurse, I joined the group for a lunch at a community center for the elderly. We enjoyed some tasty local dishes and the company of some the center’s regulars. Next we had a tour of the facility and were delighted to see that they had a computer room for classes, an art room, a bowling alley, and more!
After our visit we had some time to wander off on our own. I just love exploring all of the shopping areas in new towns. There are always so many charming streets with odd shops. I found a market with a woman selling her blown glass. Once again I was able to add some lovely (and cheap!) glass animals to my collection.

Shortly after it was time to catch the train back to Basel. And here I am! Many cups of coffee (and wine), sore legs, a blister, plenty of euros/francs poorer, a couple of busy days later, and with much less hair I am writing to you again.

But that is all until next time.

Tsuss!

Hello again!

This past weekend was amazing. First, a group of girls and I went to Bern. After arriving at our hostel, we went out and explored the old town. They had these cool little underground areas that were built outside of store fronts as shelters. Now they have been converted into all kinds of shops and bars. All of the architecture in the old towns of every city we’ve been to is amazing. They have cute little cobblestone streets with lots of fountains in the center.
Next, we went out to a bar and didn’t stay too long because some crazy drunken swiss guy started hitting on one of the girls in the group and wouldn’t leave her alone. He got pretty crazy and even bit her. That’s when we left.
The next morning I explore some of the town on my own. I FINALLY got a phone and it works! Hurrah! Then I wandered the market and bought some delicious fresh raspberries. I wandered a little more and found a gorgeous park overlooking the city. After taking in the view and devouring large quantities of berries it was time to go to the train station. That’s when we went to Luzern.
Luzern is gorgeous. After figuring out how to get to town from our hostel out in the middle of nowhere, we did a little shopping and decided to search for a chocolate shop. After that, we rented some paddle boats and went out on the lake. With all the mountains surrounding us it was a beautiful place to take pictures. As we were preoccupied with our cameras, we heard a whistle start blowing frantically. We looked up and saw a huge ferry heading straight for us! Luckily we made it out of their way on time
Next, the group split up and a few of us went in search of dinner. Dining out is not cheap here so we settled for a silly American restaurant and I got a “Luzern burger”. Ha. Afterwards we decided to wander around the old town, and we stumbled upon a group of men carrying around instruments. We decided to stick around and see what they would do. Turns out, they decided to march around the streets and play! We followed them around until they were playing. After that, we wandered a little more, stumbled upon a few more musicians and the oldest bridge in Luzern. After a pleasant night, we decided to get some sleep.
The next morning we headed off for a Mt. Pilatus adventure. First, we took a boat on a 90 min ride. The view was breathtaking. Then, we waited in a monstrous line to head up the mountain. Finally it was our turn and we headed up the steepest cogwheel railway IN THE WORLD. Amazing. Then we had a yummy lunch at one of the restaurants sitting on the side of the mountain. Lousy service. We waited so long to pay. What a waste of time. When we finally got out of there, we hiked to the peak! It was about a 35 minute hike but took a lot longer at the pace I was going and all the stops I had to take for pictures. Down below I could see trails, cows wearing delightful cow bells, people jumping off the side with hang gliding parachutes, and of course more mountains and all of the surrounding cities. Although the view was breathtaking, I had a little trouble not getting nervous about the fact that I was basically on the side of a cliff with small ropes guiding keeping me from getting too close. Whilst hiking I also ran into some mountain goats! It was amazing to see them climbing around on such steep rocks! Finally I got to the top. Sadly, I only got to stay for a minute because we had to rush back down the mountain to catch the last cableway off of the mountain. About half way down, the cableway stopped and continued as gondolas. As we were about to get off, we spotted the toboggan run below (Switzerland’s longest). Of course we had to go. Although a lady told us it was closed, I ran up to the launch site and begged them to let us go. As everyone here is so kind, they couldn’t say no. We raced down the path and got to sit in our gondolas as they pulled us back up. Again, the view was amazing. We were still above the city. We passed lots of pretty wild flowers and an adorable cottage complete with goats.
Finally, we made it down the mountain on the gondolas and over to the train station to go back to Basel. Phew. A long but amazing weekend.

Today we went to the University of Basel’s hospital. We had a few nursing speakers and we learned more about Eurhythmics (not eurythmics the band…I think I said that in a previous entry). Next we had a little tour of the hospital. Instead of visiting any of the floors, we mainly explored the basement where they have an amazing transportation system. They have these little electric vehicles (basically robots) that drive around on their own and pick up boxes and unload them somewhere else. It was actually really fascinating. Of course I’ll upload the pics so that it makes a little more sense. Next we were given a free meal ticket to their cafeteria. Thank God! I got to save some money and have a huge meal! Then we talked to some of the nurses and talked our way into getting a little tour of a hospital floor. The architecture in the building was very interesting. Very modern, open, and smooth. I liked it very much. I can’t wait to be a nurse :D

Ugh… then there’s more. My day wasn’t over. After the hospital trip, I went straight to a nursing home to meet my informant for an interview. What a pleasant little lady! Although she was worried about her English, she went on and on and on! I no longer had to worry about not finding enough to talk about. She has been living in the Basel area for 75 years and was actually a nurse! We had a nice long interview and discussed meeting again. Yay!
Ok…. That should be it. Hopefully I didn’t leave anything out. Now on to posting some videos and the 5 million pictures I took!
Guten Nacht!
P.S. On my way to McDonalds (the only place nearby with free wifi) I was stopped by hundreds of people rollerblading down the road. I love Europe

Today we woke up and went straight to the World Health Organization!

We listed to a powerpoint about the WHO, an aging organization, and talked to one of the few RNs employed by the WHO. The facility was gorgeous so we took lots of pictures

After that, we went to a dance institution to participate in an elderly eurythmics course. It's a course set up for the elderly to help improve or maintain their health, balance , coordination, and overall well being. We had so much fun! There were 9 little ladies, the oldest being 90. We observed and participated in some of their exercises. And they were amazing! Even I was getting pretty warmed up by the activities! They loved having us and we had a wonderful time.

Next, we went to St. Peter's Cathedral and the Chapel of the Maccabees. Gorgeous. Shortly after, we headed back to the train and came back to Basel.

Tomorrow we will have a short morning class and then head out for the weekend! I will be going out with several other girls to Bern and on to Lucerne.

In addition to my own pictures, we have 5 million group pictures taken by other people.... on other people's cameras. I'll upload them when I receive them

Oh btw, interesting fact of the day: Swedish people actually pronounce Ikea "Eh-kay-uh"

Ok! That's it for today! I probably won't be back to update until Sunday night or Monday at the latest.

Au revoir!

I'm in Geneva today!

The day started off with a train ride to Geneva from Basel. The scenery was gorgeous. Don't worry, I took lots of pictures but don't have my laptop with me to upload them.
After we arrived in Geneva, we went on a tour of the Red Cross museum. Then we toured some parks, took lots of pictures, did some Qi Gong in the park (amazing), went on a small boat ride, and had a delicious fondue dinner!

With the short amount of time we have spent here, I find that I much prefer Basel. Don't get me wrong, there are some beautiful sites here, but the overall feel of the city is different. It's much larger.

Alrighty. I'm running out of internet time, and I've got to go arrange my weekend trips with some of my fellow classmates

I'll try to update soon!

Bonne nuit!