Skiwoche (ski week) in Laax, Switzerland (13.-18. Dez. 09)

Alright! My last post and I am officialy up-to-date! Now I can concentrate on more important things; like reading German, figuring out grad school options (again), and so on and so forth. But for right now, let's go off to the story.

I went with the academy kids (freshmen-juniors) and a few teachers to the annual ski trip. This year was a little early (usually it's in January or February), but it worked out well. We had snow to work with, and we went to Switzerland!

We stayed in a small village called Laax: which is in eastern Switzerland. Something very unique in this part of Switzerland is the official language. Ok, Switzerland has 4 (German, French, Italian, and Rätterromanisch--I only know what it's called in German), and Rätterromanisch is the one that's used the most in the eastern region of the country. Again, I am grateful that I know Spanish, even though there were some words that were not related at all to anything I know in Spanish.

Last time I was in Bogi, I tried snowboarding during the ski week. I got as far as trying. At least I got over my fear of falling ('cause that was the only thing I did)! So this time, I thought I'd try my hand in skiing. I got as far as learning to make the curves: yeah, not far at all. I realized 2 things: 1, skiing is a heck of a lot easier than snowboarding, and 2, skiing is not for me. I didn't really enjoy it. I was happy when I only fell twice on the bunny hill, but I didn't really have fun. Besides, the ski boots were killing my feet. I don't remember ever experiencing so much pain in my feet (it was worse than high-heels)! I knew they had to be tight, but how tight? When your feet fall asleep, is that normal? I asked several people that, and a little over half said no. Even though I got bigger boots, it still hurt. I didn't think this was worth it, so I quit and decided to explore the place and study German while everyone else was hitting the slopes. Of course, how could I ever go exploring without my most faithful companion: my camera?!

Here are the highlights:

The picture says it all (in Rätterromanisch).

Where we spent the night during this week (13-18 Dez.)

As you walk down to the entrance of our lodge, this is what you see.

Ah, the bunny hill across the lake.

A cute house right next-door.

The gondola port on our 1st mountain.

The snowboarders learning, and the view.

I liked this.

Giving myself a break, and a photo opportunity.

It seemed like a good idea at the time.

At night, all sorts of colors come out.

The half-pipe for the extreme snowboarders.

There's a ramp way down there.

I thought I was getting better, 'cause I got bigger boots.

Our beginners' slope, next day.

I could not get over the view.

I have found my dream home!

Yip, the mountain has the word "Crap" in its name. Remember, this is not English.

I had a little accident with the pepper shaker.

How we got on and off the mountain.

Back in the village, you see this ancient language (it was used at the time of the Romans) with German.

Those of you who know a latin language, can you figure out exactly what this says?

I do love trees.

Back to the lake.

I was fortunate to find the Tourist office, 'cause they had free internet! Look at how different this keyboard is: it is not like the German or the English keyboard.

I love this charming village.

The long and winding road...

Getting back down the mountain after the last day. It was colder that day than it ever was! Look at my hair and how frozen it is!

Ok, back to the village.

I was told this was the "Grand Canyon" Switzerland. Too bad all my pictures of it came out slightly out of focus.

The lighted trees beside a roadside chapel.


You know how I love nature and love to be outside!

Well, this is it. I'm all caught up. I hope you all have a great and lovely Christmas with family and friends.

"A merry Christmas to all, and to all, a Good night."

Weihnachtsfest/Christmas Party (21. Dez. 09)

I understand this is THE event in Bogi: the Weihnachtsfest (Christmas party) which was held on the night before we could leave for our Christmas destinations.

Well, there was ado before the Fest (party). This year, the girls had to ask the guys out. The invitations ranged from simple emails to roll-plays in front of everyone in the cafe. Some entertaining, others curious, and a few that were down right creative (in all its various forms).

I decided to take part this year and asked a 1st year Theo student out. We're friends and we're always laughing: he's one of the few who could make any event a blast. He wasn't the only one who made this a fun night, but the group of mutual friends we sat with as well. If it wasn't for them, the night would not have been that great.

So yeah, off to picture #1:

I was ready about 20-15 minutes before 19:00 (7pm), the time when the guys started to come and pick-up their dates. I had time to kill, as this picture proves.

My friend Christian has claimed his plate, but he's not the only one who wants it!

Oh come on, guys; the food is not that bad!

It's good to be alive in a land of plenty, huh?

This was when I started to realize what I've gotten myself into... and Christian had my camera.





It's not what it looks like, the picture was just taken at the wrong moment.

The one in hiding, the extrovert, and the one who is down-right confused.

I wonder what evil plans he's scheming as I took this picture . . .

Ok, so there was a large group of people who had a serious case of the (swine?) flu, but what was the point of bringing a live, terrified pig into the party? He doesn't know we don't eat pork, even less that most of us are vegetarians.

Some of my favorite people, the SMs (student missionaries). They keep Bogi going, and are a lot of fun to be around. Besides, I do love blooper shots, like this one.

This was a lot more fun than I would have imagined. Thank you Heidi, Evi, Christian H., and Danil for your marvelous company and friendship; not only at the party, but for the whole year.

Special thanks to Christian G. for accepting to go with me (!). You're a sweet and hilarious man. I am honored to have you as a friend.

Weihnachtskonzert (11. and 12. Dez. 09)

Ah, one of the highlights of Bogi happened December 11 and was repeated the next evening: The Weihnachtskonzert (Christmas concert)! I had a friend of mine take pictures for me again. Unfortunately, not very many came out very well, but we'll manage. You can always go to Bogi's website and check out their blog and pictures right here.

Here is the entire Glockenchor (bell--or in this case, handchime--choir).

Sometimes, it could get really nerve-racking.

Sorry guys, I'm sure my friend didn't mean to cut your heads out.

This was our stage in Munderfing. This was at the "encore" performance. I took this one. I couldn't find anyone who could take pictures for me. Oh well, it was still good and we had fun--even an unexpected child's game in the gym downstairs. That was fun!

Salzburg with Odette (10. Dez.09)

Hey, people. Sorry I haven't posted anything for a while: things have gotten really busy all of a sudden. Anyway, it's Christmas break and I don't have as much access to internet as when classes are in session. So if you don't hear from me between now and January 6, don't be alarmed; I'm cut off, but I'm not dead. Ok, on that note, let me tell you of this event.

On December 10, Odette Ferreira, the director of ACA (Adventist Colleges Abroad), made her annual visit to Bogi (in her rounds of visiting all ACA schools). That evening, she treated all of us 3 students and all our 2 German teachers to a night out in Salzburg. We started the evening with an Advent (Christmas) concert. Next, we wandered through a Weihnachtsmarkt (outdoor Christmas market). Finally, we had dinner at an Italian restaurant; talked, laughed, discussed, and so forth until we drove back to campus. It was a really nice evening. We had fun (and a small little accident--a bump on the van) and now I'm thinking about French in France for next year. Hey, who knows?

Right at the Roman hall, where the concert was held.

The Salzburger Dome at the Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas market)

Some of the ornaments on sale.

and other random stuff for every taste.

Another angle of the Salzburger Dome and the University of Salzburg.

The tree in the main square.

Some charming candle holders.

At the Italian restaurant. I thought, you know, those jumping Bogi fish have been tempting me for way too long: I'm ordering fish! I do not regret it at all.

The next day, Odette had to leave. I understand that she is retiring, so this is her last trip to Bogi--at least as the director of ACA. I couldn't pass up this opportunity. Besides, this is not the 1st time we've met.

Ah, and next, the Weihnachtskonzert (Christmas concert)!

Vorspielabend (28.11.09)

On Saturday night, Nov. 28, Bogi held its annual Vorspielabend. Basically, this is like an introduction to the different musical talents in the school. I played in Glockenchor (chime choir). There were several other numbers with violins, flutes, with and without piano accompanyment. Last of all was the Bogiorchester (Bogi orchestra). It was bigger and with a very strong string section, compared to my 1st year. I was so glad we (Glockenchor) played first, even though I felt so nervous backstage. It went well. Our next concert is the Christmas concert on the 11 and the 12 of December.

Wanna take a moment and thank Helder publicly for taking this picture. Merci/Danke/Obrigado/Gracias Helder!

Thanksgiving Dinner (26.11.09)

Thursday, November 26, was a really busy day. We (that is, the Sprachschule) have been planning for this event for some weeks now. This is when the Americans introduce Thanksgiving to the Bogi (consisting of mostly Europeans). One of the guys gave the Andacht (morning worship) thought. He shared how Americans celebrate this holiday, as well as the history behind it. We made several "Thank-you" cards for everyone so they could write a small thank-you to whoever they wanted. Soon, we ran out and had to make more. While everyone else was in class, working, or studying, we were hard at work. We helped the cooks prepare the food, we decorated, and we sorted the notes so they could be passed out during the dinner with (relative) ease.

For the actual dinner, we sang a couple of songs, and served the food. I really enjoyed bringing the people's food to them. The only thing is that it was a bit stressful, 'cause we were about 7 and there were between 150-175 people there. We carried 2 plates at a time (we didn't have anything else) and did what we could. Nice thing is I didn't hear anyone complain. I am grateful for that.

Each of us got to eat as well, while a few others distributed the "thank-you" notes. Next, after everyone was done with the meal, dessert! Oh, and then clearing the tables off: that was fun too. The entire dinner lasted about 2 hours. I'm glad we were able to have it and share it with Bogi.

One part of the Mensa (cafe)

The keyboard used

The fireplace was used that night.

Another part of the eating area.

I actually had a few free moments. These are the new lights over the bar area.