HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM PARIS.

ONE OF THE PERKS OF LIVING IN SWIZTERLAND IS NOT HAVING JET LAG WHEN TRAVELING TO PARIS.

WISHING EVERYONE ALL THE BEST IN 2009

My day at the gym

I am so tired.

While on the stationary bike at the gym this morning I noticed that people started wandering into the cycling class.
I had already done weights and was finishing up twenty minutes on a stationary bike. Keep in mind that this was my second day of working out since we have moved and I am somewhat lazy and weak. I was ready to leave for the day. The spin class looked friendly enough so I thought I would ask the cycling teacher if his classes were taught in English as well as German. I had no intention of doing his class. Before I knew it this very energetic Swiss Man had me on a bike in the front row with some very fit looking people. After he Welcomed the American to class and cheered on our new President I felt obligated to stay. I had to make America proud. Okay I was embarrassed to leave.

He said a few things in English such as "Do I like AC/DC?" I just nodded and he played a special song for me. I smiled even though I didn't recognize the song.
I think I read somewhere that people in Europe think that all Americans love AC/DC.
He also told me we were going to ride across America from the East to West. Oh Great. My favorite part of the class was when he told me it was time to ride up some Swiss Mountains. Please let this class be over. I wanted to go home.


I am so Tired.

Twas the week before Christmas

For those of you are reading this very exciting blog (I know there are at least two faithful readers ... maybe three or four) here is a recap of last weeks events.



*We have our official Switzerland resident cards. I wish I had final picture approval.

*We have our official library cards. Very decent English section.

*We have our half fare three year train pass.

*We have been invited to our first Holiday party.

* We signed up for the Gym. I was told if I go into the coed sauna/steam I will see naked *people.

*We signed our lease. (We move in on Dec. 30)



Yesterday we went to the Abbey in Einsiedeln. I will post some pictures but they will not do it justice. All I will say is that Bruce and I were blown away. The art, the marble, the gold..... The cost!!!! Where did these Benedictine Monks get the money? They must produce some mighty fine wine and beer.



Happy Holidays.

To my California Friends

View from my window.
Glad I bought that extra pair of boots.

Shopping List

Rotwein
olivenol
kopfsalat
tomate
gurke
obst
kase
de huhn
spagehetti
michl
brot

New friends

Hm, my sister Debbie commented on how she has seen more of me in the last two weeks by looking at my blog than in the last few years. Do you think she means I am posting too many pictures of myself? I thought I better include pictures of some of my new friends from Zug. Met them on a walk the other day.

Nice fellows but they never come to visit me in my home. I always have to visit them in their home. A little selfish but after all I just met them.

Exploring Zurich's Old town.

Zurich Christmas Market

1. Der evz freut sich mitteilen zu durfen, dass derVertrag mit der Parkkhotel Zug AG um einJahr Verlangert Wurde.

I have been practicing my German.
Gut.

Train Station in Zurich.

Swarovski Crystal display at the base of tree. Very beautiful!

Things I learned at the market.
Do not think that the chocolate displayed in the pretty bowls are samples.
They are displays.
Ouch!

IT IS SNOWING

I have nothing to add to that.

What I learned at the Grocery Store Part 3

*There are two big grocery stores.
Migros and Co-ops.
Migros does not sell alcohol
We will be shopping at C0-0ps

*When making Turkey Chili be prepared to make it without Turkey.


*When shopping at Co-ops buy your fruit and vegetables before you enter the main store.
Once in the main store the only way back to the fruit and vegetable stand is through the
cashier.

* Good news. We have learned to bring our own grocery bags. We now own ten.
We have also become efficent in bagging.

Bruce's Private Office

Town of Zug

This is the town of Zug. The picture of me standing on the hill is in the little park 2 doors down from our apartment. Very Beautiful. Mt. Rigi is in the background.

The picture of me pointing at the stairs is the shortcut we found down to town.

kussnacht em klausenfieber

Our realtor told us about this Festival that takes place in her town of Kussnacht every December 5.
Truly spectacular, but truly weird.
Here is my take.
At precisely 8:15P.M. all the street lights are turned off. The curbs are lined with approx. 30 thousand visitors waiting for the parade to begin. There are whips, cowbells, and gigantic illuminated hats.
*I am not sure why (might be to scare off the evil spirits or to make sure the crowds stay calm) but men in white lead the parade cracking whips. I have never experienced men walking down a village street cracking whips?
*Next come the men with huge lit up pope like hats with cathedral themes. Each hat has its own spectacular design. (some where over 8ft tall and 5ft wide) The men with hats twirled down the streets. (I was a little nervous because they had all been drinking beer)
*After the hats scary men dressed as the grim reaper ( I found out later they were supposed to be street cleaners) handed candy to children? The scary men were followed by Santa Claus.
*The grand finale was a bunch of men in white ringing large cow bells. At first the sound was almost enjoyable. But they kept getting louder and louder. Would it ever stop? The men with cowbells kept coming. Would they ever stop? My ear muffs helped muffle the sound but more muffeling was needed.

Our apartment is part of a house that is over 125 years old. The stained glass pictured is orginal. There is beautiful garden with a gazebo. (Bruce has to mow our portion of the lawn) We are a five minute walk to the lake (but down a very long hill).

Bruce will walk to work every day but talk to me next month when the walk up the very long hill becomes a reality. How long will we survive without a car?

Our apartment is a spacious 2 bedroom. The draw back only 1&1/2 baths. For those who visit you will have to share. Good news is that you will have a very spacious bedroom.

We move in between Jan. 2-15.

The owners are Swiss and do not speak English but they smile alot.

They live in the Main house that they share with their dog.

What I learned at the Grocery Store Part 2

A roll of trash bags (12) cost $39.00 Swiss Francs.
You must use the designated bag for your canton.
Being wasteful can be very expensive!
Forgot to bring our grocery bag back. We now own Three.

Coat, Hat, and View

Found the Oatmeal

Directions: 1 Tasse haferflockli, 1dl milch & 1 dl Wasser.

Things I learned and didn't learn at the Grocery Store!!

Weigh your tomatoes before you stand in the check out line.
Where is the Oatmeal?
Milk comes in tiny cartons and where is the non-fat?
Bring your own bags or it will cost!
People will look at you funny if you wait for someone to bag your groceries? Bag your own.