So Proud

I have no children, well except Lola of course, but I think I am feeling the same pride that a parent feels when seeing their child off to university, as I look at pictures of my fathers fist week at university in Calgary. At almost 73, my father has gone to Calgary, to live in halls of residence, to finish his final semester of his petroleum engineering degree (hope I have the degree right Dad). He is an absolute inspiration to me, I can only hope that I grow older with his attitude, his youthfulness, and positive attitude.
Dad I am so very proud of you.

His class and the Chair on his campus tour

Water and Bubbles

I am quite sure I have said this one million times, but it is my blog so it is my prerogative, so I will say again, I just love bodies of water. They just make me a happier person, almost instantly. Of course there are levels, and the Caribbean Sea pretty much wins but sitting at any lake, river, sea, ocean keeps me smiling. So today was a perfect day for me, sunshine, sitting on the Rhine with a glass of bubbles (bubbles pretty much has the same affect so combined is fairly fabulous).

Of course good friends is always key.  What a great day frolicking in the Rhine (or sitting on the side watching people frolick), laughing with friends, enjoying a beautiful Saturday.

The Village Idiot

Last week Asa had a wonderful idea to go and see Laure, friend and colleague, and her two twin brand new baby girls and then have a catch up meal out. We got Eleanor on board and as I had been there before I drove and then choose the place to eat in the village. After driving around looking for her house (she was not answering phone due to feeding), we decided to eat and then find it.

Restaurant choice one, closed for vacation.

Restaurant choice two, closed on Wednesday.

Only other restaurant in village, awful, but did not matter as company was brilliant. And as it happened it turned out I had taken us to the wrong village, in the wrong country (probably why I drove in circles unable to find it). We eventually made it, just after babies went down, well done me, deserving name of the blog today.

Drive In Sex

When one hears the term Drive-in they probably conjure up images of a drive in theatre, a juicy hamburger or their morning coffee, well from today here in Switzerland people are going to have to add another image to what it could be.  I have mentioned this to friends and family as I remember the referendum happening when I first came here, and now as of today it is a reality, from today a man can drive into a little  sheltered cubbie hole and order what he would like (well with in reason I suspect, well hope).

It does seem a lot safer, but I will reserve judgement just now.  I do have to love the Swiss, totally efficient, it is cleaner, safer (apparently) and think of all the time it will save!

Hiking, Hiking , Hiking

Since Barbados and my favourite song (condense, condense, condense) I seem to be singing/saying everything in threes without even noticing. So today we had a glorious day hiking, hiking, hiking in the gorgeous Austrian alps.

Ending the day with Pia so upset as she thought she ordered a waffle with ice cream and only got ice cream with stupid wafer crisp..

Lech, Austria

After what can only be described as one of the most terrifying drives of my life I somehow managed to get Pia, Claire and Lola to beautiful Lech, Austria  The journey, that times felt like we may drive over a cliff at any moment, seems completely reasonable and fair now that we have woken up to a beautiful view. Our flat is lovely, and the views spectacular. Looking forward to a long day of hiking (just waiting for pretty Pia to get her full nine hours ;)).

And it all Begins

Yesterday, after a week of preparation (catching up really) the kiddies started back. Not quite a regular day, each grade having a different out of school activity. This year I am a grade ten tutor, which should highlight all my fantastic organisation skills, and we took them on a hike around Biel.

Luckily another beautiful day. I had a group of eighteen which I maintained throughout the day, did not even lose one (impressive considering I lost the register within five minutes of hike).  Lovely start to the year, and looking forward to the real fun which starts today..

The Romanians and Lola

Almost two months without my Romanian girls was almost too much to bear.

I missed their lovely food and of all their banter, laughs, and total hilarious humour. Eight weeks is too long to be apart ladies!

On a totally different note I do have to mention that Lola is happy (finally) to have me back but apparently a bit upset she has not been mentioned lately (her grandfather emailed me to say she called him a bit upset that even though she is named on blog she has not had an appearance for a while!)

Bajan Night

We have only been back a week but I could see the girls were suffering from rum, calypso, macaroni pie and flying fish withdrawal so I thought I would sort it out with a bit of a Bajan night.

The highlight of the night, flying fish. I still cannot believe I shared it! I tried to do a meal with all the trimmings (well what I could find) and

even some rum cake to finish it off. Now we have to wait for Kerri and Fabian to come and bring us some more treats, sort it out!!!

Shock Team Building

I will be the first to admit that I was fairly skeptical of a day of team building. I imagined the staff having to do loads of silly problem solving activities, that I hate. I could not have been more wrong. Not only were the activities set fantastic but I was also made a team leader, which of course was an inspired decision.

The events were a version of the Highland games.

My team was team Barra.  And although we lost to my assistant basketball coach (I was extra unhappy to lose to Guy!) it was a brilliant day.  I think it is safe to say the whole staff from admin, senior management, teachers and caretakers had a fantastic day!

Rhine Swim

When in Barbados I very rarely go in the sea, usually only when dragged by the kids or nature calls, so I imagine most of my family and friends there would find it hard to believe that I would swim in the Rhine.

But I did, and it was bloody freezing and murky and I lost my favourite shades, but I did it and secretly (well not now) I kinda enjoyed it!

Back in Basel

After a super long journey back, including seven long hours in gatwick airport, I made it back to Basel. It has been lovely to be back, hot and sunny, and of course great to catch up with everyone.

Went straight to the Rhine, which was a bit colder than the Caribbean Sea..  Followed by an open aired concert, which was slightly different than all the calypso I am use to.  And a lovely picnic in the park yesterday. I still miss BIM but it is pretty nice to be back :)

Leaving :(

After a shaky, scary and unexpected early start to my holiday it has been fabulous. Due to the miracle cure, One Acre, within minutes Auntie Jillian was back to her energetic fabulous self and the holiday could begin. It has truly been amazing full of family, friends and loads of laughter.

 It ended with a delicious lunch that Natalie treated me too.  Eating far too much, but Kadooment is now done so oh well!

It was a wonderful treat and now we are headed to the airport for me to start my dramatic tears.

But who can blame me, I love this lot!

Condense Queens

After what has been a truly fabulous holiday I have just dropped Pia and Karen at the airport. We had a great Kadooment amongst many other adventures and finished off their last 24 hours with a delicious dinner and the beach.

They came not quite knowing what to expect and have left as rum loving, calypso singing, gorgeous grinding condense queens. Bring on Kadooment 2014, if all our plans pan out it will be amazing!!
(you tube: condense, condense, condense- we love it!)

Grand Kadooment

It is a bit repetitive to go on about another amazing day, so will try not too. Instead I will just post a few pictures and let people decide for themselves...

Okay, so failed a bit as cannot help but mention what a fabulous day we had. Condense, condense, condense!!

Foreday Morning

The final weekend of Kadooment began Friday, leaving us in a bit of a state yesterday having got in from the festivities after 9am. It was a great night and a warm up for Grand Kadooment tomorrow. It basically involved, mud, paint, music, dancing and a bit of rum. Pictures will follow when we get them developed, as could not really take phone due to mud and paint...

The Gittens

Fabian and Kerri Gittens are possibly, the most wonderful people I know. They time and time again go out of their way to ensure that not only I but any I bring here have the best time ever. And once again they went above and beyond yesterday by taking us on the most amazing island tour.

Getting the cooler sorted, very important

A truly fantastic day, a big huge thanks to our hosts for the day, it was wonderful!

Turtle Fun

Yesterday we had a brilliant day swimming with the turtles and snorkeling.

And finished the day off with a lovely meal up on the West Coast