Isola Bern

... zig-zag. Stones called schindles sit like heavy checkers on old rooftops, awaiting nature's next move. These stones protect the slate from the violent winter winds. Gimmelwald's biggest building is the school in which 2 teachers share one job. There's nothing but air between Gimmelwald and the rock face of the Jungfrau a mile or two across. Kick a soccer ball wrong and it ends up a mile below on the Lauterbrunnen Valley floor. Gimmelwald ...

... an interview with Dr. Colum Murphy, along with six of my classmates. I have blogged about him before, but he came and gave our class a lecture, is the founder of the Geneva School of Diplomacy, has spent much time in the very middle of conflicts in Somalia and Bosnia, was on the Security Council, and had lunch with Ban Ki Moon a few days ago. (http://www.colum-de-sales-murphy.com/) . He is a fascinating man, and I was so lucky to have been able to meet with ...

... when I try to make it apostrophe - canät. There are other differences in this keyboard from the English keyboard that I am used to, so I am sorry if there are errors!)<br>Okay, back to the topic. There is no way I can write about all I experienced in Switzerland in the time I have left on the internet time I have purchased here where I am staying. There are people waiting for this computer. So, I will just have to briefly cover some ...

We got started on a cloudy day from Bern. We were looking forward to the sunny skies and warmer weather in Lugano. Appa had already gotten the car all prepped. Off we went after a quick breakfast at home. We decided to skip going to the bank to get Euros - that would have cost us atleast 30 minutes.

... people in general are so generous and kind, after experiencing so many contries full of rude people it was definately a welcome break! They are so neighbourly and community based, clearly always looking out for each other. I feel indebitally greatful to them for their amazing hospitality and there would have been no way that i would have seen all that i did without them. This country and experience will always remain a definate highlight and Desiree will remain an incredibly close friend.

... on the thermals and waiting for someone to throw them some food. It was actually really pleasant when the sun was out, and the weather was perfect the whole time we were up there, though the clouds seemed to shift and develop and disapear so fast that the scenery always seemed to be changing. When we finally tired of the mountains we caught the train back down to Zermatt. Unfortunately, in cars or trains i seem to drift off to sleep really really quickly, and couldnt keep my ...

... mother, Ursi offered to find me some warm cloths as it can be bloody cold on the back of a bike going 80 km per hr. "Beauty" i thought and went and got changed. Now Ursi does have a very keen sense of humor and I suspect her second priority (after making sure i would be warm and safe) was to have a bloody good laugh at my expense! And warm and safe I was in my oversized ski pants, my funky blue ski jacket and matching slip on sneakers, gynormous ski goggles and in the ...

Well here we are in Switzerland. Pictures to come. Yoday I left John at the Airport for me to go home. We've had a fantastic time together. I'm going to miss him as he has another 2 weeks visiting with his mother and off to spain. Then he's going home via africa to Visit his world Vision child.

... the beginning of the Swiss Confederation, which survives today. Pro-Habsburg attempts to undermine the pact continued to flourish; one legend from the time tells of a boy who overheard conspirators meeting in the marketplace at Unter der Egg, on the riverside. The plotters caught the boy and forced him to swear under oath that he would tell no living soul what he had heard them discuss, so the boy ran straight to a nearby guildhall and interrupted a confederate ...

... America sent late June and early July. So, FIRST, thanks to those of you sending me stuff!!! But to anyone thinking of doing the same, you can just send me an e-mail or post card instead. Something like this: "Hey everyone, I bought you all some Swiss cheese, but it went bad and I threw it away and I got each of you a box of Swiss Chocolates, but they all started to melt, so I ate them... but it is the thought that counts!!! (Right?)" -Chris. From Spain (or somewhere near there) cK