Pungent Thoughts

Something artsy to check out, a promo for House Of Saddam on BBC. 

www.diretodoforno.com.br/bbc-house-of-saddam-hussein/

It has gotten colder here, meaning it is actually feeling like winter! It is 30°F now (at 18:30), 21°F in Cincinnati, and 16°F in Napoleon, so needless to say, I have been spoiled and I am due to wear gloves for once.

Friday evening was deemed a "girly cheesy night." I had asked my roommate earlier in the week if we could just sit down and try a bunch of cheeses together, so I could learn a little and experience the taste of the Alps, and she thought it was a great idea! So she bought some cheeses and special breads from the market. When she was talking to the "cheese man," she told him about me being an American wanting to get a feel for the cheese here in Switzerland. He was so happy about my interest that he gave her a free wurst to match the cheese flavors. Paired with some Italian Prosecco and red wine from Portugal, Melody, Chris, and I had quite an evening. I was surprised that I liked the more pungent cheese. I asked about the Swiss cheese holes, and Chris explained that they are created when the cheese "sweats." There are even salt deposits in the holes from the sweating! We also had Melody creations of a sort of carmelized onion appetizer, and balsamic ice cream. I am so glad I live around people who can really cook—my omelettes are put to shame, for sure! We had some pretty deep discussion, about the purpose of music and performance; "Must there be a gap between the band and the audience?" We also dove into the weighty question of, "What is love?" These questions pretty much consumed the entire six hours, and could've lasted years. I am confused more lately. But I am constantly reminding myself of how blessed I am to have this opportunity to be living and breathing Basel.

Got up early this morning to go to Rheinfelden for breakfast with a girl from my Bible study, and the family she is working with as an au pair. Rheinfelden is a small town about 10 minutes outside of Basel. It was great to be around kids again, and to soak up their energy, but realize I am not ready for that responsibility. Maia and I went for a walk about the old town, by the wellness spa, and to Germany.  :)  Don't be too impressed, because it is literally right on the border! 

I am off to see the Lindenhof gang at the Hawaiian party. I will leave you with some photos of the day's excursion. 

Oh Ewe Know...

So let's see... Cincinnati gets holiday for Martin Luther King, Presidents' Day, and now snow? And where are the rest of us... at work, that is! (And having a lot of fun, too.) It's funny. Switzerland is supposed to be all snowy, but it's vice-versa.

Went to Mitte after work today, and did a little reading and journaling. I saw this guy next to me in classic and minimalistic European getup—angular glasses, form-fitting sweater, designer jeans, and sleek loafers—writing vigorously in his oversized moleskin. And he had an amazing fountain-type pen. When I saw this pen, I thought he could be drafting a Constitution. He had his iPod on, and he must've been listening to Van Halen or something to get that kind of pen speed. But it was completely, intoxicatingly inspiring. He had passion! It was like Tom Cruise in Jerry Maguire. At some point, I hope to exclaim passion in a mission statement like that some day. With a good fountain pen. But then, all I had was my Seinfeld ball point, and 5 mere pages left in my journal. I ended up writing on the end pages, the back cover, and a random page in the middle. 

Funny story. I got a package today (thank "ewe" Mom), and during all the commotion of trying to get it out of the slot, the light turned out in the lobby (the automatic timer-makers need to plan for people like me, people that really need a couple extra minutes for everything). I got the package out, and decided hey, I am just going to wing it, put in the key in the dark. What do you know, I put in the wrong key, losing at a 50/50 chance. Here's a Google reference:

As you can see, the keys for the most part all look the same, feel the same. I distinguish them by a little white paint rubbed into the holes of one, not a darkness-foolproof method. So the door happened to already be unlocked, and I could get to the lightswitch inside the door, but the key was completely stuck in the slot. I pulled with all my might for fifteen minutes, taking slight breaks to look up the stairs, questioning whether I really could walk up in shame into my roommate's dinner party, and tell her I had another key mishap. I had no chance, I had to succumb to shame, and fetch Melody to bail me out. I came in, and met her guests, one of which will be the new director of the Tinguely Museum soon. I tried to discreetly ask her downstairs, but that didn't really work. She tried, I tried again, to no avail. Time to recruit Chris. He came to the rescue, again, and he pulled with all his might to success. 

So through all this key nonsense, I got an invitation to join Jonas and Chris for fondue, and watch the Zürich/Russian-city-I-can't-remember European "Stanley Cup." Zürich destroyed Russia, which is apparently a huge thing because Russia is really good and has a lot of teams, and Switzerland only has two. We had a lot of laughter, discussing mostly the Swiss Army, handball, the Macarena, Walküre, Phil Collins, the Jonas Brothers, and New York. I still think the worst thing about fondue is the traditional kirsch shot after, for digestion purposes (instead of reconsidering the eating of a huge amount of cheese, we decide to just help it along with some liquor, ha). Fondue is delish, but the liquor taste is just not for me. 

Last night, I had all intentions on making some progress on emails, but was dead tired, so decided I would take a short nap. I didn't set an alarm, classic, and I woke up at 4am, a seven hour nap, rather. So there you go, I guess. They are coming.

P.S. I think I have discovered my purpose here. Thank you for your prayers.

"I Love The Unexpected."

Famous Last Words: I love the unexpected. 

Friday was fun, because I got to refine my concepts at work, and we had some pretty good conversation in the office. After work, I left and decided to read some of my book at Mitte, a café between the 'platzes that I frequent during lunch and after hours. I started getting tired and wanted to just go home and relax, maybe watch W, a movie I have been putting off for awhile now. I had a nice stroll home with A Fine Frenzy, took time to peer in the store windows and just enjoy the evening. Got groceries, and then went to my building to find out I didn't have my keys. Most likely hanging sprightly on the window hook by my desk. I tell you, my purse literally upchucked all over the entryway; there were clementines a'rolling, books and journals, gum and pens and tram ticket confetti. I thought if I just clear out all the debris, maybe there was just some secret compartment at the bottom where they would be, exclaiming, "Haha, I am just your stupid keys, playing stupid key games." Finally, kneeling amongst groceries and purse vomit, the hallway light went out. I just sat there. My roommate is in Zürich until Tuesday. My co-worker is already home for the weekend. My neighbor who has the spare key isn't home. Am I homeless?

Did some calling, found out that my neighbor would be home in a few hours. And who knew, I didn't have the cell numbers of my co-worker or boss. So, I thought, I guess I might as well just go back to the city and hang around. I read again, totally preoccupied and absorbing only a fraction of the plot. I decided to go back to Mitte, just to make sure I didn't leave them there accidentally. Nope. Saw a Swisscom telephone booth and thought, hey, phonebook? So, being Switzerland and all, there was no phone book, but an electronic look-up service (must we eliminate all elements of print from our lives? I don't think I will ever trade my "old-fashioned" planner for a palm pilot. I won't buy an Amazon Kindle over a worn-scribbled in real copy. Let us cherish the Form of the Book!). I was completely confused, and fed up, so just turned around to get out, but I was trapped inside the clear box. Finally, when I discovered how to get out, I realized that Mohammed, that I had met earlier this week, was there and saw the whole embarrassing episode. I was at a loss for words, English or Deutsch, so I mumbled, shrugged, and just walked away.

Went home when I got a text from my neighbor, saying I could come over and we could wait for the owner to give us the master key. He made dinner fit for royalty, tagliatelle with salmon in a cream sauce. We chatted about a lot of various stuff, like my portfolio, music, and even drying out whale vomit to make perfume! We watched Once, had a coffee, and still didn't get in contact with the owner. So. I was staying there for the night. He made up a spare bed, gave me a toothbrush, totally just made me a place in his home. It is so humbling to have to be dependent; when you have no place to go, when you know you are a burden, that is humbling.

Didn't sleep, mostly because my phone had died right before I went to bed and I didn't have an alarm. I was paranoid that I wouldn't wake up in time to catch the train to Liestal, to have breakfast with Lisa and Rachel. But I made it, and I was able to spend time with these women. It was great getting to know Rachel better. It turns out that she went to school with two of my old roommates! The world gets smaller and smaller everyday. 

We went to the Liestal library, and I found this architectural wonder:

It's an old wooden beam structure, with modern chartreuse flooring, bookcases, elevators, everything! It actually wasn't overwhelming, it was very fresh and peaceful. There was even a café downstairs, and there's a balcony deck for summer reading. I borrowed some violin music, and made a mental note to return to this place as soon as possible.

Got a text midday Saturday from my neighbor, telling me that he got the extra key after climbing through a lot of red tape with the management. It felt so good to be home. I got cleaned up, relaxed a little, and then headed back to Liestal with Mike for Lana's concert. It was so awesome... a full string orchestra playing in a church, a total time warp. I love it when I listen to classical music, because it prepares my mind to get lost in another world. I never know what to say when people ask me about the music afterwards... because yes, I do hear the music, but I remember more from my stories. The conductor was humorous... his motions were so drastic and vigorous, I thought he was going to fall over sometimes! I don't think I have ever seen a professional conductor not in coattails. They have to wear coattails.

Side note: Just got my laundry out of the dryer, and the clothes were literally steaming. They looked like in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, when they show Charlie's mom over the wash basin, and there was all that humid steam everywhere (that is all I can think to compare it to). A lot of people don't like the song, "Cheer Up, Charlie" that she sings in that scene, but I do.

On Sunday, I finished The Catcher in the Rye, and spent some time at the old flat. We spent the majority of the time discussing "fun day" plans and drinking macchiatos. We are going to Melchsee-Frutt in a few weeks to go sledding, which will be a blast, and hopefully planning a trip to Dublin. We will see what time and money allows... Got to see some hilarious YouTubes of Eddie Izzard comedy, with Legos. Definitely worth your time to look it up. I recommend the Supermarket, Darth Vader, and the Petrol Station. I remember seeing Eddie Izzard was coming to Cincinnati this past fall; now I am sad I missed it.

Church on Sunday was nice. I really enjoy singing praise songs in Swiss-German; in those times, I feel very connected to Basel and God. Next week, ICF is having a passion sunday. We are doing all worship, and recording the session. I am thrilled, to say the least, especially because then I will be able to take some of the songs back with me. I made a new friend this week. He spent some time in British Columbia a few years back, to learn English and work on a farm. He and our small group got to have drinks afterwards.

Today I was reunited with my keys, and it was my first violin lesson. I was extremely scared and intimidated, mainly because I hadn't really practiced since Christmas break. I was a little rusty, to say the least, and it was completely disorienting not having the homemade tape frets to help me cheat. But I am excited, humbled but excited. 

Ah, alas, it is late and I am tired. I hope things are going well in your life! 

Take care—Linds

Dormant Envelopes

Came home this evening in anticipation of quiet letterwriting and reading, but plans quickly amended when our neighbor came down to hang out with us. We chatted about 9/11, Guantanamo, Obama, friendship, heritage and ancestry, and just took pleasure in each others' company, over coffee and wine, of course. I learned of some new bands that I am eager to hear more of, mostly acoustic stuff. I had never seen or heard of a twelve-string guitar until tonight! He also saved my computer; we found out (by smell) that my computer cord was literally melting together, and he lent me his old adapter, so please thank him for salvaging my connection to you.

Anyways, The Catcher in the Rye was left untouched, and addressed envelopes with no contents lay dormant on the dining room table, but the alternative was a night of learning and laughter and just plain fun. I love the unexpected.

Twinkled, Spangled Stars

Found this in the hallway of Die Bibliothek für Gestaltung by my work. That is a very intimidating place, but a place I know I will frequent. They have design books, in English, für frei. I just need to act confident, and convince them I am student; then I'm golden. 

I had an exciting afternoon, because I got my VIOLIN! The violin shop was magical. After being rung up, I began talking to the owner in Deutsch...and then realized the only word I knew that could help me was die Geige (violin), so I asked him to speak English. It was so cool; he went to this giant, tilting armoire, with old glass paneling, at least 10 feet tall, and there were more than 80 violins in there! He kept moving them around, squinting his eyes and plucking the strings to find the Goldilocks "just right" violin for me. He asked me how long I had been playing, and sheepishly I answered, "Well, a few months. I'm ok, not a genius or anything..." He then said, "Well, with this violin, you'll become one." Now that is epic! The shop had bundles of horsehair and a turnstile of loose strings. Drawers of chin rests and shoulder supports and sound potentials. He had this energy, that you knew he loved his job and couldn't wait to rent me opportunity. He talked with me about Cincinnati, and told me, "Oh, Cincinnati, what a musical city." CCM must be doing something pretty good. I am thrilled to be bowing away again. I need to get some music—a task for Saturday. But for now, my neighbors get to hear some Twinkle Twinkle and Christmas songs that I memorized.

I was extra-inspired because of the song during the Inaugeration, with Itzsach Perlman and Yo Yo Ma. The Inaugeration was special, being an expat and all. I watched it via webcam, and found myself grabbing my heart and wiping tears. Seeing him take the oath with the Lincoln Bible, that was history right there. 

As I was walking home tonight in the twilight, I had a bit of an epiphany. I think the reason I like Basel so much is because it is a city that you can still see the stars in. I was thinking about the sky, and then playing the stream-of-consciousness game: stars, spangled sky, spangled banner. Then I just decided, hey, I'm an American, I know the first verse, and more importantly, I don't know any of these people walking. So I just let it out. I even set the words to different tunes, and created some melodies of my own. The walk home from the violin shop was 45 minutes...

So to make up for the last post, I am going to talk about some amazing interactions with people that I had last night and today. Of course there was the violin man. I was at an intersection with too much construction and confusing crosswalk signals, when I saw a man standing next to me with the most amazing backpack. There was a giant zipper, about three inches wide, going right up the front, and the same going around the top. Each of the teeth was an inch big! It was too awesome to just walk by and solely think about its awesomeness. So I said, "Hey, I know this is weird, but I love your backpack." He said, "Really? Me too! It is for polo!" And then we smiled, kept walking and smiling, not knowing how to a continue a conversation on that. Then he went to the recycling bins and I went my own way. We cheerily "Ciao"-ed, and that was it. Next interaction: On the train last night to Bible study, there was this crazy man chanting, and I looked over to the woman a few seats away. Her eyebrows raised, as to say, hey, I don't know either, and we both just burst into laughter. And then the chanting man did too. 

Fortress of Solitude

Today was pretty good, but I guess the fact that I am sitting here with a tea spoon and a jar of Nutella means that "pretty good" is not the full truth (it's the Graeter's philosophy for Switzerland). 

For the most part, it has been pretty cool knowing German here; the way I have described it to some people, is that it's like I scored a secret decoder ring from life's Cracker Jack box, and now I just sort of "get" it, or at least more. I heard that once you start instinctively counting in that language, the language is embedded in you. I haven't gotten to that point yet... I only say "Nie" for "No" without hesitation. But being the lord of this ring also means that I "get" when people are harassing me or making fun of me being American. I had a nice conversation with a guy named Mohammad at the Mittendren café after work. I had to speak in all [fragmented] German because he knew nicht Englisch und nur ein bisschen Italienisch. I was really trying, and there was a group of people making joke about it. Also went to Revolutionary Road tonight with Maia, which speaks about 50s suburbia, and a couple's dream to move to Paris. What a serious movie, and there was just a theaterful of laughter. I am trying to give them the benefit of the doubt, because when I followed the german subtitles they weren't exact translations, and who knows how much they learned about that period in American history. But I am thirsty right now for someone who is sensitive and accepts me, as an American or Arab or Antarctic. When you think about it, the country you are born in is chance, and the politics that envelop the region you live in are not in your direct control, and I wouldn't want them to be. I am going to stop now before I get too heated. I don't want to paint a false picture of the Swiss. These are only my individual encounters recently, and I have had plenty of good ones, too.

In the movie today, I was thinking how cool it would be to learn the trade of cinematography, or to be a film composer. I have always admired cinematographers, and how they can help us see the story. But it wasn't until The Holiday with Jack Black (embarrassing but true) did I ever really picture a film composer being spunky. I want to be a spunky film composer when I grow up, or at least know one!

It was really warm today, 12 degrees... Celsius. Yep, that means 54 Fahrenheit! It was awesome. I love hearing the birds chirp here on my way to work in the morning. I don't understand why they don't migrate. Maybe some do and some don't. Well, the weather today apparently proves why.

I have re-fallen in love with the idea of owning or regularly using a typewriter.

I have been journaling more again, which is a good thing. A blog cannot replace pen-to-paper interactions. Writing is a slosh out of the soul's decanter, and you just need to let loose sometimes. Through journaling, I have been realizing that this alone time that I have now, although it feels like a curse sometimes, it is what I need and in some ways, exactly what I prayed for. Just like m&m's aren't plain, they are milk chocolate, my solitude is not loneliness but a fortress of solitude. I guess it is all in the way you look at it.

Flohmarkt und Freizeit

This weekend was very refreshing. Friday night I had the chance to make dinner for Laura and I at my apartment, and it actually turned out pretty good! I couldn't help but think of my grandma because I used actual bread for breadcrumbs. Now, I didn't make the bread, but it is a step in the right direction. 

On Saturday, we went to the flohmarkt and scrounged through others' junk to find treasures. I found a pair of red binoculars that I feel were an Italian designer's that we learned about in Sources, but I couldn't think of who it was, and couldn't get myself to pay for it if I didn't really know. Found a cool blackletter calendar from München in 1926, too, but the guy wanted too much, and I can't barter in German yet. I thought this pic was cool...

In the afternoon, I did a little shopping at Zara, and invested in a stiff white button-down. Seems like a closet staple. Whenever I think of a white button-down shirt, I think of June Cleaver and other 50s figures, and people talking about using starch to stiffen the collar. I do not know why.

Went on a long long walk in the afternoon, with my iPod in and my SLR. The sun was ashining, and the river was calling my name. I think my only wish would've been to able to redo the walk without my iPod. A lot of your senses turn off when you put an iPod on. I wonder how my pictures would've differed.

Watched "10 Things I Hate About You" in the eve, and fell in love with Heath Ledger all over again. I never really realized how brilliant that movie is. I feel like it is one of the ones you'll show your kids and say, "This, this was my generation." That, and "She's All That."

Today was a day of email catchup and forms. I did some design work, and got to share my portfolio with my roommate. Sometimes it can be difficult to hear feedback, positive or negative, about your work. You pour your heart and soul into your pieces, so any comment about your work is also about you. It was a great discussion, though, and it put some new ideas and perspectives into my mind.

Church was convicting tonight, because we talked about money and finances. It was timely.

Guten nacht, freunde.

I Love My Son —John Debney

I got tagged by Rachel. I can't believe I did this. But admittedly amusing.

Let's see what your music has to say about you. 

Put your iTunes on shuffle, one song for each answer, press the next button.

Write the song no matter how silly.

1. If someone says "is this ok" you say... 

["O... Saya" —Slumdog Millionaire soundtrack]

2. What best describes your personality? 

["Always Straight Ahead" —This Day & Age]

3. What do you like in a guy/girl? 

["Nowhere Man" —Beatles]

4. How do you feel today? 

["Sympathy" —Goo Goo Dolls]

5. What is your life's purpose? 

["Jesus, etc." —Wilco]

6. What is your motto? 

["The Library" —Field of Dreams score]

7. What do your friends think of you? 

["Everything is Alright" —Motion City Soundtrack]

8. What do you think about often? 

["Mr. Jones" —Counting Crows]

9. What is 2+2? 

["How You Survived The War" —The Weepies]

10. What do you think of your best friend? 

["And Then There Were None" —Spring Awakening soundtrack]

11. What do you think of the person you like? 

["Ain't It The Life" —Foo Fighters]

12. What's your life story? 

["How Could You Lose Me? (End Title)" —The Firm score]

13. What do you want to be when you grow up? 

["Nobody's Home" —Avril Lavigne]

14. What do you think when you see the person you like? 

["Under Pressure" —Queen]

15. What will you dance to at your wedding? 

["Evergreen" —A Star is Born soundtrack]

16. What will they play at your funeral? 

["Les Jours Tristes" —Amélie score]

17. What is your hobby/interest? 

["Livin' La Vida Loca" —Ricky Martin] 

18. What is your biggest secret? 

["Working Class Hero" —Green Day]

19. What do you think of your friends? 

["Joseph All The Time" —Joseph...Dreamcoat soundtrack]

20. What is the worst thing that could happen? 

["Lonesome Tears" —Beck]

21. How will you die? 

["Let it Fly" —Jackson Waters]

22. What is the one thing you regret? 

["More To This Life" —Swen and Dean]

23. What makes you laugh? 

["Everywhere You Look" —Full House theme]

24. What makes you cry? 

["Somewhere There's a Feather" —Nico]

25. Will you ever get married? 

["I'm a Believer" —Smash Mouth]

26. What scares you the most? 

["Moon River" —Breakfast at Tiffany's score]

27. Does anyone like you? 

["That's What You Told Me" —Five]

28. If you could go back in time, what would you change? 

["Habanera" —100 Golden Classics]

29. What hurts right now? 

["Damn" —Matchbox 20]

30. What will you post this note as? 

["I Love My Son" —Liar Liar score]

I won't tag anyone, just do it if you are interested. 

Love.

The night is dark. But there is a light somewhere, right?

"Go the Distance"

Listening to the Field of Dreams score by James Horner; for some reason, it just feels fitting.

I missed America today. It was a strong longing. So strong, that I found myself reaching out to Starbucks, drinking subpar coffee and thinking too intently to get comfortable. I was given the evil sneer because I was American; I can be understanding of this in general because I know my German isn't so great, but in Starbucks, that just isn't fair.

The photos are from my walk along the river yesterday. The sun was really just stunning. Today, it snowed, and my favorite little passageway was a complete ice trap. My boss told me that out of Switzerland, Basel is the most efficient in snow removal, that we won a ratings contest among the other major cities. The reason we won is because we have a more mild climate, and get this, we have an overabundance of salt (this is ironic because Napoleon is currently in a salt shortage).

Went to Lisa and Chris' house for dinner tonight, along with Darryl. It was great to get together. I had my first taste of lychee champagne, and I loved it. Had never even heard of such a thing until Switzerland. Discussed a few possible plans to go on a ski run in the next few months, which is exciting. I know my klutz persona will surface, but the experience will be worth it, I'm positive. I, of course, also had another faux pas trying to explain the musical 13. I described it initially as the "horrors of middle school on stage" and they thought I said "whores of middle school on stage." I don't know how I always manage to get myself into these pickles... but they always end in a good hearty laugh. We had some great discussion about ICF as well (my church here in Basel): its mission, its current direction, and how the act of going church functions in our personal walks with God and interactions with the Swiss community. I have been challenged to see what I am bringing to the church, and not necessarily looking to it to fill every aspect of my spiritual needs. It seems so obvious, but I finally see how the common thread, no matter where I am, needs to be God; it is so easy to have "sand" completely fill up my life, or run in a direction that I think is for God, without even really following Him. 

Happy Birthday Mom!

Lausanne and Geneva

I can't believe how busy I have been since my return! I cannot tell you how many times I have sat at the computer, opened up a new post at 12:30am, and take "naps," which almost always end up in failure. I am tempted by the siren song of sleep... which I guess I should give into when it gets late. Anyways... I love to write to you. I see this blog as one run-on pen pal letter, to the world and to no one simultaneously. It's kind of fun, actually, not knowing. 

Using the washer and dryer for the first time tonight. They pretty much sound like they are going to take off. They are inconspicuously tucked into a little closet, which contains most of the sound, but they still intimidate me. I have been learning a lot of washing vocabulary, trying to decipher it in effort to not have to buy a whole new wardrobe tomorrow, and possibly get out of having to wear a dress, since that is all I have left clean. When it's cold, that is true motivation!

January is half-over, but also still "half full." I have enjoyed the time I have gotten to spend with Kailee here. She has gotten to experience my Napoleon, Cincinnati, and Basel lives, which is pretty unique. She will be missed by many.

Friday night we went for drinks at acQua, a restaurant and bar lounge down by a small brook near the train station. It feels like a grotto, with cream lit candles dripping down the rocky walls. The chandeliers are posh, dotted with red ornaments, and banquettes dotted with "Q" pillows. In the entryway, there's even water that runs down the slate walls. It was chic, but not too intimidating, so needless to say, I wouldn't mind going back! Afterwards, we treated ourselves to Nutella crepes at a casual place near Barfüsserplatz. She has redefined in me a chocolate addiction.

Saturday morning we left on the train towards Lausanne. It was great to be able to get into an exploring spirit again. Sometimes I like being a tourist, having my camera in hand and just enjoying being looked at with rolled eyes. We started by exploring the docks at the lake, in an area called Ouchy, and then went to the Olympic Museum.

When I was in München this summer, I got the chance to see the identity for the 1972 Olympic Park that Probst got to work on with Otl Aicher. And now, again, I got to see more of their work! From matchbooks to letters, to an entire room devoted to the poster design, I cannot explain how cool it is to see these pieces. And out comes the geeky designer in me... We also got to see all of the Olympic torches, and some medals and memorabilia. I saw Shannon Miller's leotard, and was thrilled. As I said when I was there, "That literally just made my afternoon."

Walking through Lausanne, it was great to have opened eyes again. I think it is because I have been thinking too much in Basel. Today, when I got a chance to stroll along the river, and see the sun reflect upon the water, I got that warm feeling inside, when you think God is telling you a secret. "Linds, this is beauty." Anyways, in Lausanne, I saw this sign and got a kick out of it. I think one of the best perks about being in Europe is being able to discuss world issues more, and hear new opinions.

That evening we travelled to Geneva. Sadly, we couldn't see any mountains because of the overcast fog, but we did get to the hostel, and had a decent fondue in a somewhat sketch place. The hostel was very nice, very comfortable, especially for the luxury of having our own room! On Sunday morning, we got up and got a coffee (no Starbucks, a stiff real coffee, Euro-style), and a clementine. I am addicted to those as well, now. I have a feeling it is just a phase, but who knows. Unfortunately, the Jet d'Eau was off because it is too cold, but we did get to walk along the lake, and to the United Nations. It was cool to see some of the buildings and roads along the way dedicated to Woodrow Wilson. I was thinking, yea, I know he established the League of Nations, but AP American History knowledge has certainly been pushed to the outskirts of my brain to make way for InDesign and Quark shortcuts. We went into the old town, after some french onion soup at a quaint french café. All of the shops are closed, a typical Swiss sunday, so we got explore a bit. And look what I stumbled upon...

I was thrilled. I thought I would really like to see the Geneva "jewel headquarters" and I found it!

The train ride back was more rewarding than the way there. I made a pact with my body that I would not sleep. We got to see chimneys hiccuping smoke, snow-laden trees, and a gorgeous sunset. Switzerland is practically fake in the winter. It is all a storybook. I am always imagining an old man in tortoiseshell glasses, sitting by the fire in his tufted leather armchair. Seriously, I think of Masterpiece Theatre and Playmobils, the plastic fire and the cat curled up on the felt cushion. Here's a junky picture, but is a good reminder of the beauty.

Last night we made a big meal at the flat, and then headed to Eiopso to hang out with the Lindenhof gang. It was awesome to laugh with them again, and to get to know Anne a bit. I can't wait to spend more time with these people. And tonight we spent time with my coworker over a cheese fondue. I am so thankful for the friends that I have here, and the opportunities to share these friendships.

Getting tired. Still haven't caught up, but I will do so soon!

Fröhlichte Dreikönigstag!

I must tell you, I love the apartment. It gets really great sunlight, and the red and white acrylic/lucite material in my kitchen and bathroom is pretty awesome. I am definitely spoiled here. But I miss the Lindenhof gang. A lot. I wish this apartment was on the other side of town, but you can't have everything I guess.

Yesterday was Driekönigstag, which means "three kings day," when the Three Kings arrived to see Jesus. Here, there is a tradition that you eat a sweet bread with your family and friends. Here's a picture of it, from Google.

The bread comes with a crown, and a small wise man baked inside (totally sueing nightmare for the States, I suppose)! Everyone breaks off a section of the bread, and the one who finds the wiseman is king for the day. My coworker brought one in to work, and guess who won!

I absolutely loved seeing grown men walking the streets with these crowns on their heads. I like this tradition!

Kailee and I have been up to a lot. On Monday, we ate at one of my favorite places, Piadina, and then saw Australia... I loved it! On Sunday, we said "auf wiedersehen" to Roger as he left to go back to the Netherlands. We also went to church, and then small group on Tuesday night in Liestal. The sermon and small group were about looking back to 2008 and looking ahead to 2009. Our pastor had a really great illustration. He took a vase, and gradually poured in sand. He explained that the sand is what creeps into our lives slowly and unknowingly. We catch  the "hurry sickness," and find that we have no time, because we are too busy with the humdrum. He then pulled out three rocks, symbolizing God, loved ones, and the mission field. The jar was completely full, and there were no more room for the rocks. He reminded us that we need to keep these rocks as a firm foundation, and build up and around them. He then poured out the sand, put in the rocks, and showed us that you can still fit sand in after the rocks are in place. It's so ironic, how we can forget to include these main elements into our daily life, even if we have intention. At group, we talked then about the sand, and listened to a sermon by John Ortberg called "It All Goes Back Into the Box." Here is a link to download it for free. He was speaking about Monopoly, how you can succeed or you can lose, but either way, whatever you earn or miss out on, it all goes back into the box. He was saying that if you are investing in hotels, in houses, in property... in sand, you will ultimately find yourself full of nothing, and missing the foundational purpose. This message has hit home for me, as to how I plan to spend my time here. I need to be investing in rocks, storing my treasures in heaven.

The week is going by quickly. We are headed to Geneva for the weekend. Miss you all! 

—Linds

Home Sweet Fill-in-the-Blank

From Napoleon to Columbus, to Cincinnati, to Washington D.C., to Frankfurt, to Basel; the nag of "are we there yet?" can finally be answered...Yes. After a delightfully, laugh-filled New Years' Eve at Dan's house with some terrific laugh buds, and New Years' Day with friends from UC past, I made the trek with Kailee back to summer's playground. The time zones are the ones getting the laughs now though, as they see me trudge and try to reset my body clock. 

For the most part, I thought I packed light; packing for winter is so much harder than summer, and I even kept it to two suitcases, not even bulging. But when we arrived at the airport and I had to wrangle my turtle-hump backpack, a purse, and two suitcases into a bus, a tram, and walking to the new abode, I counted a few things I could have left behind. I also could have drawn a better map or considered printing it, any version that better described the area around the apartment and didn't have us wheeling around aimlessly for awhile.

The apartment is stunning and my roommate is going to be a blast, I just know it. She fixed us dinner tonight, a unique mushroom salad, and we got to talking about all sorts of topics. Will post pictures when it is not 2am and I am literally typing with fluttering eyelids.

Saw Roger and Daniel tonight, which was a great reunion. We all hung out at the old Lindenhof flat and then headed to Atlantis with Melanie and new friends later. 

It is weird to be back, mainly because I remember the city in warmth, and it looks completely different in early darkness, ice, and Christmas lights (Jerry's two face girlfriend, anyone?). On the bus from the airport to the train station, I didn't recognize the entire northwestern part of town. The city is very empty now, but also very much at peace. It's funny, I thought I would feel very much at home, and in a way I do, but I also feel that I am visiting Basel for the first time, in entirely different circumstances. My vantage point is either totally distorted or finally straightened. God has plans for me here, but I am clueless as to how they will carry out.