It has been over 12 weeks since my last blog and so much has been happening since I last posted. One thing that you will hopefully appreciate is that my blog is now sent to your email – check out the actual link for photos.
November 24th was the Australian federal election and also the day that Lacey, Roni and I flew down to Naples. Many people warned us to be careful in Naples as it is full of crime and not the safest city in the world, my boss even went as far to say “I wouldn’t be surprised if you saw a dead body there!!”
Luckily though our 5 day trip there was sunny and great!! The hostel we stayed in was good and we met some really nice people including our friend Wil who spent the whole trip with us.
Majority of our time was not spent in Naples besides at night time where we got to try “the best pizza in Naples” and sleep!
We went on a few day trips and got to go to such places as Mount Vesuvius, the only active volcano in mainland Europe. After climbing (ok walking…) to the top we got to see the crater and even see some smoke!! The view from the top was great and it amazed me that we were standing where lava had once flowed! I even bought a ring made out of lava whilst there.
We went to Pompeii and were moved by the plaster casts of the people that had perished there. The whole city was impressive and historically interesting. Surrounding the actual enclosure of Pompeii the city was less desirable and very touristy but well worth the trip.
The island of Capri was a short ferry ride from Naples and was fantastic. The view, beach houses, cute shops and expensive ice cream was all what you would expect of Capri. Lots of friendly tourists and crazy bus drivers but just to be able to look over the Mediterranean as we did was incredible.
Amalfi Coast is always talked about so we couldn’t miss going there and I am glad we didn’t. After a pretty long and at some points scary bus ride we got off at Positano. We made our way down to the beach and enjoyed our lunch. Lacey and Roni braved running into the water but I kept my nice (dry) shoes on!!
The three of us and Wil had a lot of fun on this trip. We drank wine at bus stops, ate far too much ice cream and spent a lot of time laughing. Our travel group worked well and Lacey and I look forward to going on more trips with Roni!
After returning from Naples on the Wednesday it was then time to prepare for the famous Poly Ball – the largest ball in Europe put on by the ETH University.
It was expected to be -7 degrees on the Saturday night and I was afraid of dying of hypothermia in my ball gown but it was not too bad. All the girls got ready at my house and we had fun doing hair, drinking and making ourselves look glamorous! It was especially glamourous as we had to stand at the bus stop in our ball gowns with massive coats on !!!!
Once at the ball it was amazing how much effort had been put into the ball. There were countless rooms filled with different music and even places to get your hair and make up done by professionals. Everyone looked extremely fancy! Sadly none of our male ‘friends’ were keen to go to the ball so we were lacking partners for dancing but it was fun to check it out and then it was an early night. I think I did a Cinderella act and was home by 12 – honestly it was more fun having all the girls here but I am still glad we went!
Thursday December 6th, was the night before I left to go back home for Christmas and when I had to say goodbye to my good friend Leo. His VISA ended before my return to Switzerland so it was the last time I got to see him. We went to a jazz bar with some other friends and then it was an early night (1am haha) as we left for the airport at 9.30am Friday.
I was nervous about coming home with 34kg in luggage but luckily I got through and didn’t have to pay anything. My “swiss” family who was also going to Australia for a holiday said good bye to me in Singapore as they were headed for Perth first. It was then another 8 hours until I arrived in Sydney and I impatiently waited as I wanted to see my parents so badly!!
As we flew over the desert and I watched the sun set it made me remember how beautiful Australia is and reminded me why I am so proud to be from there. Sydney Airport was a new experience for me as the Australian accent blew me away but I quickly dashed through customs and then through all the people I could see my beautiful parents and Uncle Bill waving at me through the crowd.
There is seriously nothing like family and I was so glad to see them. I sometimes forget how much I miss everyone as I am caught up in life here but it all came flooding back that night.
The day after I arrived my mum had organised a ‘gathering’ for all my beautiful girlfriends and I to catch up. Still the same girls but a year and 3 months older it was so nice to see them all. Each doing their own special thing but still my friends from years back.
My friend Huw from Switzerland also came to Sydney whilst I was there so we went exploring in the city for a day (like a tourist!!) which was fun.
Initially I thought 4 weeks would be too long back home but between seeing people and catching up and then working casually at my old part time job as a Christmas casual the time flew by. Christmas and New Years was really special as I missed it last year with my family.
I spent a lot of time with my mum while I was home and it was really important for me. Every day in Switzerland she is my rock and to have her in the flesh was a blessing.
My little sisters who are all grown up
Mandy made me laugh
Mel kept me busy
Sahar made me proud
Diana held my hand as we said good bye to 2007
and Nicole took me to Wok bar!
My trip back home was hard, fun, sad, short, important and an eye opener. I really got myself worried as so many people said to me “what are you going to do when you come back?” I don’t know. Saying good bye to everyone was hard but not as hard as last time. My friends, I know, will be there when I come home but my life for now is in Zurich and I am happy here.
I will be 24 in June and I guess I have to figure out what path I shall take but I am still not sure. I think being content is the most important thing now. 2009 will be here before I know it… who knows what I will be doing.
Sometimes I think about it but then my little kids break my thoughts and make me laugh. Maxine always runs up to me and measures herself against me. She tells me she’s “catching me!” Nicolas has become a little man and can speak English superbly now. Noel still challenges me everyday but I know that they all love me and I love them with all my heart.
I moved into my new apartment now and I love it. Lacey and I keep buying things for my kitchen and I like having my own little ‘house’
The jet lag that I suffered wasn’t as bad as it was when I arrived in Australia and routine began that day. The twins turned four on the 9th of January and the following week was spent up in the mountain house enjoying beautiful sunshine and snow. The twins had ski lessons and they are doing so well.
My mum had her second hip operation January 14th and she is recovering nicely in time for her trip to come and visit me in May. She is so brave – I love you Mum
January 12th 2008 my Grandma passed away and I wasn’t there. It broke my heart not to be with my Dad through one of the hardest times of his life. I feel like I didn’t get a chance to say good bye to my Grandma properly and sometime she comes into my head and I cry.
I worry that memories aren’t enough and don’t know how to preserve my thoughts. My daddy sent me a charm that Grandma kissed for me but its not the same… I wont see her again.
So while being home (in Switzerland) has made me happy, I have been feeling a little emotional for some of it. Lacey came back from America today though and then I went to Montreux on the Swiss riviera for a day trip with my friends. It was a really nice day and a good chance to get to know some new girls.
Friday 1st February we are off to Venice for the famous “Carnevale” and we are super excited about that. Lots planned for the coming weeks I need to use my last 8 months in Switzerland wisely.
I know that was a long one and hopefully I will write again soon. I hope you are all enjoying sunshine and taking of each other back home. I miss you xoxo
Also a note to let you know that I have changed providers where I publish my photos online. The new address is www.megzip.shutterfly.com
Ciao!
