January

Grüazi Mitenand!

So back to school it's been... I'm now in the second semester and things are picking up. I can now finally understand almost everything my teachers are saying in classes and my German is significantly improving as a result. Conversations flow naturally and I am finally able to voice my opinion about most things.

Lots of fun things happened in January, first of all, we got lots more snow! It's mostly melted now, but it was nice while it lasted. But with more snow came more trails on the ski mountains being opened. Pretty much the entire resort of Laax is now open, and I have explored the whole area. I go skiing almost every weekend, whether it be with friends from school, other exchange students, host families, or even just alone. It's super nice to have such easy access to the mountains.

Another day on the slopes

Other than skiing, every other weekend I have an intensive German lesson in Zürich. In early March a bunch of exchange students, myself included, will be taking the B1 German exam to get a certificate stating we are fluent in conversational German. The course is three hours every other Saturday morning, and two hours every other Wednesday evening. The course material is getting harder and harder every time but I actually find its helping me tons and making a huge difference in my grammar, which is super important for the upcoming exam.

Zürich by night

After the course every Saturday, a large group of us always ends up staying in Zürich for a few hours. Typically we grab something to eat and search for fun things to do before heading home. Recently, after a course day, I headed to Zug to hang out with my friends Cam and Cassie. We call ourselves the Toronto Squad because we all come from neighbouring Rotary districts back in Canada. That was my first time in that city and, as always, it was super awesome to explore a brand new area (and of course, eat Döner).

Lake Zug

Zug and the lake

Cassie and her true love: Döner

Another time after a course, myself and a few other headed to the airport to say goodbye to our oldies. The time had come for them to return to Australia, and other countries in the southern hemisphere, as their exchange years were now complete. It was super hard to say goodbye to some of them and tears were definitely shed by all, but I know that they are all back now safe and sound.

Brendan

My partner in crime, Ruby

Paige

Maddie

A week later, Claire and I took Friday afternoon off school to meet up with a past exchange student from Australia in Konstanz, Germany. It was the first time for both of us in Germany, and we honestly had an amazing time. We couldn't get over how cheap everything was (we're used to Switzerland where you typically have to sell a major organ to afford McDonalds) and we spent quite a bit of money on various things.

Bordensee, on our way to Konstanz

Konstanz, Deutschland

The next day, I thought it would be fun to make dinner for my host family. I had my mom back home send me the recipe for one of my favourite dishes: ritz cracker chicken. In the morning I went shopping with my host mom and learned two important lessons:
1. Switzerland doesn't have 90% of the things you need to make typical dishes in Canada
2. Converting cups to milliliters and milligrams is harder than making the actual dish itself
However in the end it turned out very good and tasted almost exactly like it did back home, and my host family definitely enjoyed it.

Turned out great! (My host brother Noah made the sushi)

So that's all for this update. It may be awhile again before the next one so until then just keep assuming I'm eating tons of chocolate and cheese, skiing every weekend, and having an amazing time!
Tschüss!!

PS, I am now officially over half way finished my time here... It's insane how fast half a year can go by...

Game night with my host parents

Cheese Fondue over the fire

Chur

Giant tree in Küssnacht

Küssnacht am Rigi

Newbies and Ursula :)