Yesterday (due to unforeseen events) both Gemma (UK, Catering Assistant) and Tim (UK, Caterer) were off, leaving no one in charge of the kitchen. Put on catering with David (Russia), I was pretty well left in charge the of the kitchen. It was so exciting. A little stressful, considering I didn`t think dinner would be on time, and I didn`t know how to use the oven and yada yada yada, I survived just fine. I was so excited. It was a big step, and it`s nice to know that they trust me, and feel like they can rely on me. It`s awesome.
Then, at night, Lynsey, Rakel and I went over to the IKEA Flat, to help Andrew clean it. (He bought each of us a beer, so it was worth it.) After, we went out to the bar where a lot of people met up with us. It was also Amos` last day, so it was nice to go out one more time with him.
Today, I had morning off, but I was so tried that Lynsey and I just slept until 11am. It`s a little ridiculous, but it was needed. Waking up, we were well rested and ready to work. Working in house this morning, my hip still hadn`t returned to it`s normal size, so Lynsey told me to go to the doctors. I wasn`t in pain, the bruise is starting to go away, so I didn`t feel the need to go, but Lynsey has been after me for a while, so I decided to go. Making an appointment, I was in the doctor`s office for all of 5 min. He said that is was still swollen because the bruise was still holding so much blood in it still. It`t normal he said. He then checked my hips and they`re still symmetrical, so that wasn`t a problem either. He then gave me a cream to help the bruise go away faster. I`ve since been told that he`s the cream doctor. He gives cream to everyone that comes it (at least 3 of us at the centre have it now), but it`s better than the needle doctor. Andrew says he probably would have tried to drain the blood out. Awesome. Cream it is! lol.
Love,
Creighton
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
29 March 2009
Yesterday I was struck by how similar, and how different we all are.
Sitting at the dinner table last night, we were going around learning how to say `Hi my name is...` in each of our own languages: Korean, Portugese, Russian, Spanish, Icelandic and more. It was so cool. Sitting there it hit me how far we all came from, and how different each one of us really are.
Later that night, while celebrating Earth Hour, Filipe pulled out the guitar and we all sang song after song after song. While we each come from a different area, we are all linked together by music, Scouting, and so much more. I know, a little deep for the beginning of a blog, but it was awesome.
Yesterday I was in Catering, which is always really cool. I love helping out there, and there`s always work to do (which is a nice thing....most of the time). After dinner, like I already said, we had Earth Hour. An initative set by the UNEP (United Nations Environment Program), supported by WWF (World Wildlife Fund) and WOSM (World Organization of the Scouting Movement) and so much more. We were challenged to use no electricty from 8:30 to 9:30, and encourage others to do the same. I received an e-mail about this a couple weeks ago from the WSEP (World Scout Environment Program) through facebook, and I forwarded it on to Gillian, who helped set it in motion. While I don`t know if I started this, or it was already in planning, I was very excited to see it happen. We cut all power to the Old Chalet (because we didn`t have any guests in it), and turned off everything we could in the New Chalet (obviously leaving the fire alarm and fridges on due to Health and Safety Regulations). We then had candles in the staff lounges, made a fire (we were planning on having it outside, but the weather was miserable), and sat around singing songs and telling stories. While many of the LTS weren`t there, it was very cool and a lot of fun. We should do it more often.
Once Earth Hour was over, we all headed over to the IKEA Flat (on of the many LTS Flats paid for by the centre) to have a farewell party for Amos. Amos is from Kenya, and is leaving this monday to return to Kenya. He doesn`t want to leave at all, but he is starting work for WOSM, based in Kenya and they won`t give him an extension.
At the party, Amos and I were sitting beside each other and he turns to me and says `I`m thinking of taking you with me`. Not creepy, not romantic, just Amos, and I realized that, even though we`re only known each other for two weeks, I`m really going to miss him. Crazy how these things happen. I took a million pictures...actually, I took 5 or 6, but Lynsay and Dave took a lot on my camera too, so it`s all good. Seeing other people drunk here, and seeing as we still have to get up at 7 each morning, I stick to a 2 beer rule, unless we`re out for a much longer evening. This means I can still walk home, still have fun, and still get up. A perfect combination. Lynsay on the other hand lost track, and wasn`t feeling the greatest this morning. Regardless, we still have to work. Thankfully, I was in House this morning (cleaning, laundry, that kind of stuff), so Lou (in charge of House) let us have an easy morning giving jobs that required little to no thought, and little movement. Still, I felt like I was the only one working at times.
Sitting down to watch a movie at lunch break, I ended up falling asleep, but thankfully we all look out for each other, and Mark woke me up. This afternoon (because we ALL took naps) we were a little more lively and I also completed my second ever check in. This one went a little better than my first, so it`s good to know I`m inproving.
I now have to go help with the staff board (which is due tomorrow) and fill in my days off (I know, hard evening).
Love,
Creighton
OH! My hip is much better now, just a disgusting bruise, but it doesn`t hurt anymore...well, of course the bruise hurts when you hit it, but that`s just like any old bruise (this one`s just much bigger and has more variety of colour).
Night.
Sitting at the dinner table last night, we were going around learning how to say `Hi my name is...` in each of our own languages: Korean, Portugese, Russian, Spanish, Icelandic and more. It was so cool. Sitting there it hit me how far we all came from, and how different each one of us really are.
Later that night, while celebrating Earth Hour, Filipe pulled out the guitar and we all sang song after song after song. While we each come from a different area, we are all linked together by music, Scouting, and so much more. I know, a little deep for the beginning of a blog, but it was awesome.
Yesterday I was in Catering, which is always really cool. I love helping out there, and there`s always work to do (which is a nice thing....most of the time). After dinner, like I already said, we had Earth Hour. An initative set by the UNEP (United Nations Environment Program), supported by WWF (World Wildlife Fund) and WOSM (World Organization of the Scouting Movement) and so much more. We were challenged to use no electricty from 8:30 to 9:30, and encourage others to do the same. I received an e-mail about this a couple weeks ago from the WSEP (World Scout Environment Program) through facebook, and I forwarded it on to Gillian, who helped set it in motion. While I don`t know if I started this, or it was already in planning, I was very excited to see it happen. We cut all power to the Old Chalet (because we didn`t have any guests in it), and turned off everything we could in the New Chalet (obviously leaving the fire alarm and fridges on due to Health and Safety Regulations). We then had candles in the staff lounges, made a fire (we were planning on having it outside, but the weather was miserable), and sat around singing songs and telling stories. While many of the LTS weren`t there, it was very cool and a lot of fun. We should do it more often.
Once Earth Hour was over, we all headed over to the IKEA Flat (on of the many LTS Flats paid for by the centre) to have a farewell party for Amos. Amos is from Kenya, and is leaving this monday to return to Kenya. He doesn`t want to leave at all, but he is starting work for WOSM, based in Kenya and they won`t give him an extension.
At the party, Amos and I were sitting beside each other and he turns to me and says `I`m thinking of taking you with me`. Not creepy, not romantic, just Amos, and I realized that, even though we`re only known each other for two weeks, I`m really going to miss him. Crazy how these things happen. I took a million pictures...actually, I took 5 or 6, but Lynsay and Dave took a lot on my camera too, so it`s all good. Seeing other people drunk here, and seeing as we still have to get up at 7 each morning, I stick to a 2 beer rule, unless we`re out for a much longer evening. This means I can still walk home, still have fun, and still get up. A perfect combination. Lynsay on the other hand lost track, and wasn`t feeling the greatest this morning. Regardless, we still have to work. Thankfully, I was in House this morning (cleaning, laundry, that kind of stuff), so Lou (in charge of House) let us have an easy morning giving jobs that required little to no thought, and little movement. Still, I felt like I was the only one working at times.
Sitting down to watch a movie at lunch break, I ended up falling asleep, but thankfully we all look out for each other, and Mark woke me up. This afternoon (because we ALL took naps) we were a little more lively and I also completed my second ever check in. This one went a little better than my first, so it`s good to know I`m inproving.
I now have to go help with the staff board (which is due tomorrow) and fill in my days off (I know, hard evening).
Love,
Creighton
OH! My hip is much better now, just a disgusting bruise, but it doesn`t hurt anymore...well, of course the bruise hurts when you hit it, but that`s just like any old bruise (this one`s just much bigger and has more variety of colour).
Night.
Friday, March 27, 2009
27 March 2009
Today was duty. No, I`m not saying it was work I had to do, I was on duty today. That means that I help out at all the meals, I answer phones on lunch break, and then after dinner, I hold the `duty` phone, and do everything the guests need from us. Thankfully, we don`t have many guests, but I did have to do a check in after 6- my first check in yet, it was a little intimidating, but I survived.
Last night was staff night out: curling. It was actually a lot of fun. It was a little difficult to begin with, but I really like it. I mean REALLY like it. Maybe Trent will have a team. After curling (in which my team won both games), we all went to Des Alpes for a beer. After this, Indy (UK), Lynsay, Dave and I walked back to the centre, diving into snow banks every chance we had (there`s still a lot of snow, so we did a lot of diving), which was so much fun.
Working duty with me was Chris (maintinence, from Great Britain). We hadn`t really talked much, but he`s great. Skinny, but eats and eats and eats. He would by far out eat Scotty Bowman, which is saying something. He also has the greatest eyes ever, and smiles at everything, almost a 4 year old smile.....maybe 6 year old. It`s very funny.
We`re also playing this murder game right now (throughout the whole season). Every person is given a slip of paper saying who, where, and how they have to kill the person. For example, Tim had to kill Anna in Reception with a microwave. Most people try and lure their person in, but Tim is so big, and Anna so small, that he just lifted her up and carried her to reception. Mine is rather tricky, although I can`t say what it is incase they read this. Always cautious. I`ll let you know that it is going to be very difficult, and I`m going to have to get the help of another staff member, but we`ll see. Anyways, as we were cleaning up after dinner, Chris says I should be careful, because duty walk (duty person has to go around the whole chalet to make sure windows are closed, lights are off etc) is a very good time to be killed (seeing as you have to go in every room). Thinking nothing of it, I just carry on. I was actually hoping to be killed because mine is going to be hard. Still cleaning, Tim asked me to take the garbage out, so I did. As I get to the store room for the recycling and garbage, Tim comes out of no where, picks me up and tries to throw me in the room. I kicked and screamed and fought, and still didn`t win. He then hits me with a spoon yells `You`re dead` and runs away. Going back upstairs, him and Chris are both laughing at me, before Chris says `You`re not really dead`. Having no idea what he ment, Tim had to explain that he didn`t have to kill me, but just wanted to scare me some more. It worked. During duty walk at 11pm, I was terrified, looking around corners and keeping my back to the wall. Now that I`ll almost been killed, I don`t want to die. How prophetic.
Between cleaning and duty walk, we had a couple of hours to kill, so a bunch of us sat down to watch a movie. I was so comfortable, in pj pants, blanket, snuggled in between people, it was awesome. Then the staff room phone rings, not the duty phone which I have in my hand. So i get up to get the phone (on the far side of the room) and it`s CHRIS! `Oh, you did get off the couch!` WHAT? He didn`t need anything, just wanted to see if I`d actually get off the couch. Jerk.
During the day, 4 people had the day off. Pip (smacked her head on ice and has a concussion), Rakel (what may be second degree burn on her cheeks), David (snow blindness) and Stephan (also had a concussion). What a group of STS we are.
Let`s recap:
Lynsay- nothing
Malcolm- almost broke wrist, saw doctor
Ah Ruem- pulled ligaments in leg, saw doctor
Robert- nothing
David- Snow blindness. saw doctor
Stephan- concussion, saw doctor
Pip- concussion, saw doctor
Dave- nothing
Creighton- skiied into building
Kike- Hurt knee, saw doctor
Rakel- second degree facial burn (most likely), saw doctor
This doctor must be RICH off of the centre!!
Anyways, I survived duty and more importantly duty walk. Now it`s on to plotting how to kill my person.....
Love,
Creighton
Last night was staff night out: curling. It was actually a lot of fun. It was a little difficult to begin with, but I really like it. I mean REALLY like it. Maybe Trent will have a team. After curling (in which my team won both games), we all went to Des Alpes for a beer. After this, Indy (UK), Lynsay, Dave and I walked back to the centre, diving into snow banks every chance we had (there`s still a lot of snow, so we did a lot of diving), which was so much fun.
Working duty with me was Chris (maintinence, from Great Britain). We hadn`t really talked much, but he`s great. Skinny, but eats and eats and eats. He would by far out eat Scotty Bowman, which is saying something. He also has the greatest eyes ever, and smiles at everything, almost a 4 year old smile.....maybe 6 year old. It`s very funny.
We`re also playing this murder game right now (throughout the whole season). Every person is given a slip of paper saying who, where, and how they have to kill the person. For example, Tim had to kill Anna in Reception with a microwave. Most people try and lure their person in, but Tim is so big, and Anna so small, that he just lifted her up and carried her to reception. Mine is rather tricky, although I can`t say what it is incase they read this. Always cautious. I`ll let you know that it is going to be very difficult, and I`m going to have to get the help of another staff member, but we`ll see. Anyways, as we were cleaning up after dinner, Chris says I should be careful, because duty walk (duty person has to go around the whole chalet to make sure windows are closed, lights are off etc) is a very good time to be killed (seeing as you have to go in every room). Thinking nothing of it, I just carry on. I was actually hoping to be killed because mine is going to be hard. Still cleaning, Tim asked me to take the garbage out, so I did. As I get to the store room for the recycling and garbage, Tim comes out of no where, picks me up and tries to throw me in the room. I kicked and screamed and fought, and still didn`t win. He then hits me with a spoon yells `You`re dead` and runs away. Going back upstairs, him and Chris are both laughing at me, before Chris says `You`re not really dead`. Having no idea what he ment, Tim had to explain that he didn`t have to kill me, but just wanted to scare me some more. It worked. During duty walk at 11pm, I was terrified, looking around corners and keeping my back to the wall. Now that I`ll almost been killed, I don`t want to die. How prophetic.
Between cleaning and duty walk, we had a couple of hours to kill, so a bunch of us sat down to watch a movie. I was so comfortable, in pj pants, blanket, snuggled in between people, it was awesome. Then the staff room phone rings, not the duty phone which I have in my hand. So i get up to get the phone (on the far side of the room) and it`s CHRIS! `Oh, you did get off the couch!` WHAT? He didn`t need anything, just wanted to see if I`d actually get off the couch. Jerk.
During the day, 4 people had the day off. Pip (smacked her head on ice and has a concussion), Rakel (what may be second degree burn on her cheeks), David (snow blindness) and Stephan (also had a concussion). What a group of STS we are.
Let`s recap:
Lynsay- nothing
Malcolm- almost broke wrist, saw doctor
Ah Ruem- pulled ligaments in leg, saw doctor
Robert- nothing
David- Snow blindness. saw doctor
Stephan- concussion, saw doctor
Pip- concussion, saw doctor
Dave- nothing
Creighton- skiied into building
Kike- Hurt knee, saw doctor
Rakel- second degree facial burn (most likely), saw doctor
This doctor must be RICH off of the centre!!
Anyways, I survived duty and more importantly duty walk. Now it`s on to plotting how to kill my person.....
Love,
Creighton
Thursday, March 26, 2009
26 March 2009
This place is so cool.
I`m recovering just fine from my collsion, although I don`t think I`ll ever live it down: The Canadian that can`t ski. Oh well, count your blessing, right?
Let`s review what`s happened since then
Monday: I worked in House which consists of cleaning, ironing and more cleaning. You get a lot done, but it`s not overly exciting work. I was definately still sore from the skiing incident, and had to go up and down stairs all day, carry baskets. Ouch, but I lived. :) To answer you mom, I wasn`t wearing a helmet, but I haven`t been having headaches or anything like that. I do have a sore spot on the side of my head, but it`s only sore when I pull my hair back or yawn too big. I`ve adapted.
Tuesday: I work in Catering, which was really fun. This was when it started snowing and it hasn`t really stopped since. It`s light snow, so it doesn`t pile up too much, but it`s very beautiful. Anyways, Tim (Caterer) threw a snowball at me. So I waited, and then shoved one down his back (my aim isn`t that good when throwing, so I resort to putting it down backs now). I thought that was the end of it, until the sprayed me the hose....twice....and also put a snowball down my back. I`ll get him, just you wait. I should be glad it wasn`t worse. Last night Rakel dumped the remaining whipped cream on his head, so he picked her up, put her under the tap, and turned it on.....and also drew a mustach on with marker. Still, it was a very fun day, and they always have fun music on, so I love it.
Wednesday: Lynsay and I took the day off, and planned on getting a lot of stuff done. Then we acidentily slept in, so we didn`t get much done in the morning. We then went to the train station to get our half price cards (so all trains, cable cars and other things are half price). While we were waiting, the monitor said that a train to Brig was leaving in 15 min. Lynsay turned to me and said `Let`s go to Brig`. `Sure`I replied, so we went to Brig. Brig isn`t that exciting, but it was very funny that we just went. Getting back a couple of minutes late for dinner (we called, and said we would be), that`s when the whip cream and stuff happened with Rakel. It was a pretty fun day, and by far my most expense yet. (The half price card was 150SFr., but I`m hoping to travel a lot, so it will be worth it.)
Thursday (Today): Today I`m in Kanderlodge, which is a new building that we`re doing construction work in. I was a little worried because I`m still a little sore, but it`s actually a lot of fun. Of course, there`s a lot of jokes, but that`s half the fun. Today, I`m working with India (UK) screwing wood to make the ceiling....so we`re screwing. Funny people.
Tonight it staff-night out, and we`re going Curling. I`m pretty excited. Tomorrow I`ll be on duty, which means I carry around a phone all day, and if the people in reception don`t answer it, I do. It also means I answer the phones and take care of the guests during lunch, and after 6pm. I can`t drink anything, and I have to lead thought for the day. I`m thinking of doing that Ì`m alive, awake, aleart, enthusiastic`song, but we`ll see.
Take care, but to work.
Creighton Avery
I`m recovering just fine from my collsion, although I don`t think I`ll ever live it down: The Canadian that can`t ski. Oh well, count your blessing, right?
Let`s review what`s happened since then
Monday: I worked in House which consists of cleaning, ironing and more cleaning. You get a lot done, but it`s not overly exciting work. I was definately still sore from the skiing incident, and had to go up and down stairs all day, carry baskets. Ouch, but I lived. :) To answer you mom, I wasn`t wearing a helmet, but I haven`t been having headaches or anything like that. I do have a sore spot on the side of my head, but it`s only sore when I pull my hair back or yawn too big. I`ve adapted.
Tuesday: I work in Catering, which was really fun. This was when it started snowing and it hasn`t really stopped since. It`s light snow, so it doesn`t pile up too much, but it`s very beautiful. Anyways, Tim (Caterer) threw a snowball at me. So I waited, and then shoved one down his back (my aim isn`t that good when throwing, so I resort to putting it down backs now). I thought that was the end of it, until the sprayed me the hose....twice....and also put a snowball down my back. I`ll get him, just you wait. I should be glad it wasn`t worse. Last night Rakel dumped the remaining whipped cream on his head, so he picked her up, put her under the tap, and turned it on.....and also drew a mustach on with marker. Still, it was a very fun day, and they always have fun music on, so I love it.
Wednesday: Lynsay and I took the day off, and planned on getting a lot of stuff done. Then we acidentily slept in, so we didn`t get much done in the morning. We then went to the train station to get our half price cards (so all trains, cable cars and other things are half price). While we were waiting, the monitor said that a train to Brig was leaving in 15 min. Lynsay turned to me and said `Let`s go to Brig`. `Sure`I replied, so we went to Brig. Brig isn`t that exciting, but it was very funny that we just went. Getting back a couple of minutes late for dinner (we called, and said we would be), that`s when the whip cream and stuff happened with Rakel. It was a pretty fun day, and by far my most expense yet. (The half price card was 150SFr., but I`m hoping to travel a lot, so it will be worth it.)
Thursday (Today): Today I`m in Kanderlodge, which is a new building that we`re doing construction work in. I was a little worried because I`m still a little sore, but it`s actually a lot of fun. Of course, there`s a lot of jokes, but that`s half the fun. Today, I`m working with India (UK) screwing wood to make the ceiling....so we`re screwing. Funny people.
Tonight it staff-night out, and we`re going Curling. I`m pretty excited. Tomorrow I`ll be on duty, which means I carry around a phone all day, and if the people in reception don`t answer it, I do. It also means I answer the phones and take care of the guests during lunch, and after 6pm. I can`t drink anything, and I have to lead thought for the day. I`m thinking of doing that Ì`m alive, awake, aleart, enthusiastic`song, but we`ll see.
Take care, but to work.
Creighton Avery
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
24 March 2009
It`s SNOWING!!!
I woke up this morning to see an almost blizzard outside my window. As I was working in Catering, I didn`t have a chance to go play in it, but Tim (Caterer, UK) did shove a snowball down my back (don`t worry, I got him back). Now, it`s just after lunch and the snow has finally stopped and everything looks BEAUTIFUL. Everything is covered in a beautiful white, and then the flags (outside KISC) are the only colour you can see. It`s very beautiful.
My hip is starting to heel, although coughing and sneezing still hurt...a lot. The bruise has gotten darker, but at least it`s not that scary red it was before. Yay!
Tonight I hope we have a snow fight, at least once before it all melts. Tomorrow Lynsay and I have the day off, and we`re thinking of going to Bern, but we`re not sure what we`ll do there. More planning obviously needs to be done.
Well, back to work!
Love,
Creighton
I woke up this morning to see an almost blizzard outside my window. As I was working in Catering, I didn`t have a chance to go play in it, but Tim (Caterer, UK) did shove a snowball down my back (don`t worry, I got him back). Now, it`s just after lunch and the snow has finally stopped and everything looks BEAUTIFUL. Everything is covered in a beautiful white, and then the flags (outside KISC) are the only colour you can see. It`s very beautiful.
My hip is starting to heel, although coughing and sneezing still hurt...a lot. The bruise has gotten darker, but at least it`s not that scary red it was before. Yay!
Tonight I hope we have a snow fight, at least once before it all melts. Tomorrow Lynsay and I have the day off, and we`re thinking of going to Bern, but we`re not sure what we`ll do there. More planning obviously needs to be done.
Well, back to work!
Love,
Creighton
Monday, March 23, 2009
22 March 2009
Today was a mix. This morning was INCREDIBLE! I got to work with program, and help lead a hike in the Swiss Alps- a snowshoeing hike! How many people can say that?!? I love it. I love everything here.
This morning I woke up more excited than normal (I was practically buzzing with excitment). Tom, the Program Director, said this was the earliest STS have ever helped out in Program. So pumped. The hike itself was beautiful too, stopping at the ice falls and playing snowshoe soccer. I loved it. I didn`t get burnt (which, for me, is a miracle), and had fun the whole time. It was....yep, awesome.
Then, there was the afternoon.....a little less awesome.
Dave, Kike, Malcolm and I decided to go skiing (As it was the last day for the one resort). But I haven`t skiied in ages. AND, last time I skiied (in fact, the only times I`ve skiied) was at Boler- which hardly compares to the SWISS ALPS. Anyways...the first time down, I missed a tree, and landed in a snow bank. Going for another time, I crashed- no, flew- into a building. Who the hell puts a building on a ski bank? Really! Anways, I crashed pretty good, and possibly blacked out. First thing I know, theres a building coming at me REALLY quickly, and next, Jans is standing over me telling me what to do. My eyes were still closed, but he was telling me to move my arms, and legs and head. I know he was checking for a spinal injury, but I was more pissed at myself. Walking was very painful, but the only way to get off the mountain was the ski (i chose to walk) down, so you could take the lift up, and then ski (I, again, chose to walk) down to the chalet. Here, Jans, Elion and I had a beer. Then, I walked back to the camp. Yep, walked. It sucked. I then had a shower, ate a little bit of dinner, and went to bed. All by 6:30. Even so, I feel like crap. I`m so tired. Everytime I tried to roll over, it would cause a great deal of pain, which would make me WIDE awake. It sucked. I was very uncomfortable. This morning, my neck hurts (maybe because I slept funny, maybe because I have whiplash of some kind.) and my knee is very sore. Even so, I didn`t go to the doctor and still worked. My hip is beyond black and looks quite gross. It`s also swollen to about 3 times its normal size. Hopefully that changes soon.
Along with myself two other STS got hurt. Malcolm almost broke his wrist (and is now wearing a brace) and Ah Ruem pulled a tendion in her leg. I know, we`re quite the group. I now have to go fill out a `Near Miss`Incident Report Form, because it was by pure luck that I didn`t get more serious injured. Although, I didn`t break the window and didn`t hit the rusty nails that was right beside it. I consider myself lucky.
Got to go,
Love,
Creighton
This morning I woke up more excited than normal (I was practically buzzing with excitment). Tom, the Program Director, said this was the earliest STS have ever helped out in Program. So pumped. The hike itself was beautiful too, stopping at the ice falls and playing snowshoe soccer. I loved it. I didn`t get burnt (which, for me, is a miracle), and had fun the whole time. It was....yep, awesome.
Then, there was the afternoon.....a little less awesome.
Dave, Kike, Malcolm and I decided to go skiing (As it was the last day for the one resort). But I haven`t skiied in ages. AND, last time I skiied (in fact, the only times I`ve skiied) was at Boler- which hardly compares to the SWISS ALPS. Anyways...the first time down, I missed a tree, and landed in a snow bank. Going for another time, I crashed- no, flew- into a building. Who the hell puts a building on a ski bank? Really! Anways, I crashed pretty good, and possibly blacked out. First thing I know, theres a building coming at me REALLY quickly, and next, Jans is standing over me telling me what to do. My eyes were still closed, but he was telling me to move my arms, and legs and head. I know he was checking for a spinal injury, but I was more pissed at myself. Walking was very painful, but the only way to get off the mountain was the ski (i chose to walk) down, so you could take the lift up, and then ski (I, again, chose to walk) down to the chalet. Here, Jans, Elion and I had a beer. Then, I walked back to the camp. Yep, walked. It sucked. I then had a shower, ate a little bit of dinner, and went to bed. All by 6:30. Even so, I feel like crap. I`m so tired. Everytime I tried to roll over, it would cause a great deal of pain, which would make me WIDE awake. It sucked. I was very uncomfortable. This morning, my neck hurts (maybe because I slept funny, maybe because I have whiplash of some kind.) and my knee is very sore. Even so, I didn`t go to the doctor and still worked. My hip is beyond black and looks quite gross. It`s also swollen to about 3 times its normal size. Hopefully that changes soon.
Along with myself two other STS got hurt. Malcolm almost broke his wrist (and is now wearing a brace) and Ah Ruem pulled a tendion in her leg. I know, we`re quite the group. I now have to go fill out a `Near Miss`Incident Report Form, because it was by pure luck that I didn`t get more serious injured. Although, I didn`t break the window and didn`t hit the rusty nails that was right beside it. I consider myself lucky.
Got to go,
Love,
Creighton
Saturday, March 21, 2009
21 March 2009
No.
Not awesome.
More than awesome.
New words are made for this reason.
You feel so completely content, happy and part of a new family that no word can compare to it.
It is more than beautiful, more than wonderful, more than incredible and more than awesome.
While most of the day has faded to memory now, last night was graduation, and I became an offical pinkie. Most of the details will be left out, because, like most Rover investitures, becoming a Pinkie is sacred in this family, and the only way to learn what is done, is to experience it yourself. Just know that I am constantly found shaking my head in disbelief, loving every one that got me here, for giving me this opportunity, and being part of WOSM.
Like I said, yesterday is mostly a blur, with key points that, I hope will never leave me.
Playing the key game was so much fun. You were asked questions regarding the centre, and if you didn`t know the answer (which no one knew the answers right away) you had to go find the answer. Here we are, 11 teenagers RUNNING around the chalet, jumping up stairs, shoving people out of the way, and then, once we got to the place where we could find the question, we ask the people so calmly and cooly. It was halarious. Oh. And I broke my keys. :)
I`m not sure what I told you about keys, but they`re a big deal. They`re master keys that grants access to every room and you need them to get into all the `staff only`areas. If you loose your key you have to wear a massive chain (so everyone knows) and you also have bake a cake in the next 48 hours for everyone at the centre. Running into the staff room, my keys didn`t come out of the lock, and I just kept running. (oh, keys have to be attached to you at all times, so normally, mine are attached to my jeans beltloop). BANG! The keys go in all different directions, and my master key is bent, almost at a 90 degree angle. Still getting my answer, I finish the game using someone elses key, before telling anyone I broke mine (i know, i know, it`s that damn competitive spirit in me). Going to Jans (in charge of keys and almost everything else), he wasn`t there, so Tom gave me a different key, after pointedly making fun of me. He asked me if I hurt myself, and when I told him that I`d probably have a nice bruise, he said to make sure I told Jans that, so he`d be a little nicer. Thankfully, Jans says it`s fixable and I don`t need to pay for the repair costs (it can be done by the maintence man here at the centre).
After the key game (and a second fire drill of the day), we got ready and headed out for our graduation ceremony. Having dinner in town first, we were then taken out in pairs and told that IF we could make it to the graduation ceremony location, we would graduate. We were a little scared, but they like doing that here. ***This space is reserved for the story I`m not allowed to tell. Just know it was more than awesome, more than beautiful, and definately worth walking into town looking like a complete fool. ***
It`s so hard to talk about this when most of what I want to say doesn`t make any sense, but hopefully you`re following along....if only a little.
I`m looking forward to calling home today, and maybe I can clarify some things.
Love,
Creighton
Not awesome.
More than awesome.
New words are made for this reason.
You feel so completely content, happy and part of a new family that no word can compare to it.
It is more than beautiful, more than wonderful, more than incredible and more than awesome.
While most of the day has faded to memory now, last night was graduation, and I became an offical pinkie. Most of the details will be left out, because, like most Rover investitures, becoming a Pinkie is sacred in this family, and the only way to learn what is done, is to experience it yourself. Just know that I am constantly found shaking my head in disbelief, loving every one that got me here, for giving me this opportunity, and being part of WOSM.
Like I said, yesterday is mostly a blur, with key points that, I hope will never leave me.
Playing the key game was so much fun. You were asked questions regarding the centre, and if you didn`t know the answer (which no one knew the answers right away) you had to go find the answer. Here we are, 11 teenagers RUNNING around the chalet, jumping up stairs, shoving people out of the way, and then, once we got to the place where we could find the question, we ask the people so calmly and cooly. It was halarious. Oh. And I broke my keys. :)
I`m not sure what I told you about keys, but they`re a big deal. They`re master keys that grants access to every room and you need them to get into all the `staff only`areas. If you loose your key you have to wear a massive chain (so everyone knows) and you also have bake a cake in the next 48 hours for everyone at the centre. Running into the staff room, my keys didn`t come out of the lock, and I just kept running. (oh, keys have to be attached to you at all times, so normally, mine are attached to my jeans beltloop). BANG! The keys go in all different directions, and my master key is bent, almost at a 90 degree angle. Still getting my answer, I finish the game using someone elses key, before telling anyone I broke mine (i know, i know, it`s that damn competitive spirit in me). Going to Jans (in charge of keys and almost everything else), he wasn`t there, so Tom gave me a different key, after pointedly making fun of me. He asked me if I hurt myself, and when I told him that I`d probably have a nice bruise, he said to make sure I told Jans that, so he`d be a little nicer. Thankfully, Jans says it`s fixable and I don`t need to pay for the repair costs (it can be done by the maintence man here at the centre).
After the key game (and a second fire drill of the day), we got ready and headed out for our graduation ceremony. Having dinner in town first, we were then taken out in pairs and told that IF we could make it to the graduation ceremony location, we would graduate. We were a little scared, but they like doing that here. ***This space is reserved for the story I`m not allowed to tell. Just know it was more than awesome, more than beautiful, and definately worth walking into town looking like a complete fool. ***
It`s so hard to talk about this when most of what I want to say doesn`t make any sense, but hopefully you`re following along....if only a little.
I`m looking forward to calling home today, and maybe I can clarify some things.
Love,
Creighton
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Photos
These are from D-Day this past Tuesday. Photos curtesy of Robert (Calgary, Canada).
My favourite picture so far! This was when we had to take a picture of the bus, and he let me sit in his seat!!! I was very excited. You can also see our crazy costumes, all part of DDay. The girl with me is Rakel from Iceland.
This is our group atop of one of the mountains. After lunch, we tobaggoned down it. SO MUCH FUN! Unfortunately the seld run closes this Sunday, and I don`t have a day off before that. Left to right Stephan, Pip, Ah Ruem, Lynsey, Me, Kike, Robert and Malcome (or Scorpio....odd story). Kneeling/sitting/lying down: Rakel, Dave and David. My short term staff buddies.
This is my group: the cows: during dday. The goal here was to get a picture of the chalet, but we were also very tired, so we decided to sit down. Left to right: Malcom, david, rakel, me and kike (robert was taking the picture).
My favourite picture so far! This was when we had to take a picture of the bus, and he let me sit in his seat!!! I was very excited. You can also see our crazy costumes, all part of DDay. The girl with me is Rakel from Iceland.
This is our group atop of one of the mountains. After lunch, we tobaggoned down it. SO MUCH FUN! Unfortunately the seld run closes this Sunday, and I don`t have a day off before that. Left to right Stephan, Pip, Ah Ruem, Lynsey, Me, Kike, Robert and Malcome (or Scorpio....odd story). Kneeling/sitting/lying down: Rakel, Dave and David. My short term staff buddies.
This is my group: the cows: during dday. The goal here was to get a picture of the chalet, but we were also very tired, so we decided to sit down. Left to right: Malcom, david, rakel, me and kike (robert was taking the picture).17 March 2009
You guessed it: Awesome. While it wasn`t as great as the day before, even learning is so much fun. With session after session, we learned about environmental policies at KISC, fire alarm training, kitchen training, program tour, KISC History and so much more. The people here are so funny, and (even better) so helpful. They have no problem answering question after question after question, and are beyond patient. I love it.
The fire training was really fun because we got to climb down EVERY SINGLE fire escape. There aren`t any slides, but ladders from windows and escape hatches everywhere. That was fun.
I`m think I know everyone`s name now, which with over 35 people here, I`m impressed. They also have a piano that I sneek to every lunch break. Most people don`t know I play, but when passing, a couple of people have stuck their head in and commented on it.
Like I`ve said the people here are so friendly, and I have to stop and actually count that I`ve only been here for 4 days! That`s ridiculous!!! Not only do I know so much about the centre now, but I feel like I know so much about the people here too. Everyone in Scouting should be a pinkie at some point in their life (although, technically I`m not a pinkie yet, just in training).
Love,
Creighton
The fire training was really fun because we got to climb down EVERY SINGLE fire escape. There aren`t any slides, but ladders from windows and escape hatches everywhere. That was fun.
I`m think I know everyone`s name now, which with over 35 people here, I`m impressed. They also have a piano that I sneek to every lunch break. Most people don`t know I play, but when passing, a couple of people have stuck their head in and commented on it.
Like I`ve said the people here are so friendly, and I have to stop and actually count that I`ve only been here for 4 days! That`s ridiculous!!! Not only do I know so much about the centre now, but I feel like I know so much about the people here too. Everyone in Scouting should be a pinkie at some point in their life (although, technically I`m not a pinkie yet, just in training).
Love,
Creighton
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
16 March 2009
Today was, you guessed AMAZING! And you better get used to that word, because it seems like it`s going to be three amazing months.
Like I mentioned yesterday, today was D-Day. Getting woken up with yodeling cows, sirens and much more, we had to get out of bed and ready in 10 min (this was at 6:30am). Getting dressed and ready, we were then brought out to a small storage shed where a giant crate of crazy clothes sat. Being told to find the most ridiculous outfit, we didn`t put much thought into it, and just grabbed what we could. I ended up in a leapord fur top, crazy red and white pants, and a military hat. We then had to march into town to Chalet Rita, one of the flats of the long term staff. Once there, we partnered up and had to paint each others flags on their face. That`s right. Face paint. We were then given our tasks and let loose on the poor, poor town of Kandersteg.
Getting our first clue we were asked `What time does the next train leave for Bern?`Heading off for the train station, we were then given our next clue, and so on and so forth. Walking around town dressed like that, we had children run away from us, store keepers burst out laughing at us, and tourists stopping to take our pictures. Apparently, this happens every 3 months in Kandersteg, and people have gotten very used to it.
We also had to take pictures of the most ridiculous things, and make them funny. It included something black, something yellow, a moose, an acorn, and a bus. For the bus, we waited at a bus stop, and I asked the driver if we could have a picture with him. He didn`t really want to, but let me sit in his chair so we could get a picture of me pretending to drive the bus. It`s was SO much fun. We also had to get a picture of a train, but instead of a picture, we took a video of us running after it- also very funny. I`ll have to get the pictures from Robert and send them your way. Everyone deserves to laugh at my expense now and then. We also had to make a cable car made of cardboard and then the best part: Sledging!!!!
This wasn`t just ANY sledging either, we took the ski lift up to the top of one of the mountains, and they have a tobaggon path down it. It was like luge style! It was so long that we stopped part way through at a cafe for coffee and tea. It was so much fun. Remember how dad likes to throw people on the sides when we go tubing? I was doing that. Not on purpose, but I went up the left wall, up the right wall, up the left wall, up the right wall and FLIP! Jans thought it was really funny, but no one else was around to witness it. But it did happen! I have the bruises to prove it. Three or four nasty ones, all on one leg that makes it very difficult to fall asleep, but I was so tired, that I managed.
To finish our day, we had to cook for the whole staff. We made Shepard`s Pie, and it was pretty awesome (yes, from scratch). Then, since it was St. Patty`s day, we went down the des Alpes, the local bar and had a couple of beers. I think beers taste better when I`m in other countries, because I didn`t mind the beer last night, but I hate it at home. Maybe I just haven`t found the right beer. Anyways, all in all a very good day, finished by leading a drunk Rakel home. You know me, too nice for my own good.
Love,
Creighton
Like I mentioned yesterday, today was D-Day. Getting woken up with yodeling cows, sirens and much more, we had to get out of bed and ready in 10 min (this was at 6:30am). Getting dressed and ready, we were then brought out to a small storage shed where a giant crate of crazy clothes sat. Being told to find the most ridiculous outfit, we didn`t put much thought into it, and just grabbed what we could. I ended up in a leapord fur top, crazy red and white pants, and a military hat. We then had to march into town to Chalet Rita, one of the flats of the long term staff. Once there, we partnered up and had to paint each others flags on their face. That`s right. Face paint. We were then given our tasks and let loose on the poor, poor town of Kandersteg.
Getting our first clue we were asked `What time does the next train leave for Bern?`Heading off for the train station, we were then given our next clue, and so on and so forth. Walking around town dressed like that, we had children run away from us, store keepers burst out laughing at us, and tourists stopping to take our pictures. Apparently, this happens every 3 months in Kandersteg, and people have gotten very used to it.
We also had to take pictures of the most ridiculous things, and make them funny. It included something black, something yellow, a moose, an acorn, and a bus. For the bus, we waited at a bus stop, and I asked the driver if we could have a picture with him. He didn`t really want to, but let me sit in his chair so we could get a picture of me pretending to drive the bus. It`s was SO much fun. We also had to get a picture of a train, but instead of a picture, we took a video of us running after it- also very funny. I`ll have to get the pictures from Robert and send them your way. Everyone deserves to laugh at my expense now and then. We also had to make a cable car made of cardboard and then the best part: Sledging!!!!
This wasn`t just ANY sledging either, we took the ski lift up to the top of one of the mountains, and they have a tobaggon path down it. It was like luge style! It was so long that we stopped part way through at a cafe for coffee and tea. It was so much fun. Remember how dad likes to throw people on the sides when we go tubing? I was doing that. Not on purpose, but I went up the left wall, up the right wall, up the left wall, up the right wall and FLIP! Jans thought it was really funny, but no one else was around to witness it. But it did happen! I have the bruises to prove it. Three or four nasty ones, all on one leg that makes it very difficult to fall asleep, but I was so tired, that I managed.
To finish our day, we had to cook for the whole staff. We made Shepard`s Pie, and it was pretty awesome (yes, from scratch). Then, since it was St. Patty`s day, we went down the des Alpes, the local bar and had a couple of beers. I think beers taste better when I`m in other countries, because I didn`t mind the beer last night, but I hate it at home. Maybe I just haven`t found the right beer. Anyways, all in all a very good day, finished by leading a drunk Rakel home. You know me, too nice for my own good.
Love,
Creighton
Monday, March 16, 2009
16 March 2009
Wow. This place is absolutely amazing. I feel so lucky to be part of it. Not just lucky, but proud too.
Arriving at Kandersteg yesterday afternoon, I was greeted by two other members, who were as excited to see me, as I was to see them. Receiving a warm welcome, we then headed out for a quick walk around the village, just to see the area. It`s beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. After coming back we had lunch- galore. Food out the wazoo! It was then an easy afternoon greeting people as they came, and getting ready for orientation at 5. This included icebreakers and a `meet and greet`style party in the lounge.
Meeting my roomie- she`s awesome, 100%, completely awesome. She`s increadibly nice and so easy to talk to. By the meet and greet on our first night, we were laughing and talking about everything. You would have thought we had known each other for years.
Beside my roommate (Lyndsy from the UK) there`s:
Pip (short for Philipa) from Australia
Ah Ruen from Korea
Rakel from Iceland
Robert from Calgary
Malcom from Scotland
David from Russia
Kike (Enrique) from Spain
Stephan from Germany
Dave from the UK
There`s also helpers (we mostly hang out with Mark from the UK) and long term staff. And everyone is amazing. I know I`ve said that a million times, but I don`t think I could stress it enough. It`s AMAZING!
Getting to bed before 10, we had to get up at 7 for breakfast, and to get ready for Thought for the Day at 8 am. After thought for the day, we got split into two groups for our staff training.
Starting with a proper tour of the place it seems like AGES ago! I had to pull out my timetable to make sure it actually happened today, and sure enough, from 8:30 to 9:30, we had a tour.
The place here is split into three areas: Old Chalet, New Chalet and Campgrounds. It`s more complicated than it sounds. You can only reach second story Old Chalet from the stairs on ground flood at old chalet, not from the new chalet (even though the building is connected by `the link`).
After that, Rules and Regulations. A little boring, but always needed. Then shop! We played with the till (on trainer mode, don`t worry) and pretended to be annoying customers. Then lunch, then fire alarm training. And this wasn`t just a fire drill, we had to go down EVERY fire escape so we knew where they were and what to do at each. It was a bunch of time hanging out windows climbing down latters and stuff. Fun stuff- but serious, and this I know.
After this- reception and outside contacts. At the end of reception, we were learning about the phone. How to take a proper message, how to transfer calls and such. All pretty simple stuff, until someone ACTUALLY CALLED! And I don`t mean someone from the camp on their cell, but a real person, wanting to book a campsite. And of course, luck of the draw, I was sitting closest to Filipe (who was teaching us), so he picks it up and hands it to me!!!!! There I was, not really sure what I had to do, talking to a possible `client`. It was COMPLETELY nerve racking. Sweating like mad (i know, not the best picture, but at least I`m honest) I think I did ok. Of course, when I put her on hold to transfer her to the right person, Filipe wouldn`t let me, saying I could answer her myself. Thanks, jerk! Hand shaking, I answered the phone and think I got everything I needed. I think. I hope. I have no clue.
It was then dinner, some more games, and the free time, which so far consists of people shouting and laughing REALLY loudly, but it`s still fun. I love it. It`s amazing.
Today these posters have been put around the building, saying tomorrow is D-Day. Under neath the title there`s all the things we should have packed, and then, in very small writing, it says `no need to set your alarm clock, we`ll wake you up`, so I have images of pots and pans......or fire alarm considering we learned all about it today. I don`t know, but neither does any of the other short term staff, so I think I`ll survive.
Wish me luck,
Love,
Creighton
Arriving at Kandersteg yesterday afternoon, I was greeted by two other members, who were as excited to see me, as I was to see them. Receiving a warm welcome, we then headed out for a quick walk around the village, just to see the area. It`s beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. After coming back we had lunch- galore. Food out the wazoo! It was then an easy afternoon greeting people as they came, and getting ready for orientation at 5. This included icebreakers and a `meet and greet`style party in the lounge.
Meeting my roomie- she`s awesome, 100%, completely awesome. She`s increadibly nice and so easy to talk to. By the meet and greet on our first night, we were laughing and talking about everything. You would have thought we had known each other for years.
Beside my roommate (Lyndsy from the UK) there`s:
Pip (short for Philipa) from Australia
Ah Ruen from Korea
Rakel from Iceland
Robert from Calgary
Malcom from Scotland
David from Russia
Kike (Enrique) from Spain
Stephan from Germany
Dave from the UK
There`s also helpers (we mostly hang out with Mark from the UK) and long term staff. And everyone is amazing. I know I`ve said that a million times, but I don`t think I could stress it enough. It`s AMAZING!
Getting to bed before 10, we had to get up at 7 for breakfast, and to get ready for Thought for the Day at 8 am. After thought for the day, we got split into two groups for our staff training.
Starting with a proper tour of the place it seems like AGES ago! I had to pull out my timetable to make sure it actually happened today, and sure enough, from 8:30 to 9:30, we had a tour.
The place here is split into three areas: Old Chalet, New Chalet and Campgrounds. It`s more complicated than it sounds. You can only reach second story Old Chalet from the stairs on ground flood at old chalet, not from the new chalet (even though the building is connected by `the link`).
After that, Rules and Regulations. A little boring, but always needed. Then shop! We played with the till (on trainer mode, don`t worry) and pretended to be annoying customers. Then lunch, then fire alarm training. And this wasn`t just a fire drill, we had to go down EVERY fire escape so we knew where they were and what to do at each. It was a bunch of time hanging out windows climbing down latters and stuff. Fun stuff- but serious, and this I know.
After this- reception and outside contacts. At the end of reception, we were learning about the phone. How to take a proper message, how to transfer calls and such. All pretty simple stuff, until someone ACTUALLY CALLED! And I don`t mean someone from the camp on their cell, but a real person, wanting to book a campsite. And of course, luck of the draw, I was sitting closest to Filipe (who was teaching us), so he picks it up and hands it to me!!!!! There I was, not really sure what I had to do, talking to a possible `client`. It was COMPLETELY nerve racking. Sweating like mad (i know, not the best picture, but at least I`m honest) I think I did ok. Of course, when I put her on hold to transfer her to the right person, Filipe wouldn`t let me, saying I could answer her myself. Thanks, jerk! Hand shaking, I answered the phone and think I got everything I needed. I think. I hope. I have no clue.
It was then dinner, some more games, and the free time, which so far consists of people shouting and laughing REALLY loudly, but it`s still fun. I love it. It`s amazing.
Today these posters have been put around the building, saying tomorrow is D-Day. Under neath the title there`s all the things we should have packed, and then, in very small writing, it says `no need to set your alarm clock, we`ll wake you up`, so I have images of pots and pans......or fire alarm considering we learned all about it today. I don`t know, but neither does any of the other short term staff, so I think I`ll survive.
Wish me luck,
Love,
Creighton
Just a note
Hey guys,
This isn`t a real blog or anything, but I`m just taking a second to tell you that I`m here, safe, rested, and SO Excited!
I`ve been here now for about 24hours, and Kandersteg is even better than I thought it would be, in every aspect.
It`s more beautiful, the people are more friendly, there are 5- count that 5 dogs, and the food is delicious. By the looks of things I may not be able to update my blog everyday, but I will try.
I love you, and miss you, but I`m also having a great time.
Love,
Creighton
This isn`t a real blog or anything, but I`m just taking a second to tell you that I`m here, safe, rested, and SO Excited!
I`ve been here now for about 24hours, and Kandersteg is even better than I thought it would be, in every aspect.
It`s more beautiful, the people are more friendly, there are 5- count that 5 dogs, and the food is delicious. By the looks of things I may not be able to update my blog everyday, but I will try.
I love you, and miss you, but I`m also having a great time.
Love,
Creighton
Saturday, March 14, 2009
13 March 2009
This morning mom and I woke up and got ready for Roman to pick us up at 9. Going down for breakfast, it was odd becuase we had to pay (no executive lounge, remember?). Getting picked up, we drove out to meet Oliver (his son) and get a tour of where he works at Scalaris in St.Wolfgang. Scalaris is a high end hotel and event centre. It overlooks the lake, and it absolutely beautiful with panoramic views and an amazing stage. After this, mom, Roman and I carried on to Slazburg and Moarthaus.
Arriving in Salzburg, Roman- again- had no idea where he was going. Asking for directions twice he decided not to listen to them, claiming they were foreigners and `Didn't know what they were talking about`. Finall, I took out my Europe book, and convinced him where to go- and we some how made it. I couldn't help but think that Grandpa would be going crazy if THAT was the route they took every time!
Walking us to the house, he then bid us farewell (after a deathly handshake) and we were at Mozarthaus. Visiting both his childhood home and teenage home across the river, we learned about the time period and his compositions, but they conveinently skipped over the part where he was a complete rascal! Then, following Grandpa's tradition, we bought posters to add to mom's collection, and headed out for dinner.
Back in the hotel room, there is no executive lounge, no movie channel, and no store. Mom's in bed drinking whine, and looking at tours for tomorrow. I can't believe our trip is almost done- I'm not ready.
OH! The best part, when we were trying to figure out wake-up call and such, mom (drinking wine in bed) asked me if we should get room service, or if that was too 'decidant,' I then reminded her....she was drinking WINE in BED!
That's all for now, there's some snobbing lady waiting for the internet, and I should probably get a couple minutes of sleep before tomorrow.
Goodnight.
Love,
Creighton
Arriving in Salzburg, Roman- again- had no idea where he was going. Asking for directions twice he decided not to listen to them, claiming they were foreigners and `Didn't know what they were talking about`. Finall, I took out my Europe book, and convinced him where to go- and we some how made it. I couldn't help but think that Grandpa would be going crazy if THAT was the route they took every time!
Walking us to the house, he then bid us farewell (after a deathly handshake) and we were at Mozarthaus. Visiting both his childhood home and teenage home across the river, we learned about the time period and his compositions, but they conveinently skipped over the part where he was a complete rascal! Then, following Grandpa's tradition, we bought posters to add to mom's collection, and headed out for dinner.
Back in the hotel room, there is no executive lounge, no movie channel, and no store. Mom's in bed drinking whine, and looking at tours for tomorrow. I can't believe our trip is almost done- I'm not ready.
OH! The best part, when we were trying to figure out wake-up call and such, mom (drinking wine in bed) asked me if we should get room service, or if that was too 'decidant,' I then reminded her....she was drinking WINE in BED!
That's all for now, there's some snobbing lady waiting for the internet, and I should probably get a couple minutes of sleep before tomorrow.
Goodnight.
Love,
Creighton
Friday, March 13, 2009
12 March 2009
Today we actually slept in....until 8am. Getting up, we headed straight out to find the Hundertwasser Haus, but to no avail. Wandering around for a while, and getting lost a couple of times, we finally had to give up, not because we wanted to, but because we had to return to our hotel to meet up with Roman, an family friend of my grandfather. They use to work together, and visited each other in Canada and Austria many times.
Meeting Roman at 11am, he is quite the man. Smoking every second we were outside, he just came back from a 3 day ski trip, and drives 160km\h on the autoban. He also has the strongest handshake I know, but also has a hand shakes, which confuses me. What a guy. Picking us up from our hotel, he drove us to his house for tea to talk, and look at pictures. After tea, he drove us around Steyr (where he lives) giving us mountain side views of the city and showing us things around town, including where Grandpa stayed while he was there. It was very nice.
After this, we had a nice dinner (I had a whole fish....but didn´t eat the head or tail....sorry dad) and then we headed to Linz for our hotel room that night. Driving back, Roman had no idea where he was going, but wasn´t going to admit it. 'If I just find the river, I´ll know where to go.' Sure enough, we finally found the river, but he still had no idea where he was going. Driving and driving, mom finally found a sign that pointed to the marriott, and we had to CONVINCE him to turn. Checking in we were surprised to find that there was no executive lounge or free internet....then I realized: I`ve become a hotel snob. Going to our room, we fell asleep on our single beds, listening to CNN (the only english channel).
Meeting Roman at 11am, he is quite the man. Smoking every second we were outside, he just came back from a 3 day ski trip, and drives 160km\h on the autoban. He also has the strongest handshake I know, but also has a hand shakes, which confuses me. What a guy. Picking us up from our hotel, he drove us to his house for tea to talk, and look at pictures. After tea, he drove us around Steyr (where he lives) giving us mountain side views of the city and showing us things around town, including where Grandpa stayed while he was there. It was very nice.
After this, we had a nice dinner (I had a whole fish....but didn´t eat the head or tail....sorry dad) and then we headed to Linz for our hotel room that night. Driving back, Roman had no idea where he was going, but wasn´t going to admit it. 'If I just find the river, I´ll know where to go.' Sure enough, we finally found the river, but he still had no idea where he was going. Driving and driving, mom finally found a sign that pointed to the marriott, and we had to CONVINCE him to turn. Checking in we were surprised to find that there was no executive lounge or free internet....then I realized: I`ve become a hotel snob. Going to our room, we fell asleep on our single beds, listening to CNN (the only english channel).
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
11 March 2009
The Hills are alive......with the Sound of Music...
Thats right, today we moved to Austrai. Mom tells me that this morning she was yelling at me, and I didnt wake up, so she finally had to shake my leg to get any type of response (which Im sure was sluggish at best).
After quickly getting ready, and gathering our things, we headed off to the bus station, for our bus to Vienna. I know what youre thinking: Why didnt you take the train? Well Ill tell you! It was twice as expensive, and took 15 min longer- you figure that one out. Thankfully, the bus wasnt very full and mom and I both managed to get two seats, allowing us to lie out and get some more sleep. I should tell you that the scenery was beautiful (mom tells me it was), but again, I was dead asleep. Mom had to shake me awake at the rest stop, and once we reached Vienna. Apparently I was tired.
Getting to Vienna, we took a subway and got directions from a very amusing Austrian man. He told us to take the subway one more stop, and then its a two minute walk to the Marriott. Not wanting to pay for more subway fare, mom said we could walk it, and his reaction was: 'But it`s raining!' Asking how far awaz it was, he said 'If you walk really really slowly, maybe ten minutes.' Getting outside, mom turns to me and says 'You just told us it was raining?-Why would we walk really really slowly???´ It is now an ongoing joke.
Getting to the Marriott, we checked in, and got ready for our tour. We reaced to the Opera house, for the start, and saw many of the main attractions: Belvedere Palace, University, Hofburg Palace and more. We then had a guided tour of Schonnburn Palace, the summer residence of the Emperor (I´m sorry if I´m not spelling these right, but it´s hard to remember the German spellings, they´re all a little off to me). On our own, we also visited St. Stephansdom and the Stephansplaty before going back to the Marriott. Once back, we quickly had dinner at the executive lounge, changed and headed to the Vienna Opera.
Arriving at the Opera House, mom and I bought standing room tickets only, which I think is classic. The opera we saw was Folthsaf, a comedy. The building (this part is obviously for dad) was huge! We have pictures, but not that many because the camera died part way through, don´t worrk, I took a panoramic before it died. We then got back to the hotel, and went to bed shortly after.
What an amazing day!
Thats right, today we moved to Austrai. Mom tells me that this morning she was yelling at me, and I didnt wake up, so she finally had to shake my leg to get any type of response (which Im sure was sluggish at best).
After quickly getting ready, and gathering our things, we headed off to the bus station, for our bus to Vienna. I know what youre thinking: Why didnt you take the train? Well Ill tell you! It was twice as expensive, and took 15 min longer- you figure that one out. Thankfully, the bus wasnt very full and mom and I both managed to get two seats, allowing us to lie out and get some more sleep. I should tell you that the scenery was beautiful (mom tells me it was), but again, I was dead asleep. Mom had to shake me awake at the rest stop, and once we reached Vienna. Apparently I was tired.
Getting to Vienna, we took a subway and got directions from a very amusing Austrian man. He told us to take the subway one more stop, and then its a two minute walk to the Marriott. Not wanting to pay for more subway fare, mom said we could walk it, and his reaction was: 'But it`s raining!' Asking how far awaz it was, he said 'If you walk really really slowly, maybe ten minutes.' Getting outside, mom turns to me and says 'You just told us it was raining?-Why would we walk really really slowly???´ It is now an ongoing joke.
Getting to the Marriott, we checked in, and got ready for our tour. We reaced to the Opera house, for the start, and saw many of the main attractions: Belvedere Palace, University, Hofburg Palace and more. We then had a guided tour of Schonnburn Palace, the summer residence of the Emperor (I´m sorry if I´m not spelling these right, but it´s hard to remember the German spellings, they´re all a little off to me). On our own, we also visited St. Stephansdom and the Stephansplaty before going back to the Marriott. Once back, we quickly had dinner at the executive lounge, changed and headed to the Vienna Opera.
Arriving at the Opera House, mom and I bought standing room tickets only, which I think is classic. The opera we saw was Folthsaf, a comedy. The building (this part is obviously for dad) was huge! We have pictures, but not that many because the camera died part way through, don´t worrk, I took a panoramic before it died. We then got back to the hotel, and went to bed shortly after.
What an amazing day!
10 March 2009
This trip is truly unforgettable. Travelling with mom just gets funnier as the time goes by. From playing cards in a too-small bunk, to fighting to see who can get their card in the hotel door first (although, I'm pretty sure she pretends to flight, so I open the door for her.)
Boarding the sleeper train last night, the bunks were more cramped than I remember the first one being. I guess when you are just with family, you don't mind getting in each others space. Strangers, on the other hand, are a little different. Getting into our compartment, we were greeted by a young woman who spoke both Polish and English- SCORE! Trying to keep our bags out of her way, we took the top two bunks, but werent quite ready to go to bed. Instead mom climbed up, and joined me in a couple of hands of Crazy 8 Count Down- both hand I won, by the way (the second hand was really close). We also played around with the self-timer on the camera and were goofing around before re realized our bunk mate was already in bed.
Quickly and quietly finished our game, we climbed into bed-after taking all the necessary safety precautions first, of course. We double locked the doors (the man who checked our tickets told us that 3 times in the two minutes he stopped to check our tickets), we put our bags in front of the door, so it couldn't get pushed open as easily, and we slept with our money belts on us.
Waking up in the morning we had tea and bread, courtesy of the train. We then found the Marriott, brushed our teeth, and were ready to go out again. Talk about a Whirlwind tour!
Booking a tour through the concierge, we managed to see all the major sites of Prague, including a boat ride under the Charles Bridge. I must say, my favourite part was the astronomical clock. I was really excited to see it- even if the hourly bell ringing wasn't as exciting as I thought it would be. On our own we also found the philharmonic, and the Prague Conservatory of Music. Later in the evening, we even went out on another adventure. Crossing over the Stephan's Bridge, and through a tunnel, and down a main street, and finally down a tiny street, we came across JUN- the local Scout Shop. It was very exciting because
a) We found it
b) even though it was past 5, they were still open
Going into the store, they didn't have any badges that say Prague on them, but I figured I would get cool badges in Switzerland anyways, that I wouldn't need them. We then went back to the Marriott, had a nice dinner and fell asleep seconds after. What an amazing, beautiful, and breathtaking day.
Love,
Creighton
Boarding the sleeper train last night, the bunks were more cramped than I remember the first one being. I guess when you are just with family, you don't mind getting in each others space. Strangers, on the other hand, are a little different. Getting into our compartment, we were greeted by a young woman who spoke both Polish and English- SCORE! Trying to keep our bags out of her way, we took the top two bunks, but werent quite ready to go to bed. Instead mom climbed up, and joined me in a couple of hands of Crazy 8 Count Down- both hand I won, by the way (the second hand was really close). We also played around with the self-timer on the camera and were goofing around before re realized our bunk mate was already in bed.
Quickly and quietly finished our game, we climbed into bed-after taking all the necessary safety precautions first, of course. We double locked the doors (the man who checked our tickets told us that 3 times in the two minutes he stopped to check our tickets), we put our bags in front of the door, so it couldn't get pushed open as easily, and we slept with our money belts on us.
Waking up in the morning we had tea and bread, courtesy of the train. We then found the Marriott, brushed our teeth, and were ready to go out again. Talk about a Whirlwind tour!
Booking a tour through the concierge, we managed to see all the major sites of Prague, including a boat ride under the Charles Bridge. I must say, my favourite part was the astronomical clock. I was really excited to see it- even if the hourly bell ringing wasn't as exciting as I thought it would be. On our own we also found the philharmonic, and the Prague Conservatory of Music. Later in the evening, we even went out on another adventure. Crossing over the Stephan's Bridge, and through a tunnel, and down a main street, and finally down a tiny street, we came across JUN- the local Scout Shop. It was very exciting because
a) We found it
b) even though it was past 5, they were still open
Going into the store, they didn't have any badges that say Prague on them, but I figured I would get cool badges in Switzerland anyways, that I wouldn't need them. We then went back to the Marriott, had a nice dinner and fell asleep seconds after. What an amazing, beautiful, and breathtaking day.
Love,
Creighton
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Pictures: Frist Edition
Editors note: These pictures are not in any order whatsoever, unless you call chaos "order". That is all. Hopefully mom hasn't deleted any yet.
Standing outside the Chopin Museum in Warsaw, reading the sign telling us it's closed until 2010 when it will reopen on his 200th birthday (9 March).
Me, not really caring that it's closed, and trying to break in anyways (9 March). 
On the train to Krakow (9 March).
The location of Chopin's Heart (8 March), which took a couple hours to find in Warsaw.
Our Cat....napping in the sun on the way to Krakow (9 March).
SLEEPER TRAIN, Warsaw to Prague. Top bunk, with mom in the middle bunk. (9/10 March).
They must REALLY hate their jobs! Mom and I standing outside the Royal Palace, Prague (11 March).
On our boat tour, infront of Charles Bridge, Prague (11 March).
Take a wild guess! Prague. (11 March).
Standing at the Royal Vineyards, overlooking Prague (11 March).
Totally lost in Prague, but we found our way eventually (11 March).
Too cute. Mom standing at Warsaw's Old Town Square (9 March).
A really cool building for Steven to look at (actually a mall within it) located in central Warsaw (9 March).
Warsaw's Fredric Chopin Airport. Although they didn't have any good shops, this was still a cool picture (9 March).
Standing outside the Chopin Museum in Warsaw, reading the sign telling us it's closed until 2010 when it will reopen on his 200th birthday (9 March). Me, not really caring that it's closed, and trying to break in anyways (9 March). On the train to Krakow (9 March). The location of Chopin's Heart (8 March), which took a couple hours to find in Warsaw. Our Cat....napping in the sun on the way to Krakow (9 March). SLEEPER TRAIN, Warsaw to Prague. Top bunk, with mom in the middle bunk. (9/10 March). They must REALLY hate their jobs! Mom and I standing outside the Royal Palace, Prague (11 March). On our boat tour, infront of Charles Bridge, Prague (11 March).Take a wild guess! Prague. (11 March). Standing at the Royal Vineyards, overlooking Prague (11 March). Totally lost in Prague, but we found our way eventually (11 March). Too cute. Mom standing at Warsaw's Old Town Square (9 March). A really cool building for Steven to look at (actually a mall within it) located in central Warsaw (9 March). Warsaw's Fredric Chopin Airport. Although they didn't have any good shops, this was still a cool picture (9 March).Monday, March 9, 2009
9 March 2009
"How" seems to be the only coherent word that comes to my mind right now. Through a jumble of "A...Wh...Jus...Coul...", 'how' is the only word that emerges intact by my own....my own....my own WHAT? I don't know this emotion- it doesn't have a single name. It is a mix of horror, empathy, disgust, and rage- and 'how' is the only word I can muster.
How could someone think of doing this?
How could someone design this?
How could someones hatred run so deep as to end the lives of not 1, but millions of people?
How could so many people go along with it?
How did we not know?
Going to Auschwitz was very possibly the most humbling day of my life. After the 3 hour train ride, and an hour bus ride, we entered into the Auschwitz Camp- like so many others- through the "Arbeit Macht Frei" gate. Arriving on the other side you are surrounded by brick and barbed wire. Opting for no tour group, mom and I wandered around, taking in everything around us. We came to a small square, and beside was a building, which looked like an air raid shelter. Stepping inside I found that it was the first gas chamber at this camp.
Standing in the small dark room, with pipes for 'showers,' it hit me. I could almost see the old, the young, the infants, the sick, the weak, gasping for air as they were tricked to death. Blinking twice, I realize there's only a small table with a single candle and many flowers. "It's over. It didn't really happen" I tell myself, but something deeper in me says "Yes it did: over and over again." And the tears start flooding.
Moving on to the next room I am greeted by two incinerators, and my stomach clutches again. Looking around the room it is terribly horrifying how efficient the Nazis were. Mom then turns to me and says "How could someone have done this?" We're more alike than I thought.
Emerging into the cold air, we leave the chambers just as a group is going in. Good choice on NOT doing a tour. We instead use our 4zl tour book and go at our own pace.
Visiting mainly Blocks 4, 5, 6, and 11 we become witnesses to the holocaust. We saw 7 tons of human hair- contain traces of cyclone B, suitcases with names and addresses still on them, shoes, brushes, glasses and crutches. I saw a grown man crying over a casing. When I walked up to see the case, I found it full of children's clothing, soothers, rattles, and little shoes. My heart stopped.
Carrying on, we came to the execution wall, and the "Death Block (11)" which contained cells for various means of death including starvation and suffocation. In one room- cell 18- was a memorial to Father Maximilian Kolbe, now a Catholic Saint who traded places with another man at the camp because he had a son with him. Father Kolbe was sentenced to death by starvation, and died in this cell.
Losing track of time, we missed our first bus, but quickly found an alternative. Arriving back in Krakow, we ran to catch the next train, which again- pulled away seconds after we sat down (we almost missed our train this morning too, because we forgot the camera). We are now on our way to Prague via sleeper train.
As I'm sitting here reflecting on our day, my thoughts move from the past: "How did we not know?"
To the present:"How can we let this still happen in Darfur and around the world?"
To the future: "How can we ensure this never happens again?"
Love,
Creighton
How could someone think of doing this?
How could someone design this?
How could someones hatred run so deep as to end the lives of not 1, but millions of people?
How could so many people go along with it?
How did we not know?
Going to Auschwitz was very possibly the most humbling day of my life. After the 3 hour train ride, and an hour bus ride, we entered into the Auschwitz Camp- like so many others- through the "Arbeit Macht Frei" gate. Arriving on the other side you are surrounded by brick and barbed wire. Opting for no tour group, mom and I wandered around, taking in everything around us. We came to a small square, and beside was a building, which looked like an air raid shelter. Stepping inside I found that it was the first gas chamber at this camp.
Standing in the small dark room, with pipes for 'showers,' it hit me. I could almost see the old, the young, the infants, the sick, the weak, gasping for air as they were tricked to death. Blinking twice, I realize there's only a small table with a single candle and many flowers. "It's over. It didn't really happen" I tell myself, but something deeper in me says "Yes it did: over and over again." And the tears start flooding.
Moving on to the next room I am greeted by two incinerators, and my stomach clutches again. Looking around the room it is terribly horrifying how efficient the Nazis were. Mom then turns to me and says "How could someone have done this?" We're more alike than I thought.
Emerging into the cold air, we leave the chambers just as a group is going in. Good choice on NOT doing a tour. We instead use our 4zl tour book and go at our own pace.
Visiting mainly Blocks 4, 5, 6, and 11 we become witnesses to the holocaust. We saw 7 tons of human hair- contain traces of cyclone B, suitcases with names and addresses still on them, shoes, brushes, glasses and crutches. I saw a grown man crying over a casing. When I walked up to see the case, I found it full of children's clothing, soothers, rattles, and little shoes. My heart stopped.
Carrying on, we came to the execution wall, and the "Death Block (11)" which contained cells for various means of death including starvation and suffocation. In one room- cell 18- was a memorial to Father Maximilian Kolbe, now a Catholic Saint who traded places with another man at the camp because he had a son with him. Father Kolbe was sentenced to death by starvation, and died in this cell.
Losing track of time, we missed our first bus, but quickly found an alternative. Arriving back in Krakow, we ran to catch the next train, which again- pulled away seconds after we sat down (we almost missed our train this morning too, because we forgot the camera). We are now on our way to Prague via sleeper train.
As I'm sitting here reflecting on our day, my thoughts move from the past: "How did we not know?"
To the present:"How can we let this still happen in Darfur and around the world?"
To the future: "How can we ensure this never happens again?"
Love,
Creighton
Sunday, March 8, 2009
8 March 2009
So, I've finally have a second to actually sit down, and put some thought into what we've just done. Mom and I left London yesterday at 9 am, and drove to Detroit. From there, we flew to JFK in New York, then on to Amsterdam, and finally to the Chopin Airport in Warsaw. We arrived just fine, after only one slight mishap at Detroit (one computer wasn't working, so we thought we had to de-board and get a new plane, but the mechanic fixed it).
Sitting on the plane with mom was the FUNNIEST thing in the world. We're sitting there (not DTW-JFK, but JFK-AMD) and she was like, "Do you get drinks before take off?" I just started laughing, considering on the flight before, we didn't get drinks AT ALL! Then she was shocked with the lack of room, and the food in the cardboard containers (although we did get real cutlery, which was a nice change). She also complained- multiple times- about the lack of foot rest. Well, not so "complained" but kept trying to put it down, and pouting when she realized it wasn't there. Warsaw Airport (Chopin Airport), wasn't as exciting as we thought it would be, but still cool to get the pictures.
It's now 7:45pm, and we've been in Warsaw now since 11:20 this morning. While we've only been here a short time, we've managed to do a LOT. After landing in Warsaw, we opted to take the bus (2.50zl) instead of a cab (80zl)- and we mastered it! It's a little frustrating not even knowing how to say "thank you" and "please" and "excuse me" in Polish, but smiling tends to work out a lot. Getting to our hotel, we opted for no sleep, and just headed out on the town. We went to the Chopin Museum (which is closed until May 2010), and got a bunch of pictures of the outside. We then headed to go on a city tour, only to find that they don't do tours in the winter, so we did it ourselves. We didn't complete the full tour (Which was about 3 hours on a bus), but did cover a large section of the city. We started at the Old City Square, and worked our way down. We saw where Chopin's Heart is buried, the Warsaw University, and a LOT of cool churches. Mom even got in some pictures! lol. We ended our day by trying to take the bus back to our hotel, only to COMPLETELY miss our stop! So instead of getting off the bus, and crossing to the other side of the street to take it back, Mom thought it would be fun to take the bus all the way to the end of the route: it would be an adventure! It was more of a challenge than an adventure as we finally sat in warmth, trying to not fall asleep. We finally got to the end of the route, but instead of turning around right away, the driver sat there for 15 min, before going back. We were probably on the bus for an hour, trying to stay awake just a little longer and make it back to the hotel.
One of our challenges (set by my father) is to save as much money as we can. With mom's status everywhere we go, it's not so hard. We go into the executive lounges, here and at the airport and load up on drinks, snacks, and whatever else we can find. We're very frugal!
Tomorrow we head off to Krakow and Auschwitz. I'm very excited even though we have to take a 3 hour train ride, followed by a 1h 40min bus ride to the place- it will be well worth it.
The weather here has been pretty good. It's a little cold (mom bought a hat- can you believe it?) but it hasn't rained or snowed yet. Thankfully, we managed to find routes to everything that involved narrow streets that blocked the wind nicely.
Right now, I'm looking forward to bed, and a shower, but those will all come soon enough (I hope). That's all for now, but you know I'll be filling you in every moment I get.
Love,Creighton
The Basics
Back in January I was accepted to work at Kandersteg International Scout Centre. A World Scout Movement Campground, I am to start work March 15 as a short term staff. While this sounds all fine and dandy, I don't really know what it means. I've been told I can do anything and everything from cleaning toilets, to leading hikes in the mountains. Continuing with my GAP Year, I was very excited to:
a) Travel to a different country
b) Get varied work experience, and
c) Meet interesting Scouts from all over the world.
Kandersteg felt like the perfect fit.
Like I said, I'm starting March 15th, but why-oh-why would I start my blog now? Because Mom and I are travelling through Eastern Europe for a week together before I go on my way. Starting in Poland, we are planning on travelling through Czech Republic, Austria (maybe Hungary, but doubtful), and into Switzerland. From there, she will return home, and I will take the train to Kandersteg for my 3 month stint in the mountains. Sounds awesome, eh? I thought so.
So here it is, my blog of my Kandersteg Adventures including our travels before hand, and my time during Kandersteg.
Enjoy!
Love,
Creighton
a) Travel to a different country
b) Get varied work experience, and
c) Meet interesting Scouts from all over the world.
Kandersteg felt like the perfect fit.
Like I said, I'm starting March 15th, but why-oh-why would I start my blog now? Because Mom and I are travelling through Eastern Europe for a week together before I go on my way. Starting in Poland, we are planning on travelling through Czech Republic, Austria (maybe Hungary, but doubtful), and into Switzerland. From there, she will return home, and I will take the train to Kandersteg for my 3 month stint in the mountains. Sounds awesome, eh? I thought so.
So here it is, my blog of my Kandersteg Adventures including our travels before hand, and my time during Kandersteg.
Enjoy!
Love,
Creighton
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