Today my host mom, Rita, and I ventured into Basel so that she could show me the way to the language camp that I start on Tuesday. It is about an hour and half commute and I have to take a bus, a train and a tram (streetcar) to get there.
Basel is the northern most city in Switzerland and Germany is on the other side. It is a beautiful city full of old buildings and bustling with people. I can't wait to explore Basel more with my exchange friends next week! On our way back from Basel, we stopped at a small cafe to grab a drink because it was so hot outside. And guess what...to use the bathroom, you need a code. So crazy.
My host dad, Ernst, and one of my host sisters, Celine, met us in Olten and we toured yet another beautiful city! I am almost positive that there are no "ugly" places in Switzerland. We stopped for dinner at an outdoor restaurant and had the most delicious burgers ever. Sorry Dad, but you've been upstaged and outdone. Over dinner my family and I talked about the differences between Canada and Switzerland - like how you don't tip the wait staff here and how the money grows in size as the denominations get larger. They are just as interested in Canada as I am in Switzerland - it's like we were meant for each other. :P
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| Looking out over the bridge at the city of Olten |
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| The view from the Restaurant in Olten |
When we got home from our adventure my host dad and I sat out on the balcony and he tested my german with the flash cards I had. He was so excited because he is "able to learn English at the same time!" All night I've been learning High German (the dialect spoken in Germany) and Swiss German (the dialect spoken here). It is so fun, but I swear no one can understand me because I can't pronounce anything properly. My host mom keeps assuring me that it will come with time. I hope you're right Rita, I hope you're right!
I also had my first Tim Horton's in a long time tonight (well since I've been here) and it tasted even better than at home. I also brought maple tea with me and my host family is loving it which makes me happy!
It's getting late here and Im still a little bit jet lagged, so I'm off to bed!
Talk to you all later!
xoxo,
Madi
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