We arrived safely into our new homes in Zurich. After meeting our families at Restaurant Linde, the four girls headed to the Mittelalterlich Phantasie Spectaculum (a sort of German Renaissance Festival). By braving the cold and rain, we were able to watch musical acts, medieval sword fights, and enjoy some food and drinks.
On Sunday, we went to see the Landsgemeinde which is a system that two cantons in Switzerland (Glarus and Appenzell) still use to decide on issues that the public and/or politicians present to the public. The residents of Glarus are all invited to this event once a year and gather in the town center (in what they call "the circle"). After all citizens eligible to vote are sworn in, the platform and microphone are opened up to anyone who wishes to propose an idea. A vote is then taken, but not in the way that Americans are used to. These citizens vote by raising their hands! We were lucky to be able to watch this event from the first floor of the school house in the town center (Thank you to Rotarian Peter, the head of that school). Quite a cultural experience!
That evening our group along with the host ladies headed to the Opera House in Zurich for a ballet with music by Bach. Many of us had never seen a ballet before and were very happy to have the chance to see one - especially here in Zurich. The dancers were amazing with their athletic abilities and grace. We all really enjoyed this special evening.
Monday we headed to Kantonale Maturitätsschule für Erwachsene (KME) which is an adult education center. We were greeted by Rotarian Heinrich who taught us a bit about the school system in Switzerland (varies by canton, not by the country). KME is a place for adults to go who have decided that the apprenticeship that they chose and completed was not the one for them. They then go to KME to prepare for University. Students are typically in their early 20s, but some students are older. Heinrich brought us to different classrooms to see how their styles varied. We observed and participated in a chemistry, physics, math, English, and yoga lesson. It was a very interesting morning being able to see these different classes and the students who attended. After a "VIP" lunch and a question session, we headed out. Thank you to Heinrich and the other teachers who were so gracious in answering our questions!
We took a boat along the Limmat River to the center of Zurich where we spent time at the Clock Museum and then a bit of shopping. For dinner, we went to Erich's house where Rotarian Daniel presented about "Placebo and Medication". It was quite interesting to hear about the medical field and what some people believe. Our conversation ran right into dinner of salad, spaghetti, and fruit prepared by Erich's wife, daughter, and daughter-in-law. Another nice night out sharing ideas and good company.
On Sunday, we went to see the Landsgemeinde which is a system that two cantons in Switzerland (Glarus and Appenzell) still use to decide on issues that the public and/or politicians present to the public. The residents of Glarus are all invited to this event once a year and gather in the town center (in what they call "the circle"). After all citizens eligible to vote are sworn in, the platform and microphone are opened up to anyone who wishes to propose an idea. A vote is then taken, but not in the way that Americans are used to. These citizens vote by raising their hands! We were lucky to be able to watch this event from the first floor of the school house in the town center (Thank you to Rotarian Peter, the head of that school). Quite a cultural experience!
That evening our group along with the host ladies headed to the Opera House in Zurich for a ballet with music by Bach. Many of us had never seen a ballet before and were very happy to have the chance to see one - especially here in Zurich. The dancers were amazing with their athletic abilities and grace. We all really enjoyed this special evening.
Monday we headed to Kantonale Maturitätsschule für Erwachsene (KME) which is an adult education center. We were greeted by Rotarian Heinrich who taught us a bit about the school system in Switzerland (varies by canton, not by the country). KME is a place for adults to go who have decided that the apprenticeship that they chose and completed was not the one for them. They then go to KME to prepare for University. Students are typically in their early 20s, but some students are older. Heinrich brought us to different classrooms to see how their styles varied. We observed and participated in a chemistry, physics, math, English, and yoga lesson. It was a very interesting morning being able to see these different classes and the students who attended. After a "VIP" lunch and a question session, we headed out. Thank you to Heinrich and the other teachers who were so gracious in answering our questions!
We took a boat along the Limmat River to the center of Zurich where we spent time at the Clock Museum and then a bit of shopping. For dinner, we went to Erich's house where Rotarian Daniel presented about "Placebo and Medication". It was quite interesting to hear about the medical field and what some people believe. Our conversation ran right into dinner of salad, spaghetti, and fruit prepared by Erich's wife, daughter, and daughter-in-law. Another nice night out sharing ideas and good company.
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