Today consisted of 12 hours of field trips- a student's dream. 7am walk to the tram/train, traveled to the Ita Wegman Clinic about an hour from the hostel. The clinic is based on Ita Wegman's Anthroposophic philosophy of health, which is centered around complimentary and alternative forms of treatment and including the mind, body and spirit in patient care. We had a guest lecture by a tall, lanky dutch doctor, Pieter- who gave us an overview on the concepts of Anthroposophy. It was extremely interesting to learn about how they view the three metabolic, nerve-sense and rhythmic poles of the body and that illness represents an unbalanced state of basically your brain/head (senses, taking things in) , your heart/lungs (circulating and rejuvinating) , or your will-full appendages (arms, legs). We then took a tour of the clinic- they have all kinds of therapy: massage, physical, music, acting, and even BATHING (they had a special gadget that emuslified diagnosed oils with the water in the bath so that the skin could soak it all in more evenly. It was really interesting to learn about the politics and insurance sides of this kind of care, and that there is an entire following to the philosophy of Anthroposophy (say that 10 times fast) - which leads me to our next destination.
We went to the Goetheanum, or the Association of Anthroposophy headquarters- which you should look up right NOW (http://www.goetheanum.org/). The architecture was amazing- it was mind boggling that they could create such a massive concrete structure so long ago. Every aspect of the exterior and interior of the building was so preconceived that it was impossible to grasp every meaning of every angle, wall, paint color and window shape in just an hour tour. I found this theory extremely interesting- that humans are pulled throughout life by forces that either pressure them with constricting, demanding, strict, and powerful strains- or more lax, flowy, and free spirits. However, Rudolph Steiner and his followers believed that humans have control over this forces and that the goal in life is to find a balance between these two forces. The wierd thing is that it's not a religion.. but used as a perspective in health as well. I could talk about this for days- can't wait to research more..
After that fascinating experience we hiked about a mile up a mountain to an old castle from the 1500's that was once owned by Austria, then bought by a rich family, then bought by the canton in Basel, then fought over in a battle, then just used as a source of rocks for houses until recently when it turned into a historic tourist destination. It provided for quite the sweaty (switzy?) trek but once we reached the top we had a peaceful snack, group picture, and glorious view overlooking the city- you could see France and Germany too. We suggested that IHP buy the castle- just add some wifi and some office equipment and we'd be set!
Came back to quite the reading assignment load, but a lovely meal and final plan to go to Colmer, France with about 9 other students for the night this weekend- hopefully invovling lots of wine stomping and exploring in the old town!
Monday Funday
First Monday of the trip, we all could sleep in a bit before heading off to class. We walked to a main Platz about a 10 minute walk away to the Museum of Pharmacology. Our classroom is bordered with cabinets along the wall that are filled with glass jars full of miscellaneous natural herbs, twigs, spices, and probably animal/human parts. It looks like Snape's potions closet. Every jar has a browned label written in German.. I wish I could translate all of them. We had two lectures from our country coordinator, Caroline, about the History of the Swiss Health System and Alternative & Traditional Healing Methods (quite appropriate considering the atmosphere of learning that we have for the next two weeks!). The question and answer sessions were almost just as long as the lectures, which confirms the team-based learning aspect of this program. We will be learning a lot from eachother as we are from so many different educational and cultural backgrounds, which i'm sure will offer some great debate and discussion.
For lunch we escaped to the local market where we found fresh fruit, sandwiches and some precious little personal bottles of wine. We walked around the shopping district, explored some shops and sat in a small courtyard to chat and observe. We had free time where we trekked around the local chocolate shops (there were little cubes of chocolate that are served with a spoon and a little syringe of various alcohols to make personal spiked hot chocolate drink- YUM). Five of us went out into the courtyard/old filled moat of the midieval city wall for a long yoga practice, which would be playfully interrupted by dogs that were curious of why humans were trying to do their innate upward and downward stretches. Dinner was a lovely progression of cauliflower soup, salad, creamy veal and mushrooms utop of a flaky puff pastry, and ovaltine mouse (reminded me of visiting Grandma, Grandad and Chris in England). We all have been finishing our readings and doing research on affordable and local excursions for our weekend coming up- looks like a potential vineyard trip in Lucerne or maybe a bike to France/Germany? We'll see!!
For lunch we escaped to the local market where we found fresh fruit, sandwiches and some precious little personal bottles of wine. We walked around the shopping district, explored some shops and sat in a small courtyard to chat and observe. We had free time where we trekked around the local chocolate shops (there were little cubes of chocolate that are served with a spoon and a little syringe of various alcohols to make personal spiked hot chocolate drink- YUM). Five of us went out into the courtyard/old filled moat of the midieval city wall for a long yoga practice, which would be playfully interrupted by dogs that were curious of why humans were trying to do their innate upward and downward stretches. Dinner was a lovely progression of cauliflower soup, salad, creamy veal and mushrooms utop of a flaky puff pastry, and ovaltine mouse (reminded me of visiting Grandma, Grandad and Chris in England). We all have been finishing our readings and doing research on affordable and local excursions for our weekend coming up- looks like a potential vineyard trip in Lucerne or maybe a bike to France/Germany? We'll see!!
Beginning of Basel
I know this is a long one...looks like i should trt to write everyday so these entries dont turn out to be novels.
These first two days have been crammed with exploring this ancient town of Basel and getting to know more about the logistics of the program and backgrounds of both students and faculty. Friday morning we woke up to our first hostel breakfast with homemade bread, varieties of Jams and the much anticipated glory of Swiss cheeses. Apricot jam and Brie were accompanied by a unique kind of oatmeal, fruit and coffee. We split into 2 groups for a walking tour of Basel, starting off coincidently at the "fortress" mentioned in my previous entry...which is actuallythe remnants of the old walls of the mideival old town of Basel. About half of us smirked as we reminisced about our little gathering there the previous night where we shared a few beers. Who knew it would be right on top of the old moat that surrounded the city and had been filled to serve as a lush getaway for locals. Some fun facts about Basel: there are 170 fountains holding drinkable water (now I will never buy another 6 dollar water bottle or German "vasser flashen"). There are dragons in various forms (sculptures, fountains, tiles on cathedral floors) representing evil in the Protestant religion..we stomped hard on the dragon tile. For my sisters and fellow HP fans- bassiliscs are all around and have the similar head of a chicken, body of a dragon, and tail of a snake as in our treasured chamber of secrets. The houses used to be taxed by their width- with resulted in crammed streets of very narrow houses with 7 or 8 stories...sneaky Swiss. I did not like that Mcdonalds now inhabits a portion of an old monastery, and that apparently a Normal meal there is 16 dollars once converted from franks...high price to pay for obesity- although it seems that it is a significantly less issue in this country than good ole amurica. We ended our tour at the Museum of Pharmacology, where our classes will be held starting tomorrow. I can't wait to get lunch everyday at the market just across the street that is filled with local venders of homemade goods and fresh produce...bread, chocolate and cheese will be welcomed before we enter the unfamiliar diets of China and India.
Exercising has been so scenic! Four of us went on a 4mile run that weaved three of the five bridges crossing the Rhine river. We tried to run as close to the water as possible, but we somehow managed to intrude on the live orchestra that s rehearsing for the outdoor Charlie Chaplin film. The next minute of running was to the appropriately brisk melody of "Flight of the Bumblebee"...so funny I almost laughed to a cramp. We passed a newlywed couple twice on our run where we clapped and cheered loudly and were well received with laughs and thank you's. Today three of us went to swim in the Rhine, despite the warning of the strong current. I was nervous at first because people were cruuuuising...but we we're able to make a never-ending-pool out of the current by doing sprint sets so that we wouldn't drift from our stuff or the bank by far. The farther inward you swim, the stronger the current and the faster the swimming...but that was definitely the funnest swimming experience I have ever had.
Last night we had a four course meal at the hostel which was delicious from soup to veal to a flan-like dessert. We explored the night scene at the Brazilian street fair that bordered a huuge neogothic cathedral. It was so surreal to see disco lights glimmering off the steeples and gargoyles, you could even go inside for a drink! After indulging in a nice fat brotworst, about fifteen of us danced for hours at the reggae, dub step and Senegalian tents alongside quite the diverse crowd of tourists and locals of all ages( literally infants to elderly...). We spent the last hour joining into the drumming and chanting with the Senegal band, and closed the evening by singing songs from (for some reason) the Sound ofMmusic all the way back to the hostel.
My friend Dan taught me something fun- if your say "beer can" in a british accent, is sounds like you're saying bacon in a Jamaican accent. That phrase proceeded to dominate much of this afternoon's dialogue.
These first two days have been crammed with exploring this ancient town of Basel and getting to know more about the logistics of the program and backgrounds of both students and faculty. Friday morning we woke up to our first hostel breakfast with homemade bread, varieties of Jams and the much anticipated glory of Swiss cheeses. Apricot jam and Brie were accompanied by a unique kind of oatmeal, fruit and coffee. We split into 2 groups for a walking tour of Basel, starting off coincidently at the "fortress" mentioned in my previous entry...which is actuallythe remnants of the old walls of the mideival old town of Basel. About half of us smirked as we reminisced about our little gathering there the previous night where we shared a few beers. Who knew it would be right on top of the old moat that surrounded the city and had been filled to serve as a lush getaway for locals. Some fun facts about Basel: there are 170 fountains holding drinkable water (now I will never buy another 6 dollar water bottle or German "vasser flashen"). There are dragons in various forms (sculptures, fountains, tiles on cathedral floors) representing evil in the Protestant religion..we stomped hard on the dragon tile. For my sisters and fellow HP fans- bassiliscs are all around and have the similar head of a chicken, body of a dragon, and tail of a snake as in our treasured chamber of secrets. The houses used to be taxed by their width- with resulted in crammed streets of very narrow houses with 7 or 8 stories...sneaky Swiss. I did not like that Mcdonalds now inhabits a portion of an old monastery, and that apparently a Normal meal there is 16 dollars once converted from franks...high price to pay for obesity- although it seems that it is a significantly less issue in this country than good ole amurica. We ended our tour at the Museum of Pharmacology, where our classes will be held starting tomorrow. I can't wait to get lunch everyday at the market just across the street that is filled with local venders of homemade goods and fresh produce...bread, chocolate and cheese will be welcomed before we enter the unfamiliar diets of China and India.
Exercising has been so scenic! Four of us went on a 4mile run that weaved three of the five bridges crossing the Rhine river. We tried to run as close to the water as possible, but we somehow managed to intrude on the live orchestra that s rehearsing for the outdoor Charlie Chaplin film. The next minute of running was to the appropriately brisk melody of "Flight of the Bumblebee"...so funny I almost laughed to a cramp. We passed a newlywed couple twice on our run where we clapped and cheered loudly and were well received with laughs and thank you's. Today three of us went to swim in the Rhine, despite the warning of the strong current. I was nervous at first because people were cruuuuising...but we we're able to make a never-ending-pool out of the current by doing sprint sets so that we wouldn't drift from our stuff or the bank by far. The farther inward you swim, the stronger the current and the faster the swimming...but that was definitely the funnest swimming experience I have ever had.
Last night we had a four course meal at the hostel which was delicious from soup to veal to a flan-like dessert. We explored the night scene at the Brazilian street fair that bordered a huuge neogothic cathedral. It was so surreal to see disco lights glimmering off the steeples and gargoyles, you could even go inside for a drink! After indulging in a nice fat brotworst, about fifteen of us danced for hours at the reggae, dub step and Senegalian tents alongside quite the diverse crowd of tourists and locals of all ages( literally infants to elderly...). We spent the last hour joining into the drumming and chanting with the Senegal band, and closed the evening by singing songs from (for some reason) the Sound ofMmusic all the way back to the hostel.
My friend Dan taught me something fun- if your say "beer can" in a british accent, is sounds like you're saying bacon in a Jamaican accent. That phrase proceeded to dominate much of this afternoon's dialogue.
Switzerland Eins
First day in Switzerland has seemed like at least 3. Between the screaming-baby-filled flight to Frankfurt, the brief blur through Zurich, to the scenic bus rout to Basel- it seems like we've been here forever! This youth hostel is nothing I expected- it is extremely modern with white-painted brick arches lining the entire lobby, furnished with light oak furniture and crisp black seating. It seems like a 5-start hotel! One thing that's taken some getting used to is that most doors require pushing rather than pulling...which for some odd reason seems foreign to me! My goal was to not sleep until bedtime Swiss-time..so I spent the day exploring Basel with a group of peers. There are Platzes (plazas) all over that seem to contain an elaborate church or vibrant intersection of urban Strasses (street) filled with restaurants and shops. There was a fountain next to a large church that was framed with an artisan market. The fountain contained about 7 complex contraptions that seemed to be formed out of old agricultural machinery- so that they each had a playful movement with the water...one straining, one paddling, one spraying. We found the Munster cathedral in the Munsterplaz right along the Rhein River- which was accompanied by an huge outdoor cinema complex preparing to show a German Charlie Chaplin Film. This city is overwhelmingly photogenic..despite the ominous grey clouds that sputtered rain and thunder throughout the day. We found ourselves caught in pounding sheets of rain after swimming in the Rhein, which was actually quite fun (even though I think my feet are going to be blistered for at least the next week- thank god Mom packed me a pharmacy..). We also stumbled upon an old fortress/castle-like building with a long, narrow field. It turned out that this field was actually a dogpark, which we discovered from the poop-bag-filled baskets around the fortress walls.
Can't wait for the walking tour and free time tomorrow, and to get to know fellow students and professors a little better!
B
Can't wait for the walking tour and free time tomorrow, and to get to know fellow students and professors a little better!
B
Boston Orientation
First day of the program has been a blast!! Had a quick flight with the Ed-man and mumsy, grabbed lunch (where I had a mild panic attack that I had forgotten to print my assignments for class discussion..)- that's when Mom knew I was getting nervous. We had an intro session with the families and faculty, introduced everyone and gave a "Gentle but Firm" adieu (chi o vocab..) to family. I knew that if Mom and I hugged for any longer we'd be a waterpark- I don't want to make myself out to be the emotional one YET! My heart and head were filled with every emotion possible today and it was driving me a little crazy.. but right now I couldn't feel more confident in this group and program!! My peers are so fun and energetic and diverse. We headed back to the hostel near Berkely, ran to get "bubble tea" which is a chinese flavored tea featuring soft gummy tapioca balls in the bottom... it feels like you suck gummy bears up a straw which is a little odd but I could become an addict. We strolled to a nearby park to be, as a student said, "mature travelers" and swing on swings in the playground. I know this will be an amazing experience and with one minute left on my hostel internet time I have to flee off to the common area for some more laughs and stories!! Off to Switzerland tomorrow for hopefully some dancing, chocolate and cheese.
Pre-Departure
Here's a little test-post to see how the commenting and aesthetics look. I just weighed by 1 suitcase with a goal of it weighing 40 lbs (neededing to reserve at least 10 lbs for school materials and other goodies I accumulate along the way) and drumroll... it was a whopping 33.4lbs!! I may have added a few more token garments for evenings out in Switzerland, Beijing and Cape Town. I can't believe that my Mom, Edward and I head out in the morning for student/family orientation in Boston! It sounds like it'll consist of a bunch of introductions and information sessions- to be honest I'm looking forward to figuring out all the logistics of everything. It's a pretty crazy concept to shuffle 40 people with luggage and awe around the world, to disperse them in homestays and bring them all back together for classes and excursions. After giving countless people the same spiel over and over again about my trip I am so glad that I can now live the talk, walk the talk, and learn the talk (languages?). Here I go!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)