Monday, 26 April 2010

learning the Swiss way



I've gathered the pre-K programs, even in the international schools, have a definite Swiss bent. computers and pre-writing skills are eschewed in favor of encouraging independence and social skills. kids walk to school on their own by age 6, and even age 5 in some cases. You might see, for example, 8-year-olds riding the train by themselves to get to school. Giant rope parks and cool huge slides that have none of safety devices you would expect to see in the States are common. G is definitely computer addicted, we'll see how she takes to the rope parks.

at home in Bern





our apartment is still very empty, with nice echoes, as we wait for the container to arrive in port and be delivered. we're into week 8 since we packed up and left MN. have I mentioned I hate all the clothes I have with me?


Sunday, 25 April 2010

Vieil Armand (Hartmannswillerkopf) / WWI war memorial


WWI trenches

more Colmar....


Colmar, FR : April, 2010



Colmar is a very beautiful well preserved little town in Alsace. It's a busy place historically speaking.
  • founded in the 9th century
  • 1226 held status of a free imperial city of the Holy Roman Empire
  • 1632 taken by Sweden for 2 years during the Thirty Year's War
  • 1697 taken by France under Louis XIV
  • 1871 ceded to German Empire
  • returned to France after WWI
  • 1940 annexed by Nazi Germany
  • 1945 under French control after battle of "Colmar Pocket"
and it's also capitale des vins d'Alsace.
it's a great day trip from Bern.