Sledding in Hunenberg

Today at 9 am this morning, I decided to bundle Geno, Coretta, and Charlie up to go sledding in the neighborhood. The above collage is of us spending time together in the neighborhood sledding.

The Vatican, Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain

The Vatican experience was really amazing. The idea that it is it's own country with 900 inhabitants is interesting, with those inhabitants being just the cardinals and the Pope intrigued me. Why always 900 inhabitants you may ask? Because the Cardinals can't marry and so when one dies, that one is replaced. This is why the population never increases. One thing that really fascinated me, was all of the private collections of the Popes. One Pope collected marble figurines of animals, another huge marble Roman statues, while another collecting maps around the world as big as the size of the wall. To me, their wealth seemed endless.

One room was dedicated to intricate tapestries of religious themes. These specific tapestries were all hung in a temperature controlled room.

Yet another room was titled the Immaculate Conception. Many people believe that the Immaculate Conception stands for the point in time when the Virgin Mary gave birth to Jesus, but in reality it is her birthday. In this room there is a shrine to the Virgin Mary. There are murals painted that have her depicted in the middle of the painting with Jesus and God on each side of her. Typically, the Virgin Mary is depicted to the side of Christ. In this room, every Pope has written about the Immaculate Conception in their own native tongue.

Obviously, the Sistine Chapel was amazing. I found the mural of the Last Supper beautiful as well as the Story of the Bible painted on the panels. Symbolism in medieval art is prominent, that you could stare at one for a long period of time just trying to decipher all of the symbols and their meanings. The two main creators that were hired by the Pop himself were Michelangelo and Raphael. Michelangelo, being known for his sculptures and Raphael being known for his painting style and technique.

We also toured three basilicas that were equally important. The first being the Basilica of Saint Peter. In many of these basilicas lies the tombs of Popes and prominent male and female people who fought for and defended Catholicism. It was a pagan country until the Emperor Constantine's vision of the cross while in battle. Rumor has it, that this was when he decided to convert to Catholicism.

Coretta said that visiting the vatican was her favorite memory. She enjoys history and especially art. Our tour guide was always amazed with how attentive she was for her age. This will definitely be a memory she will remember always.

Overall, it is a must see stop if you are traveling in Rome. It is good from a religious standpoint as well as a good look into religious philosophy and history as a study.

Christmas in Rome

While in Rome, we decided to tour the Colloseum. This was a three hour tour that consisted of the tour of the Colloseum, Palentine Hill, and the Trajan Markets. The Colloseum is a sight to behold. It looks so much bigger in person. While in there, we could see the four levels of seating that could house 70,000 inhabitants. These are given out by class status. For the real wealthy, they have the first level where the poor have the fourth level and so on. Although they are seated by class, the one thing that brings these groups together was the shared experience of watching the Gladiators fight each other as well as imported animals from Asia and Africa.

These animals ranged from crocodiles, bears, panthers, and tigers. The set was elaborately put together to create a real natural environment which included bushes, trees, and man-made ponds. The Gladiators themselves were slaves. They worked hard to train for these matches at the Colloseum, partly because if they won and didn't die, they were given their freedom.

Freedom and a substantial amount of money really must have drove their determination. The animals were not fed for the week before the fight to make them more predatory. The animals would then appear out of nowhere from the trapdoors below. They have nets that protect the spectators,but if this doesn't seem to hold, they have Roman soldiers stationed throughout that are ready to shoot the animal. Although this was considered a sport and form of entertainment, both the Gladiator and the animal were used and mistreated. Human Rights Activists and Animal Rights Activists would be in an uproar if this happened today.

Another interesting fact was the explanation of the toilets. The toilets were nothing but cement squares with another square size area carved out of it. The idea of every person relieving themselves essentially into the walking areas seems unsanitary and gross.

Geno seemed to enjoy this tour a lot and was able to keep up throughout the three hour tour with no problems at all. Our group of ten people in the tour really got to know each other....well they all really got to know Geno. Geno always seems shy at first, but when he warms up, his personality shines. In fact one lady asked if she could take his picture. Clearly he was absorbing all of this information, because afterwards he would not stop talking about how they fight monsters at the Colloseum.

We then spent limited time shopping and eating gelato and Roman cuisine. The waiters always seemed to ask Geno if he wanted some whiskey, and Geno would smile and say, "Just apple juice." I believe this is a memory he will remember always.

Grandma Marilyn's Gifts Arrive

 

Geno was so excited to see all of the super hero gear that Grandma Marilyn sent for him. As he would say, "They are so cool. Awesome!" Thank you Grandma! We love you!

Sledding in Zugerberg Today

Today we decided to head up to Zugerberg, located in Zug, for some sledding. We arrived around 11:00 am and parked the car, and proceeded to make it to the train that takes you to the top of the mountain. This train is reclined, somewhat like a cogwheel train.

Once to the top, Nick and Geno jumped on their wooden sled, while Coretta tried to persuade me to go down the mountain with her. I told her that I would promise to do it the next time, which would give me some time, since it takes at least 20 minutes to get down the mountain. While they did that, I decided to hike in the mountains and take some pictures.

I then proceeded to meet them where they would be, and get on the wooden sled and go down the mountain. The older I get, the less of a risk-taker I become, so this was hard for me. What if I lose control of the sled? What if I fall over the cliff? What if someone bumps into me? How bad will I get hurt? are all questions coming to my mind at this moment.

Once down the hill, I felt a liberating feeling come over me. The smooth gliding of the sled on the snow, the scenery, the quiet. Quickly I experienced what it was like to go fast, out of control, and fend for myself which means I needed to learn quick how to move the sled right, left, and stop. They have several bumps strategically placed on the course with patches of ice around the corners of the road. It's like nascar on ice.

We made our way back to the cogwheel train, that brings us back to the mountain to do it all over again. This time Geno and Nick went down together. Geno, who used to be afraid of sledding last year, has become quite the adventurer. He and Nick were going down the hill, and he is screaming, "Faster! Faster!" At one point, they actually hit the boards of the side of the cliff, and Geno loving every minute of it. Even when he almost fell off he was laughing and having a good time.

Coretta then decided to stay later with Sophia, and Evelina while Nick, Geno, and I went home. What a wonderful experience that has taught me that losing some control can be a good thing.

Geno's 4th Birthday!

Geno's 4th Birthday is on December 22nd, but since we will be on a plane to Rome, we decided to celebrate it a few days early. The day was filled with sledding, eating lasagna and cake, and playing with his presents. He even helped Mommy make his cake. He received a Monster Truck remote control vehicle, a mix and match game, Mr. Potato Head from Toy Story 3, Movie Night Playdough Set, and 6 puzzle books from Coretta. After a bath, he was able to slip into some new flannel pajamas before crawling into his bed. I think Geno enjoyed his day very much. Above is a slide show of pictures taken of the day, and below is actual video of Geno opening his presents. Enjoy!

Coretta's Fifth Grade Christmas Luncheon

The parents and teachers of the fifth grade, 100 students in total, had a Christmas luncheon organized by parent volunteers. The tables were set up with red tablecloths and festive decor, and we served all students a buffet that included hotdogs, chicken strips, salad, Swedish meatballs, chocolate pancakes, pasta, sushi, as well as an array of desserts. The students really enjoyed it and I was happy to help.

Crystal--A Year in Status

Facebook has come out with an application which will pull random statuses from the past year and putting them together, as a year in the life of that person. Below is what mine looked like. Cheers!

Coretta's First Concert in the Campus Choir for the Opening Ceremonies of the Baarburg Building

At the International School of Zug, they had a wonderful evening that celebrated the new opening of the middle school this year. Students played flutes and violins as guests came in and drank wine and champagne. they then walked downstairs to a beautifully set table of appetizers.

When the concert started, it was filled with drama, choir, and ballet performances by students in the school. It was a great night that featured a lot of talented students.

Coretta Singing Santa Lucia in Swedish

Coretta's voice has really developed this year with some training in the campus choir. It amazes me how beautifully she can sing and her confidence has bloomed. Her choir teacher, Mr. Smith, asked Coretta to sing two solos at one of their private performances for several professional musicians in Switzerland. She is currently the head of the soprano group which has 15 students. the campus choir has a total of 100 students.

Coretta's Mini Solos in Choir Concert Tonight

Trimming the Christmas Tree

This November, the kids and I decided to trim our tree. I had bought some very pretty hand painted bulbs and a few other ornaments to add to our tree. This year I decided to go with a color scheme: red, white, and gold. Geno never really seemed to grasp the concept, but broke a couple ornaments along the way. Once the tree was trimmed, I took some pictures of the kids, including Charlie. We then ended the evening by sipping hot chocolates and watching the movie Elf. Perfect way to end the night.

Christmas Market in Baar Switzerland

Geno, Nick, and I decided to drive into the village of Baar for their Christmas Market this year. Geno was upset because he thought he was going to see Santa. He was easily assuaged by bratwarts, petting zoos, and the playground in no time. Nick drank gluwein which is a hot wine spiced and spiked with rum or kirsch. I, on the other hand, enjoyed looking at the stalls at this market looking at all of the knitted goods, jewelery, candles, pottery, wooden toys, and ornaments. Always great people watching.

Geno Finally Has a Big Boy Bed

Geno's big bed finally came today. I think I may have been more excited than Geno, who already hates bedtime and anything associated with it. I guess in a way it symbolizes another milestone of my baby boy getting bigger. I decided to go into Steinhausen to see if I could find any reasonable bedding to go with his new bed. Every store I went in wanted roughly 75 CHF for a duvet and pillow. Finally, I lucked out when I stopped at Aldi. I found a blue flannel duvet with space aliens and dogs on it that matched his room, and it only cost 19.99. I also found a matching rug for 30 CHF. I couldn't wait to get it on his bed. I found what we rarely find: A Switzerland deal.

Once home, I de-cluttered some of the things in his room, re-evaluating the amount of toys were of current interest or not, and discarding the latter. Once the duvet and pillow were on the bed and the rugs laid in place, his room was coming together. I now only need to purchase some curtains and some wall decorations, and it will be done.

Tonight was his first night in his big bed and he slept soundly.

Christmas Market in Colmar France

A few of my friends and I decided to travel to Colmar France for the day to take in the Christmas markets and to get into the Christmas spirit. They have several stalls set up where artisans sell their handiworks. To me, this is one of the highlights of the Christmas season. They have Christmas ornaments, toys, sweaters, pyramids, and so many other things.

Christmas Market in Konstanz Germany

This by far has to be one of the best Christmas markets I have ever been to. They are set up all around the train station as well as several more near the lake. Here I bought my first German pyramid. When you light the candles, the manger scene moves on the bottom. I also bought a wooden smoker of Santa which the Germans are also known for. You stick a incense cone into it and the smoke blows through Santa's mouth. Very clever.

Coretta's Campus Choir Concert

Coretta auditioned for the Campus Choir this year, and made it. They travel throughout Switzerland, and their first performance was for the opening of the Baarburg building at the International School of Zug and Lucerne. Below are two videos of the 100 person choir singing for the concert.

Decorating Christmas Cookies 2010

Last night, the kids decorated their Christmas sugar cookies. Geno likes to refer to this activity as "painting cookies." Although he enjoys the painting part, he will not eat a sugar cookie to save his life. Coretta on the other hand, can't get enough of them. Here is a slideshow of their creations and talent.