Thursday, May 20, 2010

I know where I'm going!

Hello everyone! So I know I just updated this two days ago but in that time I found out where I'm going! I am going to the Lavaux region, which is right on Lake Geneva and the Swiss Alps! Like I said it's a region, which is like our counties. Our states are like their cantons (Lavaux is in the canton Vaud) and their villages/towns are our cities. Their regions are really small though, since Switzerland is only 1/5 the size of Kansas. The Lavauz region is known for its wine vineyards, famous for its white wine called Chasseles. They are also known as the Swiss Rivera, which just sounds amazing:) Lavaux is made up of a bunch of small villages, one of which I will call home in a few months! I also put of some pictures of Lavaux, enjoy!!!
Where the Lavaux region is located, on the left side of Switzerland

The hotel where the Lavaux region Rotary meets, called the Hotel du Raisin


One of the larger towns is the region, named Cully, where my sponsoring Rotary Club meets


This is the picture that sold me. It looks absolutely gorgeous! With the vineyards, Lake Geneva, and the Swiss Alps, I think I might enjoy it there :)

The beautiful terraced vineyards, right next to Lake Geneva The terraced vineyards with the Swiss Alps in the background

A church in the Lavaux region, Saint Saphorin, which was built in 1520

Another of the vineyards, but you can also see Lake Geneva and how close the Alps are!

A small village, with a population of 314, called Epesses in the region. Future town? Maybe...

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Still Waiting......

Hey everyone!!! Just thought I'd let you know whats been happening lately. I went to my last orientation two weekends ago and recieved my blazer, trading pins, cards, and lots of other goodies:) Also, all the other exchange students and I presented the flags of the countries we are going to and had a Q&A with Rotary members. I will post pics soon from the orientation. I am giving a speech this Thursday, 5/20, at the Gardner Rotary Club. I'm suppossed to have pics of my host family and town, but I have a feeling my powerpoint is going to be a bit dull since I only have facts and maps of Switzerland. I am still anxiously awaiting the e-mail from my host family, and when i do and get pictures, I will definetly post the pics and let you all know! Please continue to pray for me and my family as I embark on this amazing opportunity!