There is so much to see!

Today was a great day, there is so much to see here! Switzerland is so tiny so everything is very close. They think an hour drive is really long, so I told them about how often I drive to Toronto and they were shocked!

Yesterday I went to the village's swimming pool with my two older sisters, Linda and Tamara. We met up with some friend's of theirs and hung out for a few hours in the sun. We played cards and talked a lot, surprisingly. It's rare to have long conversations right now since the language barrier is pretty big! However, my German is coming along very fast and I speak 'Gerglish' to them, and they can understand what I am talking about.

Today was an unreal day!! We went to Basel, the city that's close to my village. We took the bus and then the train, to get there. Basel is the second largest city in Switzerland and there was people everywhere!! Everyone is so calm and happy, it is a really good atmosphere here. Basel is beautiful, it is on the River of Rhine. Here are some pictures of Basel:

The two pictures above are of the River of Rhine, a very famous river. It is beautiful there and all the people are very friendly. My mom asked to compare it to a city in Canada to give a better idea of what it was, so I said it was like a Swiss Quebec City.

On the way home from Basel to my village we passed the big Basel soccer stadium. The Basel team is very famous in Switzerland and does very well, they are all HUGE soccer fans. My host father, Simon, said he wants to take me to a game!! I can't wait for that, I told him that we have to paint ourselves that Basel colors and go wild! I'm so excited.

Tonight I met a lot of other people that are my age from the village. We went to the sports club, they go there every Wednesday night together and play sports and work out. We did sprints, hill runs, soccer and floor hockey for about 2 hours. Afterwards, they had a meeting for about 30 minutes and I sat there and was trying to pick up what they were saying. Turns out, I'm now on a floor hockey club and we have a big tournament in September against all the other surrounding villages. I'm very excited for that! It was really nice to meet other people that are my age from around the village, they loved my Canadian accent. They kept telling me "I love your voice!!" and "I love how you speak Deutsch!"

I wonder if I will get their accent after spending a year here!

Anyway, it's 1 a.m and each day is very busy so I better get some sleep..

Geute nacht!

xo

In the land of the Swiss ...

I ARRIVED !! :)

I left Canada around 9 30 pm, the plane was a little delayed. It was a hard take off, knowing that I won't be on the Canadian ground for another year. However, that's done and now I'm here!!

The plane ride was alright, I can't complain about it being 8 hours because a lot of the exchange students had flights that were much longer !! The guy beside me fell asleep - on me.. His head was on my shoulder so I tried really hard not to move so that I wouldn't wake him up. I was so anxious the whole time that I didn't even watch a full movie. I tried to watch Blind Side but I realized I wasn't paying attention so I kept turning it off and listened to music. When it was about 12 a.m Toronto time, the plane was pitch black. (Earlier, the people came around and told us to shut our windows.) So I cracked open my window and almost lit up the whole plane with sunlight. It was so bright!! We were flying over the ocean, but you could only see clouds since we were 35000 feet up! I caught a quick glimpse of the sun and took a picture then shut my window so that no one would wake up.

When I arrived at the airport, I had no idea what to do. Luckily, as the crowd walked and split off to different parts, I asked someone. She was so friendly, and she took me through the whole airport. You had to get on a subway after you landed, to go the baggage part. It was crammed with people and everyone was standing up. I was the Canadian that could barely hold myself up, they must all be Swiss because they barely budged as it twisted and turned down the tracks.

I finally arrived and was greeted by a bunch of people. My host mother and father, two of my host sisters, my counsellor and his wife, and the chair of exchange in my club. We went and had some iced tea ( it tastes a little different here.)

Then we drove home, but on the way I got a tour of like 5 villages. Everything is so beautiful here. The meat is very fresh - I went to a farm and lets just say, I might see them on my plate soon.

Later on, we went to a castle that has been vacant for 700 years. The Lord of Basel used to own it, but it got invaded and burned and he ran away.

Then we all sat outside and talked for a long time and went to bed.

The food is amazing here, they make really good meals.

I am learning a lot of German, it's a pretty big barrier for right now but it's going well! This morning my host mother, Gabi and I had breakfast together and we got out the dictionary and had a good chat. Then we went upstairs and used google translator! It was a lot easier. I am learning SO many words and the way I talk is becoming more German. For example, the w is pronounced as a v. So I have already found myself saying English words the way they do in Switzerland!

I am almost unpacked, I got 3/4ths of it done yesterday but fell asleep... I'll get the rest done today. My sister Linda gets home at 1 and we are going to go swimming and for a run. When I told them that I like to run and asked if I could go everyday, I had to act it out because they weren't too sure what I was saying. Looking like a maniac is normal for me now... Look out Canada, I'm going to be awesome at charades when I get back.


My host mother just told me about the sport 'shwigen.' In two weeks it's the big tournament and we are going to go watch it, it's basically two very big guys wrestle against each other and swing each other around I think? I'm not exactly sure, but it'll be fun!

Anyway, it's time to go out and do more things.. I will keep you updated !!
xo

The view from the back deck on my house, my village Buus.

5 days ..

I apologize for not blogging in so long. Let me catch you up :

I found out ALL three families !! I have known two for a while but found out the third one today. They all sound amazing - let me start with the first one:

The Leuenberger's - My host father is Simon and my host mother is Gabi. They have four children, Tamara (23) , Linda (19) , Isabella (16) and Marius (12). Isabella will be in Canada while I am in Switzerland. They live in a village with about 1000 people, and is located between Basel and Zurich. Their family is really close and they like to hike, cycle, play around and go on trips. My host siblings are apart of many sporting clubs in the city.

My second host family:

The Geiger's - My host father's name is Andre, and my mother's name is Elke. They have three kids: Sarah (15) , Tim (13), and Simon (8). They live in a different village, called Lupsingen. My mother is a nurse, but starting to slow down from that to be at home more with the kids and my father is a doctor. My house is 25 minutes away from my school, and 35 minutes away from the second largest city in Switzerland, Basel.

My third host family:

My host father's name is Silvano, and my mother's name is Denise. They have two sons: Luca (17) , and Elia (14) . Silvano went on a one year exchange to the United States and met Denise, they moved to Switzerland and got married!! Silvano is an accountant and Denise is a nurse and once a week she is an English teacher. They love to run and Silvano competes in marathons!! Luca and Elia are also very athletic and are on different teams. I will be in a city of 16 000, called Pratteln. I am 15 minutes from Basel, and the alps are an hour away! :)

I have also been receiving emails from different Rotarian's that belong to the club that I go to. They talk about their hobbies such as sailing, hiking in the alps, snow shoeing, skiing, snowboarding etc.. They ask me if I am interested in them as well, and I obviously say of course! I will NOT let an opportunity pass me by on this exchange, even if I'm apprehensive about it, (as long as it's safe and a smart thing to do) then I will not turn anything down!! They sound so kind and welcoming, and it has definitely made it a lot more relaxing to know that I am going to a great place.

All three families sound so different from the next, which is perfect. Not only will I be living completely differently every four months, I will learn so many different things. My flight is on August 8th, leaving Toronto and arriving in Zurich, Switzerland at 10:45 a.m their time.

Switzerland is 6 hours ahead of us which makes communicating very convenient. Before I go to bed, I can quickly hop on and send an email to home or talk on Skype. They will just be getting home from work and I will be going to bed, it makes it a good time.

As for my emotions: I have never been on such an emotional roller coaster in my life!! Don't get me wrong, it's the BEST feeling. It's so hard to explain, I can't do it but I'll try my best. It's that feeling of the unknown, it's thrilling and a little scary. It's going to be really hard to leave my family and friends but then again, it's only a year and they'll be here when I get back so I have to keep reminding myself about that. I have one secret that has been getting me through all the emotions that this trip has brought: "Oh, the Places You'll Go" by Dr Seuss. Anytime I feel sad, happy, excited, nervous, that is the book I read. It gets me (or keeps me) in such a good mood and makes me SUPER excited!!

This is the trip of a life time, and I am going to live every day to the fullest.

I can't thank District 7010, Muskoka-Lake Rotary Club and my Basel Rotary Club enough. There are so many people out there, doing so much for me and I can't wrap my head around how amazing that is. These people, are going to change my life forever.

So here I go, GOOD BYE CANADA, and hello to an opportunity of a life time in SWITZERLAND! :D

The beautiful city of Ottawa.

I have been to Ottawa many times before, but never have I realized how beautiful it truly is! We stayed at Ottawa University last weekend and I realized that I want to go to university in Ottawa. The people are so friendly for being such a big city and there are constantly people outside doing things such as running, roller blading or simply going for a nice walk. Also, the place is gorgeous!! The buildings are breath taking and it's all so clean.

The four days in Ottawa was very very busy, waking up early in the morning and going to bed late in the night, constantly doing many things. Here is the itinerary of our trip:


Saturday May 22, 2010:
08:00 Bus departs from Orillia (Hammond bus yard) – northern route via Bracebridge, Huntsville, North Bay
12:45 Lunch – Laurentian Dairy Bar, Deep River
16:00 Arrival at Ottawa University
(Dan responsible for Key and Room assignment)
18:00 Bus leaves for dinner
18:30 Dinner at Du Barry Chinese Buffet - Ottawa location (Reserved-38)
20:30 Jacket ceremony and 2 minutes speeches by outbounds.

Sunday May 23 2010:
6:30 Wake-up call
7:00 to 8:30 Breakfast at University cafeteria and to bus
8:30 Bus tour of Ottawa highlights
10:00 Canadian War Museum - guided tour
12:00 IMAX Theatre (film name - Sharks 3D)
13:15 Lunch – Boxed lunch + free time until 1445 (37)
15:00 Museum of Human Civilization - Guided tour 1.5 hour + free time
17:00 Return to the University
17:30 Dinner at University Cafeteria
19.00 Haunted Walk Tour (Ghosts & Gallows) - guided tour
21.00 Free time

Monday May 24, 2010:
6:30 Wake-up call
7:00- 7:50 Breakfast at University cafeteria and to bus
8:15 Parliament Hill – guided tour
10:30 Supreme Court of Canada –guided tour & group pictures
12:30 Lunch – The Southern Cross - Ottawa – (Reserved - 37)
14:00 National Art Gallery – guided tour
15.30 Free time at Rideau Centre & Byward Market until 17:30
17:30 Bus departs to return to Ottawa University
19:30 Dinner at Tuckers – (Reserved - 38)
21:30 Sharing sessions

Tuesday May 25 , 2010

6:00 Wake-up call and pack-up
7:00-8:00 Breakfast at University cafeteria, and luggage to bus
8:15 Bus departs from University residence
9:00 Diefenbunker Tour – 1.5 hrs.
12:45 Lunch – Laurentian Dairy Bar – Deep River



As I said, very busy!! All the exchange students became very close which made it difficult to say goodbye because we live far away from each other and we all leave shortly. We have many memories that will stay with us for a long time. It was one of those weekends, many of those moments, that you think about and instantly smile because everyone had such a fun time.
The part that stuck out the most to me was the sharing session. All the inbounds separated from the outbounds, going into our own rooms and had our own meetings. It was about 2 hours of a very deep talk of all the feelings we felt as we are about to embark on our adventure. Although it is very exciting, there are a lot of emotions that come out as you prepare to leave. The sharing session showed me that I wasn't the only person feeling the things I though about, and that we are all in this together. It made me feel a lot better about everything that was going through my head.

I had such an amazing time, and I wouldn't change anything about it at all.

(some are be missing from this photo, but this is most of the exchange students - inbound and outbound)


Thanks for reading, take care! :)

And all is revealed... :D !

I found out where I will be going in Switzerland!! The city is called Basel and it's in an amazing spot. It's at the top of Switzerland and touched TWO OTHER countries!! It touches Germany AND France. As I read about it, a website stated that many people work in Switzerland, shop in France and party in Germany. I can't wrap my head around that!! Since Canada is SO large, it's hard to wrap my head around that ...
If it's possible, I'd love to stand at the point that attaches the three countries, standing in THREE countries at once!! That'd be really really cool, but we'll see if that's possible...

Here's Basel on a map :

Tomorrow morning I will be heading off to Ottawa for four days. We will be doing some really exciting things like: staying at University of Ottawa, going to museums like the Canadian War Museum and the Museum of Human Civilization. We will also be doing a Haunted Walk Tour and have free time around Ottawa! Also, we'll be going to Parliament Hill and the Supreme Court of Canada. I'm happy we go there so that I'll know the answers to the questions people will ask me about the government here, while I am off in Switzerland!

I will post a blog afterwards telling you how it was... I'm very excited to see everyone again. The inbound and outbound exchange students are all attending so it'll be very fun!

Take care,
have a great long weekend! :)

The exchange hit the media!

A few weeks ago I got contacted by a reporter regarding the exchange, proposing the idea of an article in the paper... I was super excited and agreed to doing it. It consisted of an interview at my house along with a photo shoot in the backyard. The article was written by Matthew Sitler with 'The Bracebridge Examiner.' The article is located at http://www.cottagecountrynow.ca/community/southmuskoka/article/803275

This is the article ...

Exchange program offers student taste of Swiss culture

HEADING TO SWITZERLAND.. St. Dominic Catholic Secondary School student Katie O’Hearn will leave on a year-long trip to Switzerland in August as part of a Rotary Youth Exchange program. While in Switzerland she will learn about the country’s culture and customs. Photo by Matthew Sitler

BRACEBRIDGE — Katie O’Hearn, 17, will embark on a new chapter of her life this August when she begins a year-long trip to Switzerland as part of a Rotary Youth Exchange program.

During the second week of August, the Grade 11 St. Dominic Catholic Secondary School student will begin the trip, which is being sponsored by the Rotary Club of Bracebridge-Muskoka Lakes.

All across the world, Rotarians host foreign students in their homes during such exchanges.

Leading up to the trip, O’Hearn has been attending functions to learn more about the program.

She is scheduled to go on a four-day trip to Ottawa in May to learn more about the Canadian federal government so she’ll be able to explain it better to people in Switzerland if asked.

O’Hearn will remain in Switzerland until July 2011.

A student from Germany will stay at O’Hearn’s home for the year and attend St. Dominic Catholic Secondary School in her absence.

In Switzerland, O’Hearn will board with four Rotary families for three months each.

She expects to experience all that Swiss life has to offer.

“Each family is different with their own culture,” she said, adding that she can’t wait to taste the country’s world-famous cuisine.

“Everyone says in Switzerland the food is absolutely amazing,” she laughs. “I hear positive things about the culture.”

The young student won’t know exactly where she’ll be staying in Switzerland until May.

“All I know right now is I’ll be speaking Swiss-German,” she said. “I have it on my iPod and I’ve been studying it.”

During her time abroad, O’Hearn will attend high school at the Grade 12 level. She won’t receive any credits for the schooling — the language barrier in part prevents this — but she expects her experience there will land her far ahead of the pack.

“It will be nice to see the world and live as a Swiss person for a year,” she said. “It seems like you are so young when you have to go off to university, so being a full year mentally ahead of some people in terms of life experiences, I’ll probably have a better idea of what I want to do for my future when I get back.”

Overall, such trips can cost between $6,000 and $10,000 per student.

O’Hearn hopes to contribute a good portion of the overall cost herself.

While she doesn’t know exactly how much it will be, she expects she’ll be busy this summer saving money.

Near the end of her time there, O’Hearn plans to take an 18-day trip throughout Europe.

The parameters of the “Euro trip” still have to be established, but she expects it will take her through Austria, Germany and France, among other countries.

“It will be a big experience,” said O’Hearn. “It will teach me so much, which is what I’m looking forward to — the life experiences that you can’t get here in Canada.”

O’Hearn expects to update her blog regularly while in Switzerland.

It’s located at http://katieohearn.blogspot.com/

North Bay Weekend!

All of the Canadian outbound students had only been together for a few days at Camp Wanakita, but as I went to North Bay and saw them again it felt like I have known them forever. The North Bay weekend was for parents and the outbound Canadians, filled with information packed meetings all weekend to make sure everyone knew exactly what we have to do in preparation for the upcoming adventure.
It started with my parents meeting the head Rotarian's that are going to be taking me through this whole process and getting me set up with all the paper work that I will need before I head out. I didn't realize how much work this takes to get me ready for this.. travel visa, health insurance, schooling information, travel plans etc! While my parents and I had a meeting with the Rotarian's, they asked me to speak some Swiss German for them. I was unaware this was going to come up and had no preparation for it at all !! I tried to dance around the whole subject but it didn't work. They told me that I will have to know "My name is Katie, I am Canadian, where is the bathroom? and where is the telephone?" because the next day each student was going to say that in their new language in front of all other students and parents. As soon as I left that interview, I ran to my phone and went on the Internet to message my friend Laura. Laura is in the same program and I met her at Camp Wanakita, she is staying in Canada from Switzerland. Luckily she is a HUGE help, and messaged me back all of those phrases and I memorized them so that I'd be ready for the next day.
Saturday night almost all of us outbounds went out for dinner at a lovely Japanese restaurant then went to the movies, we got home at around midnight and had to be up the next day very early to start the meetings again. It was so worth it, these people are amazing and it was nice to hear that we are all going through the same stuff regarding the exchange. Anxious, nervous and still in disbelief of this actually happening was a feeling that many people feel these days, including me.
It was interesting watching a movie together and knowing that this time next year we are all going to be in different countries. We are all going to be about 8 months into it and have so many stories to tell and so many experiences under our belt. This time next year we will all be on our own in this world living a dream.
On Sunday all the health, money and other issues were all talked about. The part that was most beneficial for my family and I was when the mother talked about her perspective of the whole exchange which helped my mom out a lot, also when the daughter that went to Brazil talked about the whole exchange which helped me out a lot.
Although it's still hard to believe this is happening, time is quickly winding down. It felt like just yesterday I was just getting accepted saying 9 or so months until I leave!! Now, it is almost 4 months until I leave and it's moving very fast...

Life is so exciting when you set yourself up for experiences such as this. So, set yourself up for different experiences and opportunities, what is there to lose??