the beginning of the end

I said goodbye to some very dear friends today - the first in a long list that shall mostly happen in the next few days. It was hard - a year is a long time!

I was approved for my VISA last night/today in CH which is a big relief - only took almost a month, instead of the suggested 6 weeks. Very glad - I think I now have to send my passport away for the VISA stamp. Guess I'm definitely going now! Eeek!

I have been looking after my little friend, who is 2 years old for the last 3 weeks, and today was our last afternoon together. As with every afternoon, we went to the pool - its been about 40 deg lately. But, today, more than ever, I was just so glad for the way the last 3 weeks have unfolded.
- I've been able to stay in Canowindra - my home - for an extra two weeks.
- Looking after MLF has helped me move into the child-focussed mind set that I will need to be in for the year ahead. It's also provided some extra money that I'm glad to have for my trip. AND I've been able to spend so much time in this heat at the pool - most of the time with friends! (some who are mums bringing their kids for a swim). How good is that!!?!
- This last week has been an excellent time to spend with people and get some things in order before I leave, as I mostly haven't had to cook or be in the kitchen.
- I've been able to begin to get to know this new lot of first year students and will hopefully be able to carry on some of these relationships throughout the year.

I didn't mean to start playing the glad game, but in all, the last weeks have provided some excellent closure time which I am so thankful for. I will be very sad to leave this place of home but at the same time am so appreciative of time spent here. Glad to recognize closure for what it is, and to continue to look forward - at the many adventures and friends to be found.

And in other news - after a search for hiking shoes to take with me, Bec, who is the current au pair for my new family, is the same size as me and has offered to give me hers! Yay!

I leave for my family's home from this home in 2 days. Suddenly, time here is precious and I'm not sure quite how to spend it...

Tschüss

australia day

there seems to have been a lot more hoohaa about australia day this year than previous years. perhaps i'm just more aware of it.
i've always thought it sad that we don't celebrate our country's day with as much fanfare as say, july 4th, in the usa.
but glad for the fanfare today, for the public holiday :) and for the beautiful sunny day it is here in canowindra. i really love canowindra - the name of which means home. i think i could live here a long time. shame i'm moving in a week!
but in honour of australia day i'll post a photo from our recent holiday on the south coast - of my sisters and i with some friends at 'australia rock.'
happy australia day!

the beginning

welcome. this shall be the start of my blogging attempt. the narration start of my adventure to switzerland and beyond.
in four weeks today i leave for the land of all things chocolate, cheese and watches. at least, that's what i've been told. having never been there its a complete step into the unknown. rather nervous about it all but excited just the same.
im currently attempting to brush up on my non-existant german and reading travel brochures about the many sights and scenes of europe. all with great anticipation.
i've found myself a new family in switzerland - in a town about 15 minutes south of zurich. i will be an au pair for their 3 girls (4, 7, 10 y.o.) and i'm really looking forward to meeting them and being a part of their world for 12 months.
four weeks to go and counting - swiss chocolate here i come.