Avenches & Murten

Yesterday, we had the chance to go to Avenches & Murten as part of the European studies class. Switzerland was once part of the Roman Empire, so we started by viewing some Roman ruins left in Avenches, some of which is currently being restored.

They actually still host concerts in this restored Roman ampitheatre.

We then spent the rest of the afternoon in Murten, which is a restored Medieval town nearby. Though small, the town is beautiful, with the gorgeous brown roofs and cobblestone streets. We could actually walk a large length of the rampart walls to get a neat view of the town from above!

Sydney couldn't get over the beautiful birdhouses situated on all of the roofs! I'm pretty sure she has decided to retire here :).

Murten is located on Lake Morat. It was an incredibly hot day in Murten, over 35C, so many students jumped into the lake to cool off! A great way to end the excursion out.

Tim & Elviene

Trekking Take 2

Tim & I joined yesterday's trekking activities once again. Today, Zachary, Chantal, Mason, Sydney, TJ, and Niina (MMC) were all in the trekking crew. Once again, we rode the cable car (here known as the telecabine) up the mountain and then trekked back down, although a different route than last Thursday. There were moments the trek down was quite steep but the views were astounding.

Today, the whole group is going to Avenches & Murten for European studies. We have heard that it is beautiful, and we are very much looking forward to going!

Tim & Elviene

Montreux Visit

It was Sunday yesterday, which finally gave our students a break from their busy schedules to rest up and relax. Tim & I took Mason, Ben & Ben (from MMC) to Montreux for a few hours in the afternoon, since the three of them were wanting to go. Here's some photos:

By the famous Freddie Mercury statue. 

The famous Montreux casino that burned down in 1978 (or something like that).

Taking beautiful photos on Lake Geneva.

Writing our name on the original studio wall in the Queen Museum.

Playing with the sound board in the actual studio where Freddie Mercury recorded & wrote his last songs.

Exploring the famous Chateau Chillon on Lake Geneva.

Back to the busy schedule today, 

Tim & Elviene

Zermatt & the Matterhorn

Yesterday, we had an amazing time visiting Zermatt & the Matterhorn (a.k.a. The Toblerone Mountain). All 14 Canadian students, 4 Canadian supervisors, 2 KLAS supervisors, and 25 KLAS students went together on a coach bus. We had breakfast at 6:20am and headed out by 7am. We arrived at a town called Tasch at 9:30am and took a short train to Zermatt.

Here we are waiting to board the train to Zermatt:

A good chunk of the train was standing room only:

The 4 Canadian supervisors, along with Ben & Ben (from MMC), took another train up to Sennega. This train went directly up through a tunnel in the mountain. From there, we took a cable car to Blauherd, and then hiked another 15-20 minutes to see Lake Selisee. Lake Selisee is the famous mirror lake at the Matterhorn. It was an incredibly gorgeous view.

On the way back down to Blauherd, we visited a cute herd of sheep!

The rest of the crew did short hikes around Zermatt & explored the little tourist town. A number of students picked up chocolate from the Lindt store and a host of other souvenir shops. Unfortunately, Switzerland is not a cheap place to shop!

At around 3pm, we started our return route home, arriving back at the school around 6pm. It was a great first major excursion for the team.

Today, a few of us are going to head to Montreux for a few hours in the afternoon, but most of the crew is planning to rest up and sleep. It has been an excellent but busy & tiring week.

FYI: The MMC supervisor Mrs. B is also posting on the blog here and there, so you may see some other posts from her on the blog now and then. 

Tim & Elviene

MMC photos

MMC and their partners

Until next update!

Ms. B