Such a wonderful team of language teachers, so hard-working and yet ready to socialise frequently. It was a great first camp and our farewell dinner on Wednesday was fantastic. Amazing pizzas, marvelous company and brilliant atmosphere.
It is just like a huge family which just keeps growing as new teachers join the ever expanding camp. Fantastic. I cannot imagine life without Zuoz and all my friends here.
After the sad 'goodbyes' there always seems to be a void, but this year we had very little time to grieve as we headed off to Lej Marsh for a barbeque as soon as Dennis arrived. I was so happy to see him again after several weeks of travelling.
Lef Marsh is just stunning, whether with the glowing golden autumnal colours or the lush green summer foliage reflected in the still water. It is a quiet place despite its many barbeque areas, all magnificently stocked with wood for the fires.
Whether you look up towards the mountains or down into the water, it is simply spectacular. The puffy clouds were beautifully reflected.
What a happy group we were, new teachers along with those who have been with me now for up to ten years, French, German and English teachers, Junior programme teachers and my trusty assistant Tom all thoroughly enjoying this perfect evening.
Here we are. It was a truly unforgettable evening and Eddie and Tom did an amazing job cooking our barbeque feast.
As the sun sank over the peaks, we enjoyed the pastel colours of this beautiful spot. A pity to leave, but temperatures drop rapidly once the sun sets.
Changeover days, Saturdays, are often very busy, but thanks to my many helpers, We could get away early and head along beside the fast-flowing River Inn to Chamuesch-ch, our annual mid-camp stroll to the local flea/antique market.
Another gorgeous day, warm and really pleasant for a walk. I reminisced a bit as I neared Madulain, remembering the first time I had seen these lovely Engadine houses, in the snow, probably 15 years ago. It seems like yesterday in some respects. Even after all these years working in Zuoz, such scenes still seem like something out of a fairy story. It is just sooooo pretty.
This year there was nothing I really wanted to buy so I was able to walk back through the forest with a light load. It was a perfect track, mostly in the shade, so beautifully cool. Descending down beside the golf course I stopped to stare at the picturesque village of Zuoz on the other side of thevalley . What a good job they have made of the 4-storey new building to the left of the Lyceum. It fits in perfectly. I realise how lucky I am to be able to come here for 5 weeks a year. Even after 12 years, it still seems like paradise to me!
Paradise, with a lot of work! Sadly, with Tine, a German teacher, having to return to Germany for a few days, the normally busy first days became hectic. Preparing lessons, teaching and looking after 120 kids and their teachers was quite a considerable challenge. It meant early mornings and late nights. 29 hours in two days, so I was shattered, but still able to totally appreciate and love this spectacular view from my balcony at 6.30 in the morning.
The famous Maloja Snake was once again weaving its way down the valley. It was breathtakingly beautiful so early in the morning. Magical!
It doesn't matter where you look, these magnificent views just touch your heart and make you thankful for the chance to see them, to breathe the fresh air and to hear the birds welcoming in the splendid new day.
A sole plane carving an arc into the perfect blue sky before disappearing behind the lovely mountains I see every morning as I open my window to let in the fresh air and the chiming of the nearby church bells!
Finally, life returned to normal for me and I could get away for a walk in the afternoons. Wonderful stroll around the Silvaplana Lake with Dennis , and later Marco.
It was hot work as we got round to the other side of the lake. This dog had the right idea!
August 1st. Swiss National Day. No day off for us but still a chance to walk up the hill to the fabulous Castell to watch their incredible fireworks display, before going back down the hill to the Lyceum, passing the magnificent glowing embers of what had been a massive bonfire! The heat from the fire was still scorching.
Having been so busy at the start of the week, I really enjoyed the various afternoon excursions, this one with Marco to an absolutely gorgeous hotel a few villages away.I had been wanting to go for years and it was everything I imagined it would be - dramatic views across the deep valley to the mountains of the national park, fabulous house, restaurant and gardens, luxurious furnishings ( I would love to have even 1 set of their garden furniture!), and extremely pleasant and helpful staff. Yes, it is fairly pricey but well worth the visit.
Only a day to go and then it will be the weekend. I am looking forward to recharging my batteries and to spending time with friends, colleagues at another barbeque and the weekend with Dennis and Guto. See Next blog!
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