Bonjour tout le monde et Joyeux Noël!!!

Just wanted to give a quick update for everyone, though I know I’ll be seeing many of you very soon…yea! For anyone who’s interested, I’ll be available via cell phone from the 22nd of December to the 13th of January: 614.395.4722. I’ll be in Vegas from December 23-27, Columbus from December 28-31, and Colorado from the 1st of January till I head out on the 13th. However, Mike and I are heading up to the mountains for a few days at the beginning of the week, and we’ll be gone till the 4th of January. Whew…too much travel in too little time! Still, I’m glad to see everybody, and I’m thrilled that I’ll have more than 3 whole weeks in the states.

The last month has turned out to be very positive. I’ve done more teaching, and all of my reviews have gone very well. The director of the institute wants me to return to Geneva for next year so that I can complete the Diplôme. They dean has said that they can offer me a full scholarship to return, which is awesome and very generous; I’m particularly excited because it will be the first time that they’ve said yes to anyone from the US since the 1980’s. Still, I was hoping to only spend one year here, and there are many things to consider, so we’ll have to wait and see. Another positive idea is that they are allowing me to skip two of the courses that I am currently taking here so that I can pursue some independent study with other faculty. I am very grateful for this because it will maximize my time and allow me to really focus my studies. French continues to challenge, but I am getting better every day. Sometimes, when I’m talking to Mike late at night, I accidentally slip in to French…though it’s a little unnerving, I think it’s a good sign!

In the pictures above you can see some of the ladies from the eurhythmics class for seniors. On this particular day that I taught, they presented me with the most unique gift: a chocolate marmite. It’s difficult to see in the photo, but essentially it’s a chocolate cauldron, modeled after a similar device used in 1602. The marmite is a symbol of freedom here in Switzerland ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L'Escalade ). In the year 1602, France was attempting to occupy Geneva. One evening there was a raid, and a Geneven soldier dumped a gigantic marmite full of scalding vegetable stew down on the enemy. The marmite crashed upon their heads and defeated the enemy. Now, every year around the 12th of December, there is a HUGE celebration throughout all of Geneva to remember their liberation. The chocolate marmites are seen EVERYWHERE, and the ritual for breaking the marmite is awesome: at each party, the person who is the oldest joins hands with the person who is the youngest. Everyone declares: "Ainsi périssent les ennemis de la République! " while the two force their hands down upon the marmite; consequently they smash it to bits! Everyone partakes of the chocolate while singing folk songs that tell the story of the l’Escalade. Obviously, I was touched to receive the gift. On December 12, after an evening of performances at the institute we all stayed late for a party where we broke the marmite…it was a hoot! That weekend, everyone in the city celebrated together by wearing silly costumes or clothes from the 1600’s, drinking mulled wine, eating raclette, and watching the grand parade. Vive l'esprit de Genève!!!

Now I’m at Patrick’s to celebrate Noël with his family. As you can see from the picture above, the snow is beautiful and the view of the Alps is stunning. Patrick and I are enjoying music and Dalcroze games together, and I'm continually grateful for his friendship. I’m looking forward to my departure on Monday, though I’m not too excited for the early wake up and the subsequent 13 hour flight...blech.

Anyway, that’s all I’ve got for now. I wish all of you a very happy holiday season, and I look forward to speaking English with everyone in the coming weeks!!!

Love,
j