Salut tout le monde! Sorry, I haven't written yet. I din't have much time. This keyboard is crazy and the internet is expensive here. At night it's the cheapest. Hence, I have a laptop in my bedroom and it's close to midnight. I'm also listening to Radio Fribourg--je l'aime. I missed my flight to Frankfurt cause the weather in Washington D.C was supposedly bad. So, I took a later flight by myself cause the other YFU kids were on the first flight. But I got to watch "From Justin to Kelly." I liked it but I see why it was a flop in the box office! I arrived in the afternoon in Genieva and guess what didn't? It's not even funny! My luggage finally arrived to the trainstation two days ago. Ksenia wouldn't even say hi to me the first day...the next day her toys were all over my room. My host mother's aunt is also hosting an American girl. She's nice and last night we went to a soccer match. I can't sleep here! The first night I slept from 22h to 13h! Now I fall aseep at 2h and wake up at 7h. Yeah, not close to my usual 12! So, I have to take naps, but today I didn't. Yesterday, I went to the mall. I bought a wallet with the Swiss flag on it! Pumas are realy expensive but I think I'll buy a Puma handbag. You know what I saw for 28 Francs??? DANCE STAGE EUROMIX!!!! My host mom is asking her brothers for their playstations and my host dad is gonna find out where he can buy the pads! Who can say they've galloped a huge horse up a hill to look over the mountains in Switzerland??? Well I did for 2 hours this morning with the uncle. Then I went to the grandparents for lunch. We talked about "Top Model" aka The Bold and the Beautiful. It's delayed here and they still think Macy is dead and Taylor is alive. Nevertheless, I think they like Ridge. I met Aurelia, the girl who lives near me, today too. She's really nice and she knows a place where they play a game like DDR and have tons of them setup in on room. She likes the same music as me and tomorrow she'll call me. We are gonna watch Gladiator in Frensc sometime too. I made some banana bread but we had a big storm and the power went out. Its kinda fully cooked. I'll eat it tomorrow. I just watched 10 things I hate about you in French with sous-titre aka subtitles. Next week, I think we go to France for vacation. Its one week and we'll be staying not far from the Sea!
-Kris
August 11, 2003
I have less than 12 hours before I'm sitting on a plane. Can I take a big enough breath to fully comprehend what I just wrote? Well, the answer is no. I'm not even positive that I'm ready to go. Then I think to myself, will I ever be ready? It's now or never! I could not sleep last night! I kept seeing arrows and hearing DDR music. I woke up early too and proceeded to have a very nice breakfast with my uncles and aunts. However, my stomach hurt for hours! I can't believe I finished my meal but Uncle Vernon had to get a doggy bag! So of course I needed to work on my scrapbook for my host family, but what interuppted me?? DDR! I had to play one more time! That machine has eatten, I don't know how much of, my money. I'll miss that game! I am still working on my scrapbook. We just had my final dinner here, Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, baked beans and a cheddarwurst! I cannot see how I will sleep tonight. I still need to watch the Parent Trap and write my luggage tags. I take off tomorrow at 8:20a.m.! I'll miss you all and will post as soon as I can about my arrival! (I just hope I don't get nervous enough that I need to write on a dollar bill "thanks for cleaning up my puke" to a flight attendent!)
-Kris
August 10, 2003
Here I am--Sunday morning. Two more mornings before I leave! (I discovered how comfortable my bed was last night. What will I do without my 7 blankets?) Obviously, I'm really tired from last night. I honestly didn't know how I was going to see everyone before I left, and why Gennie just couldn't come over and eat French Toast with us! I mean, I could move my suitcases and we could play DDR. However, I'm glad I came to Gennie's last night! Now I know how great my friends truly are. I really appreciate the party (Pin the Beret on the Switzer Goat, Swiss Swiss Revolution, the pinata, and all of you!!) I'll pack all my switzer gifts and photos in my suitcase today! I'm still in shock! I can only hope to make friends as amazing in Switzerland. Thanks!!!!! You did it, Gennie, you did it! Thanks to the Neumans for their hospitality, dedication and amazing ideas. I'll think of you all often and I will see you again next July! Merci beaucoup!!
-Kris
If you would like a videorecording of last night's performance, please send a blank tape and a money order of $49.99 to Papa Johnson. =o) j/k
August 3, 2003
Yesterday, I went shopping with Emma and Sarabeth. I bought some really cute clothes for Ksenia at Old Navy. When I get to Switzerland, I am joining the community band. My host father is the president and he found me an alto saxophone to use. Here is the website for the band. Fanfare - L'Echo du Glebe. I helped at an AFS host family orientation today and people seemed excited about how I am going abroad. I leave in 9 days! It doesn't really seem real. I can't comprehend how next week I won't be sitting here in Stacey's house or at the mall playing DDR. Instead, I'll be in a different country!
-Kris
July 30, 2003
13 days 'til I'm Swiss! I'm getting really excited and I've talked to my host family in e-mails. I soon have to start packing and buy my Crest Cool Mint Gel toothpaste!
-Kris