...and a phone line, although we dont have an actual phone yet (we'll buy one soon).
The modem was delivered earlier today, and the instructions for hooking up the phone were in English, so that's good. BUT the instructions fof hooking up the internet were not, and the CD with the Installation packet was not MAC compatible either. So i did some figuring out, plugged some cords here, some cordes there, and BANG! I am online!.
Now I'll be able to post more pics and stuff, work on my portfolio online and a bunch of other stuff. I'll be online also (on MSN Messenger) if you want to find me*. AND we'll sign up for skype.com so if you have a computer (camera, microphone and speakers) and sign up as well, we can talk like on the phone through the computer (its free!).
*just remember that i am 6 hours ahead from people in Bloomington, and 8 hours ahead from people in Juarez, so figure out the timezones.
10.26.2006
Winter clothes, German classes, and more TV
Written on Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Last Monday we got an unexpected surprise. As you may recall from previous posts, Abril and Roberto were to send our winter clothes by mail, hopefully before it got too cold here. They did, and trying to avoid a big delay in delivery, something like two months for “surface mail”, the 2 big boxes were sent “by air” on Tuesday of last week (from Indiana). It makes sense, since we would have needed our coats and long-johns way before December! Well, the boxes were supposed to take 2 weeks to arrive, but thanks to the swift and reliable US-Swiss mail, they arrived on Monday, hence the surprise. So now I have more than 3 long-sleeved shirts, and sweaters, and coats, and flannel pajamas, and more boots … you get the idea, (the clothes I brought with me were mostly summer clothes). I’m so happy! THANK YOU Abril and Roberto!
Last week we registered for a 3-month beginner course in German. What we learn will hopefully make life much easier overall. After all, what better setting to learn a new language? We started yesterday (tues oct 24), and it was good. The class is IN German, with a few (very few) explanations or translations to English. There’s a bout 15 students (including Gera and myself), and they are from all over: a few from Italy, a few from Portugal, and individuals from Spain, the US, Ireland and Poland. We were the only Mexicans, ha! The class is on Tuesdays and Wednesday from 8-10pm, and it takes us about 15 minutes to get there by tram. I will keep you posted on new developments on this area, but so far, I’m learning new words, and more numbers!
The Internet situation is, so far, pretty much the same. The cable people came by yesterday, and rewired the entire building, but they left and there was still no internet. They just said the modem will arrive in the mail, so again we wait.
Another surprising discovery took place yesterday. Turns out we have MORE channels on TV, 48 so far (if you recall a previous post, I thought there were only 5). We didn’t realize you have to program the channels in MANUALLY. You know how when you program a TV it has a “scan” feature?, well this one you had to scan yourself, and assign each channel a number. I discovered it when I was just clicking on the remote seeing what was what. I must mention at this point that the TV manual was NOT available in English, and Gera looked at it but he says it didn’t say anything about programming. Anyways, now I have plenty of TV to watch, although, just one channel in English (CNN1), and also MTV’s programming is sometimes subtitled, plus most videos are American.
Last Monday we got an unexpected surprise. As you may recall from previous posts, Abril and Roberto were to send our winter clothes by mail, hopefully before it got too cold here. They did, and trying to avoid a big delay in delivery, something like two months for “surface mail”, the 2 big boxes were sent “by air” on Tuesday of last week (from Indiana). It makes sense, since we would have needed our coats and long-johns way before December! Well, the boxes were supposed to take 2 weeks to arrive, but thanks to the swift and reliable US-Swiss mail, they arrived on Monday, hence the surprise. So now I have more than 3 long-sleeved shirts, and sweaters, and coats, and flannel pajamas, and more boots … you get the idea, (the clothes I brought with me were mostly summer clothes). I’m so happy! THANK YOU Abril and Roberto!
Last week we registered for a 3-month beginner course in German. What we learn will hopefully make life much easier overall. After all, what better setting to learn a new language? We started yesterday (tues oct 24), and it was good. The class is IN German, with a few (very few) explanations or translations to English. There’s a bout 15 students (including Gera and myself), and they are from all over: a few from Italy, a few from Portugal, and individuals from Spain, the US, Ireland and Poland. We were the only Mexicans, ha! The class is on Tuesdays and Wednesday from 8-10pm, and it takes us about 15 minutes to get there by tram. I will keep you posted on new developments on this area, but so far, I’m learning new words, and more numbers!
The Internet situation is, so far, pretty much the same. The cable people came by yesterday, and rewired the entire building, but they left and there was still no internet. They just said the modem will arrive in the mail, so again we wait.
Another surprising discovery took place yesterday. Turns out we have MORE channels on TV, 48 so far (if you recall a previous post, I thought there were only 5). We didn’t realize you have to program the channels in MANUALLY. You know how when you program a TV it has a “scan” feature?, well this one you had to scan yourself, and assign each channel a number. I discovered it when I was just clicking on the remote seeing what was what. I must mention at this point that the TV manual was NOT available in English, and Gera looked at it but he says it didn’t say anything about programming. Anyways, now I have plenty of TV to watch, although, just one channel in English (CNN1), and also MTV’s programming is sometimes subtitled, plus most videos are American.
weekend oct. 21-22, lake
EN ESPAÑOL MAS ABAJO
Written on Monday October 23, 2006
This past weekend went by very fast (as the other days of the week, for that matter). Gera and I went to Bürkliplatz early Saturday morning. Early in part because we didn’t know what time the activities started, and in part because the mailman woke us up at 7 AM! Who delivers mail at 7am on Saturday? Apparently the swiss! It was a package Roberto sent the previous Thursday containing Gera’s medication, and since it was registered, it needed a signature to be delivered. So it was that we were out and about at 8:30 or so.
Bürkliplatz, as you can see by the latest pictures posted, is like a big flea market. Although there’s a mix between yard-sale type items, like used clothes and household items; and antique-type things, like furniture and coins. I was surprised to see a lot of fur being sold (fur coats mostly). I didn’t even ask how much. We were there for like 3 hours and all we bought was an umbrella (the day started rainy, and we only had one).
It was getting close to lunchtime, we were getting hungry (and did not pack lunch), so we headed home to eat and rest a bit (maybe even take a nap after such an abrupt and early wake-up call). We stopped at the deli section of Migros for that “new favorite” rotisserie chicken that Gera just loooves (its really good, and its cheap too!).
After recharging our batteries, we headed out again. This time we went to the Botanical Gardens (pictures also posted). It was all very green (duh!), and pretty. The domes where they keep the cacti and other desert plants were closed, but we figured we’ve seen those before (ha!). We saw a bunch of chile plants (jalapeños and habaneros), so now I know I can grow chiles in my garden next spring (although I looked for seeds at a plant shop and they did not have any). They also had giant sunflowers, and bug-eating plants. All in all a nice selection (like I have a clue!). After the gardens we took a walk around the lake.
On Sunday we headed for an aviary in a park on the lake. The aviary was closed, but they had a few open display cages outside, so we at least got to see a couple of birds. Since we were there already and the day was warm and sunny, we walked around the lake again (this time around the other side, where the marina is). We discovered a beach-like area with sand and diving platforms. The lake is so clear and unpolluted that people go swimming there during the summer (there was actually a crazy couple swimming that day). Afterwards we went to Gera’s lab to use the phone and the computer (we go on Sundays, that’s why I post on Sundays only, although I write throughout the week on my laptop).
-------ESPAÑOL---------(traducido en babelfish.altavista.com)
Escrito el lunes 23 de octubre del 2006
Este último fin de semana paso muy rápidamente (como los otros días de la semana). Gera y yo fuimos temprano por la mañana a Bürkliplatz sábado. ¡Temprano en parte porque no sabíamos cuándo empezaban las actividades y en parte porque el cartero nos despertó a las 7am! ¿Quién entrega el correo a las 7am el sábado? ¡Al parecer los suizos! Era un paquete Roberto habia enviado el jueves anterior que contenía el medicamento de Gera, y necesitaba una firma para ser entregado.
Bürkliplatz, como usted puede ver por las ultimas fotos, es como un mercado de pulgas grande (una pulga, una segunda). Aunque hay una mezcla entre el tipo artículos venta de garage, como ropa y los artículos usados de la casa; y antiguedades, como los muebles y las monedas. Me sorprendido ver muchos articulos de piel a la venta (los abrigos de piel sobre todo). Estuvimos allí por como 3 horas y todos lo que compramos fue un paraguas (el dia empezo lluvioso y nosotros tenía solamente uno). Se acercaba la hora de comer, así que nos dirigimos a casa para comer y descansar un poco (incluso quizás tomar una siesta después de una despertada tan precipitada y temprana). Paramos en la sección del deli de Migros por ese pollo "preferido" del rotisserie que le encanta a Gera (es realmente bueno, y su barato también!).
Después de recargar nuestras baterías, dirigimos hacia fuera otra vez. Esta vez fuimos a los jardines botánicos (fotos abajo). Era todo el muy verde (duh!), y bonito. Las bóvedas donde guardan los cactus y otras plantas de desierto estaban cerradas. Vimos un monton de plantas de Chile (jalapeños y habaneros), asi que ya sabemos que puedo crecer chiles en mi jardín el verano próximo (aunque busqué las semillas en una tienda de plantas y no tenían). También tenían los girasoles gigantes. Después de los jardines nosotros tomaran una caminata alrededor del lago.
El domingo dirigimos hacia un aviario en un parque en el lago. El aviario estaba cerrado, pero tenían algunas jaulas abiertas de la exhibición afuera, así que conseguimos por lo menos ver un par de pájaros. Puesto que estábamos allí y el día era caliente y asoleado, caminamos alrededor del lago otra vez (este vez alrededor del otro lado, donde está la marina). Descubrimos una playaita con las plataformas de la arena y del salto. El lago está tan claro y no contaminado que la gente va a nadar durante el verano. Fuimos luego al laboratorio de Gera a utilizar el teléfono y la computadora.
Written on Monday October 23, 2006
This past weekend went by very fast (as the other days of the week, for that matter). Gera and I went to Bürkliplatz early Saturday morning. Early in part because we didn’t know what time the activities started, and in part because the mailman woke us up at 7 AM! Who delivers mail at 7am on Saturday? Apparently the swiss! It was a package Roberto sent the previous Thursday containing Gera’s medication, and since it was registered, it needed a signature to be delivered. So it was that we were out and about at 8:30 or so.
Bürkliplatz, as you can see by the latest pictures posted, is like a big flea market. Although there’s a mix between yard-sale type items, like used clothes and household items; and antique-type things, like furniture and coins. I was surprised to see a lot of fur being sold (fur coats mostly). I didn’t even ask how much. We were there for like 3 hours and all we bought was an umbrella (the day started rainy, and we only had one).
It was getting close to lunchtime, we were getting hungry (and did not pack lunch), so we headed home to eat and rest a bit (maybe even take a nap after such an abrupt and early wake-up call). We stopped at the deli section of Migros for that “new favorite” rotisserie chicken that Gera just loooves (its really good, and its cheap too!).
After recharging our batteries, we headed out again. This time we went to the Botanical Gardens (pictures also posted). It was all very green (duh!), and pretty. The domes where they keep the cacti and other desert plants were closed, but we figured we’ve seen those before (ha!). We saw a bunch of chile plants (jalapeños and habaneros), so now I know I can grow chiles in my garden next spring (although I looked for seeds at a plant shop and they did not have any). They also had giant sunflowers, and bug-eating plants. All in all a nice selection (like I have a clue!). After the gardens we took a walk around the lake.
On Sunday we headed for an aviary in a park on the lake. The aviary was closed, but they had a few open display cages outside, so we at least got to see a couple of birds. Since we were there already and the day was warm and sunny, we walked around the lake again (this time around the other side, where the marina is). We discovered a beach-like area with sand and diving platforms. The lake is so clear and unpolluted that people go swimming there during the summer (there was actually a crazy couple swimming that day). Afterwards we went to Gera’s lab to use the phone and the computer (we go on Sundays, that’s why I post on Sundays only, although I write throughout the week on my laptop).
-------ESPAÑOL---------(traducido en babelfish.altavista.com)
Escrito el lunes 23 de octubre del 2006
Este último fin de semana paso muy rápidamente (como los otros días de la semana). Gera y yo fuimos temprano por la mañana a Bürkliplatz sábado. ¡Temprano en parte porque no sabíamos cuándo empezaban las actividades y en parte porque el cartero nos despertó a las 7am! ¿Quién entrega el correo a las 7am el sábado? ¡Al parecer los suizos! Era un paquete Roberto habia enviado el jueves anterior que contenía el medicamento de Gera, y necesitaba una firma para ser entregado.
Bürkliplatz, como usted puede ver por las ultimas fotos, es como un mercado de pulgas grande (una pulga, una segunda). Aunque hay una mezcla entre el tipo artículos venta de garage, como ropa y los artículos usados de la casa; y antiguedades, como los muebles y las monedas. Me sorprendido ver muchos articulos de piel a la venta (los abrigos de piel sobre todo). Estuvimos allí por como 3 horas y todos lo que compramos fue un paraguas (el dia empezo lluvioso y nosotros tenía solamente uno). Se acercaba la hora de comer, así que nos dirigimos a casa para comer y descansar un poco (incluso quizás tomar una siesta después de una despertada tan precipitada y temprana). Paramos en la sección del deli de Migros por ese pollo "preferido" del rotisserie que le encanta a Gera (es realmente bueno, y su barato también!).
Después de recargar nuestras baterías, dirigimos hacia fuera otra vez. Esta vez fuimos a los jardines botánicos (fotos abajo). Era todo el muy verde (duh!), y bonito. Las bóvedas donde guardan los cactus y otras plantas de desierto estaban cerradas. Vimos un monton de plantas de Chile (jalapeños y habaneros), asi que ya sabemos que puedo crecer chiles en mi jardín el verano próximo (aunque busqué las semillas en una tienda de plantas y no tenían). También tenían los girasoles gigantes. Después de los jardines nosotros tomaran una caminata alrededor del lago.
El domingo dirigimos hacia un aviario en un parque en el lago. El aviario estaba cerrado, pero tenían algunas jaulas abiertas de la exhibición afuera, así que conseguimos por lo menos ver un par de pájaros. Puesto que estábamos allí y el día era caliente y asoleado, caminamos alrededor del lago otra vez (este vez alrededor del otro lado, donde está la marina). Descubrimos una playaita con las plataformas de la arena y del salto. El lago está tan claro y no contaminado que la gente va a nadar durante el verano. Fuimos luego al laboratorio de Gera a utilizar el teléfono y la computadora.
10.22.2006
reading, planting, TV and other matters/ Leer, plantar, TV y otras cosas
EN ESPAÑOL MAS ABAJO
written october 20th
On the reading subject again, I must mention that I already finished reading the book I bought 3 nights ago, and have started reading Gera’s choice: “A short story of nearly everything” by Bill Bryson. It’s the story, told in very simple (and highly entertaining) terms, of the universe, from the Big Bang to today. I just started reading today (Oct. 20), but so far I like it. On the other hand, the Michael Collins book was not more than OK (a lot of talk about surreal existentialism and what not, an not a lot of the “murder-mystery” quality I like; by the way, the butler did it!)
On other matters, the cable company came by a couple of days ago. Apparently the building is old, and not wired for high-speed internet, so it will be rewired sometime next week, and maybe then we can finally have internet at home. I am not quite sure about the status of the phone, I shall inquire further.
I want to use my garden, since I’ve never had a garden before, except for that semi-failed attempt a couple of summers ago, when Abril and I got a lot at a community garden, and all we harvested were a few jalapeños. Its cold already, and getting colder everyday, so I think all I can plant now are bulbs (on that subject, I must mention I also had a failed attempt at planting some tulips Gera got for me in Holland). I want to plant tomatoes and all sorts of plants, but I guess I have to figure out what grows easily around here. In this subject too, I shall inquire further.
Having a TV hasn’t really changed the dynamic of my routine, since I don’t watch it al that much. We only get 5 channels: 1 is an Italian channel with no sound, 1 is in French, and that leaves 3 channels in german. I’ve tried to watch TV in an attempt to submerge myself in the language (picture me with a dictionary in one hand, a remote control on the other); but how much more submerged can one be?! I have found myself trying very hard to remember HOW I learned English, it seems now that it was so easy. I wish I could watch Plaza Sesamo in german. On a brighter note, I have been learning little things on my own (and with a lot of Gera’s help, like the numbers and the days of the week, I can count to 5!)
I did some henna on my hand yesterday (oct 19), and it turned out a pretty nice color. The first henna session in Zürich, first of many, I think.
That’s all for today.
This section of Blog brought to you by the letter A and the number 3 (drei)
---------ESPANOL-------
escrito el 20 de octubre (y traducido por babelfish.altavista.com, con ciertas modificaciones)
En el tema de la lectura otra vez, debo mencionar que acabé ya el leer del libro que compré hace 3 noches, y he comenzado a leer la opción de Gera: "una historia corta de casi todo" por Bill Bryson. Es la historia, contada en (y altamente entreteniendo) términos muy simples, del universo, de la explosión grande a hoy. Acabo de comenzar a leer hoy (de oct. el 20), pero me esta gustando mucho. Por otra parte, el libro de Michael Collins no era más que ACEPTABLE ( hablan mucho de existentialismo surreal y otras cosas, y no tanto del genero "asesino-misterio" que me gusta mas; a propósito, el mayordomo lo hizo!)
En otras noticias, la compañía de cable vino por un par hace de días. El edificio donde vivimos es al parecer viejo, y no tiene alambrado para el Internet de alta velocidad, así que lo van a cablear la semana próxima, y quizá entonces podemos finalmente tener Internet. No se muy bien sobre el estado del teléfono, despues averiguo
Deseo utilizar mi jardín, puesto que nunca he tenido un jardín antes, a excepción de ése ocasion semi-fallida un par hace de veranos, cuando Abril y yo conseguimos un lote en un jardín de la comunidad, y todo lo que cosechamos fueron algunos jalapeños. Hace frío ya, así que yo creo que lo unico que puedo ahora plantar sean los bulbos (en ese tema, debo mencionarme también un intento fallido en plantar algunos tulipanes que Gera consiguió para mí en Holanda). Deseo plantar tomates y todas las clases de plantas, pero conjeturo que tengo averiguar que crece fácilmente alrededor aquí. En este tema también, investigaré más.
Tener una TV realmente no ha cambiado la dinámica de mi rutina, puesto que no la veo muy seguido. Conseguimos solamente 5 canales: 1 es un canal italiano sin sonido, 1 está en francés, y ese ldejas 3 canales en alemán. He intentado ver la TV como otra alternativa de sumergirse en el idioma (imaginemne con un diccionario en una mano, y el control remoto en la otra); ¡pero cuánto más sumergieron puede uno estar?! Ojala pudiera ver plaza Sesamo en alemán. En una nota más brillante, he estado aprendiendo pequeñas cosas yo solas (y con muchaayuda de Gera) como los números y los días de la semana, (puedo contar a 5!)
me hice henna en la mano ayer, salio bien el color
eso es todo por hoy,
un saludo
written october 20th
On the reading subject again, I must mention that I already finished reading the book I bought 3 nights ago, and have started reading Gera’s choice: “A short story of nearly everything” by Bill Bryson. It’s the story, told in very simple (and highly entertaining) terms, of the universe, from the Big Bang to today. I just started reading today (Oct. 20), but so far I like it. On the other hand, the Michael Collins book was not more than OK (a lot of talk about surreal existentialism and what not, an not a lot of the “murder-mystery” quality I like; by the way, the butler did it!)
On other matters, the cable company came by a couple of days ago. Apparently the building is old, and not wired for high-speed internet, so it will be rewired sometime next week, and maybe then we can finally have internet at home. I am not quite sure about the status of the phone, I shall inquire further.
I want to use my garden, since I’ve never had a garden before, except for that semi-failed attempt a couple of summers ago, when Abril and I got a lot at a community garden, and all we harvested were a few jalapeños. Its cold already, and getting colder everyday, so I think all I can plant now are bulbs (on that subject, I must mention I also had a failed attempt at planting some tulips Gera got for me in Holland). I want to plant tomatoes and all sorts of plants, but I guess I have to figure out what grows easily around here. In this subject too, I shall inquire further.
Having a TV hasn’t really changed the dynamic of my routine, since I don’t watch it al that much. We only get 5 channels: 1 is an Italian channel with no sound, 1 is in French, and that leaves 3 channels in german. I’ve tried to watch TV in an attempt to submerge myself in the language (picture me with a dictionary in one hand, a remote control on the other); but how much more submerged can one be?! I have found myself trying very hard to remember HOW I learned English, it seems now that it was so easy. I wish I could watch Plaza Sesamo in german. On a brighter note, I have been learning little things on my own (and with a lot of Gera’s help, like the numbers and the days of the week, I can count to 5!)
I did some henna on my hand yesterday (oct 19), and it turned out a pretty nice color. The first henna session in Zürich, first of many, I think.
That’s all for today.
This section of Blog brought to you by the letter A and the number 3 (drei)
---------ESPANOL-------
escrito el 20 de octubre (y traducido por babelfish.altavista.com, con ciertas modificaciones)
En el tema de la lectura otra vez, debo mencionar que acabé ya el leer del libro que compré hace 3 noches, y he comenzado a leer la opción de Gera: "una historia corta de casi todo" por Bill Bryson. Es la historia, contada en (y altamente entreteniendo) términos muy simples, del universo, de la explosión grande a hoy. Acabo de comenzar a leer hoy (de oct. el 20), pero me esta gustando mucho. Por otra parte, el libro de Michael Collins no era más que ACEPTABLE ( hablan mucho de existentialismo surreal y otras cosas, y no tanto del genero "asesino-misterio" que me gusta mas; a propósito, el mayordomo lo hizo!)
En otras noticias, la compañía de cable vino por un par hace de días. El edificio donde vivimos es al parecer viejo, y no tiene alambrado para el Internet de alta velocidad, así que lo van a cablear la semana próxima, y quizá entonces podemos finalmente tener Internet. No se muy bien sobre el estado del teléfono, despues averiguo
Deseo utilizar mi jardín, puesto que nunca he tenido un jardín antes, a excepción de ése ocasion semi-fallida un par hace de veranos, cuando Abril y yo conseguimos un lote en un jardín de la comunidad, y todo lo que cosechamos fueron algunos jalapeños. Hace frío ya, así que yo creo que lo unico que puedo ahora plantar sean los bulbos (en ese tema, debo mencionarme también un intento fallido en plantar algunos tulipanes que Gera consiguió para mí en Holanda). Deseo plantar tomates y todas las clases de plantas, pero conjeturo que tengo averiguar que crece fácilmente alrededor aquí. En este tema también, investigaré más.
Tener una TV realmente no ha cambiado la dinámica de mi rutina, puesto que no la veo muy seguido. Conseguimos solamente 5 canales: 1 es un canal italiano sin sonido, 1 está en francés, y ese ldejas 3 canales en alemán. He intentado ver la TV como otra alternativa de sumergirse en el idioma (imaginemne con un diccionario en una mano, y el control remoto en la otra); ¡pero cuánto más sumergieron puede uno estar?! Ojala pudiera ver plaza Sesamo en alemán. En una nota más brillante, he estado aprendiendo pequeñas cosas yo solas (y con muchaayuda de Gera) como los números y los días de la semana, (puedo contar a 5!)
me hice henna en la mano ayer, salio bien el color
eso es todo por hoy,
un saludo
Reading
written october 18th
Since I’ve had a lot of free time on my hands, I’ve started reading a lot. I read a couple of books about Switzerland I brought with me: “Living and Working in Switzerland” and “Living among the Swiss”. The first is a very thorough guide to, well, to living here. It explains everything from registering with the city (as I mentioned before), to skiing, going out, recycling, and a bunch of other useful information (I highly recommend it!, there are titles available for a bunch of other countries). The second one was not so good. It was more not more than an account of experiences told by a bitter businessman who wants to live and work here, although no one will hire him because he’s too old (apparently 50+ is considered old, according to him, banks don’t hire people over 33), and he ended up suing 2 companies.
Yesterday (oct 17) I finished reading “Eldest” by Christopher Paolini. “Eldest” is the second book of a 3-book fantasy story about Dragons, humans, elves, and dwarves, who unite against an evil man who rules their land. Yes, I know what you’re thinking: “Isn’t that the story of lord of the rings plus dragons, minus rings?” Well, yes and no. There are similarities, but it is ultimately different, and quite good. The first book, “Eragon” (which happens to be the name of the main character) has been made into a movie and will be released on December of this year. Abril checked the audiobook out of the library for us, so we could be entertained on the drive from Bloomington to Dallas, and although we didn’t finish it, we liked it a lot. I must say you don’t have to have read the first book to understand the second, but its better if you do. The third book will be released I think next year, and I can’t wait! (I am also waiting for the Harry Potter one.) **on a side note: Gera bought this book here, and he also liked it a lot.
With nothing else to read and a lot of time on my hands, I guess Gera got worried I might go crazy, so last night we went to a bookstore and got a couple more books (expensive). My choice (among a limited selection of books in English) was “The secret life of E. Robert Pendleton”, by Michael Collins, and I’ll be half way through it by tonight. We desperately need to find a library soon! (oh, how I miss MCPL…)
Since I’ve had a lot of free time on my hands, I’ve started reading a lot. I read a couple of books about Switzerland I brought with me: “Living and Working in Switzerland” and “Living among the Swiss”. The first is a very thorough guide to, well, to living here. It explains everything from registering with the city (as I mentioned before), to skiing, going out, recycling, and a bunch of other useful information (I highly recommend it!, there are titles available for a bunch of other countries). The second one was not so good. It was more not more than an account of experiences told by a bitter businessman who wants to live and work here, although no one will hire him because he’s too old (apparently 50+ is considered old, according to him, banks don’t hire people over 33), and he ended up suing 2 companies.
Yesterday (oct 17) I finished reading “Eldest” by Christopher Paolini. “Eldest” is the second book of a 3-book fantasy story about Dragons, humans, elves, and dwarves, who unite against an evil man who rules their land. Yes, I know what you’re thinking: “Isn’t that the story of lord of the rings plus dragons, minus rings?” Well, yes and no. There are similarities, but it is ultimately different, and quite good. The first book, “Eragon” (which happens to be the name of the main character) has been made into a movie and will be released on December of this year. Abril checked the audiobook out of the library for us, so we could be entertained on the drive from Bloomington to Dallas, and although we didn’t finish it, we liked it a lot. I must say you don’t have to have read the first book to understand the second, but its better if you do. The third book will be released I think next year, and I can’t wait! (I am also waiting for the Harry Potter one.) **on a side note: Gera bought this book here, and he also liked it a lot.
With nothing else to read and a lot of time on my hands, I guess Gera got worried I might go crazy, so last night we went to a bookstore and got a couple more books (expensive). My choice (among a limited selection of books in English) was “The secret life of E. Robert Pendleton”, by Michael Collins, and I’ll be half way through it by tonight. We desperately need to find a library soon! (oh, how I miss MCPL…)
shopping spree
written october 17th
Last weekend we rented a car (like we had planned) and headed towards the land of “assemble-at-home”, designer-looking, furniture (IKEA). Of course we had to plan ahead, since the driving thing around here seems a bit “scattered”. Gera mapped the course, and we bought a map the night before (we figured if we used it more than once in the next couple of years, it was worth the 20fr.) I was to be the navigator (since I was not behind the wheel). We took a bus early Saturday (oct. 14), went to pick up the car and we were on our way. The drive there was ok, no wrong turns (well, maybe once), and we only stopped once to “regroup”. We got to our destination 15 minutes before they opened, got a great parking space right in front of the elevator, and pretty much stood in line waiting for the doors to open (there were people already there).
We had a list (from the previous weekend) of the things we had looked at and had decided to buy (2 chairs, a sofa-bed <>, a folding table for the kitchen, 2 little dressers, among other things). As we strolled around the store, we found some other useful items that although were not on the list and we put in the cart. In the end, it all worked out, because half of the things we wanted were sold out, and wouldn’t arrive in 2-5 weeks. We are planning to buy the remaining items when we go pick up the dressers we bought at the other furniture store that’s next to IKEA. We bought a chair and a dresser from the “as-is” section, we couldn’t pass it up. Luckily, this time we didn’t have to carry things on our backs. In the end, we bought 2 side tables, 1 coffee table, 2 pillows, 1 TV stand, 1 chair, 1 dresser, 1 small desktop + legs for the computer, 1 floor lamp, 1 desk lamp, 1 rug. OK, it sounds more that what it actually is, but it was needed, and it was FUN! That night was like Christmas morning and my birthday combined!
At another store we bought a TV, an iron, and a hand blender (it was cheaper than a regular blender, and a girl needs to make her salsa!).
All in all, we filled up the car with goodies, and in a few weeks we’re going back for more! (I’ll keep you posted on that).
On Sunday we went to a museum (the Swiss national museum, to be precise). The day was kinda cloudy and chilly, so it was better to find something to do indoors. The Museum is located inside an old castle right next to the river, and you can walk around the rooms to view them as they were in the old days (some had exhibits, some were just rooms with chairs and/or a bed). It was pretty neat, and quite large. They had a big garden on the back, and it had a big chess board (the kind were the pieces as half as big as yourself).
After the museum, we went to Gera’s office, to use the phone and internet (we buy phonecards that can be used on any payphone, but its nice to call from there). As you can tell by the post below, I got busy and posted some pictures (finally!) while Gera talked with his family.
Today we went to “register” with the city. I think it was something to do with the amount of foreign workers a certain “district” has (so they keep track of you and where you live), among other things (since locals have to be registered as well). My permit will arrive in 1 to two months.
After unpacking the TV, we realized we needed a cable!! So we bought one on Sunday at a store in “rail city” (rail city is like an underground shopping mall at the main bus station, and is pretty much the only thing open after 6pm and on Sundays; Gera used to refer to rail city as his “office” before he got a apartment, since that’s where he spent a lot of time, using the phones and internet, and buying food). There’s a tax you need to pay if you have a TV and/or radio. It is voluntary to register, but someday someone will come knocking on your door and ask “do you have a TV?” and if you do, and you haven’t paid the tax, they will try to find out how long you’ve been cheating and charge you a retroactive fee. Maybe we’ll pay the fee soon…
Next weekend we want to go Bürkliplatz (I think that’s how its spelled). They have a sort of “flea market” on Saturdays, and maybe we can find some stuff we still need (more stuff?!).
Last weekend we rented a car (like we had planned) and headed towards the land of “assemble-at-home”, designer-looking, furniture (IKEA). Of course we had to plan ahead, since the driving thing around here seems a bit “scattered”. Gera mapped the course, and we bought a map the night before (we figured if we used it more than once in the next couple of years, it was worth the 20fr.) I was to be the navigator (since I was not behind the wheel). We took a bus early Saturday (oct. 14), went to pick up the car and we were on our way. The drive there was ok, no wrong turns (well, maybe once), and we only stopped once to “regroup”. We got to our destination 15 minutes before they opened, got a great parking space right in front of the elevator, and pretty much stood in line waiting for the doors to open (there were people already there).
We had a list (from the previous weekend) of the things we had looked at and had decided to buy (2 chairs, a sofa-bed <
At another store we bought a TV, an iron, and a hand blender (it was cheaper than a regular blender, and a girl needs to make her salsa!).
All in all, we filled up the car with goodies, and in a few weeks we’re going back for more! (I’ll keep you posted on that).
On Sunday we went to a museum (the Swiss national museum, to be precise). The day was kinda cloudy and chilly, so it was better to find something to do indoors. The Museum is located inside an old castle right next to the river, and you can walk around the rooms to view them as they were in the old days (some had exhibits, some were just rooms with chairs and/or a bed). It was pretty neat, and quite large. They had a big garden on the back, and it had a big chess board (the kind were the pieces as half as big as yourself).
After the museum, we went to Gera’s office, to use the phone and internet (we buy phonecards that can be used on any payphone, but its nice to call from there). As you can tell by the post below, I got busy and posted some pictures (finally!) while Gera talked with his family.
Today we went to “register” with the city. I think it was something to do with the amount of foreign workers a certain “district” has (so they keep track of you and where you live), among other things (since locals have to be registered as well). My permit will arrive in 1 to two months.
After unpacking the TV, we realized we needed a cable!! So we bought one on Sunday at a store in “rail city” (rail city is like an underground shopping mall at the main bus station, and is pretty much the only thing open after 6pm and on Sundays; Gera used to refer to rail city as his “office” before he got a apartment, since that’s where he spent a lot of time, using the phones and internet, and buying food). There’s a tax you need to pay if you have a TV and/or radio. It is voluntary to register, but someday someone will come knocking on your door and ask “do you have a TV?” and if you do, and you haven’t paid the tax, they will try to find out how long you’ve been cheating and charge you a retroactive fee. Maybe we’ll pay the fee soon…
Next weekend we want to go Bürkliplatz (I think that’s how its spelled). They have a sort of “flea market” on Saturdays, and maybe we can find some stuff we still need (more stuff?!).
10.15.2006
10.11.2006
from the land of chocolate, cheese and money
this is the first entry from zurich. I arrived here a week ago, although i dont have a very good grasp on time now, sometimes it feels like it was a month ago, sometimes like it was yesterday.
The city is very pretty, clean, and safe. the people, well i havent had much experience with the locals, but Ive read they are very closed to foregneirs and even xenophobic, but we'll see. Maybe we'll just make friends with other expatriates.
Its kinda cold already, and i beleive it will only get colder... i hope i get my winter clothes in the mail soon (Abril and Roberto will send them hopefully soon, hint hint).
Public trasnport is awesome, and we alredy bought 1 year passes for zone 10, which is the city of zurich, where we live. We just need to pay to travel outside this zone to go for example, to IKEA.
Food is very expensive here... well, everything is very expensive, but you notice it more with food, since its something you HAVE to buy. We're trying to manage our budget and figure out the less expensive options. Wine IS cheap, though... maybe we'll just be drunk all the time? haha.
We just visited the Zoo last sunday, it was very nice, lots of walking, and they have a great childrens section called Zoolino. We are planning on going to a museum this coming weekend, we'll see how it goes. Today was my first adventure on the bus by myself, nothing major, just hop on and off... but hey, it was a first!
As soon as we get internet at home, i will start posting pictures, so for now, just visualize Jazibe and Gerardo, very happy, eating Nutella crepes and reading (we have no TV, remember? and the nutella crepes? i made them today, mmmm).
all for now,
EN ESPANOL?
HAY ALGUIEN QUE ESTE LEYENDO ESTO ESPERANDO ENCONTRAR ALGO EN ESPANOL? SI EAS ASI, ENTONCES DIGANME, PARA EMEPZAR A PONER LAS TRADUCCIONES...
The city is very pretty, clean, and safe. the people, well i havent had much experience with the locals, but Ive read they are very closed to foregneirs and even xenophobic, but we'll see. Maybe we'll just make friends with other expatriates.
Its kinda cold already, and i beleive it will only get colder... i hope i get my winter clothes in the mail soon (Abril and Roberto will send them hopefully soon, hint hint).
Public trasnport is awesome, and we alredy bought 1 year passes for zone 10, which is the city of zurich, where we live. We just need to pay to travel outside this zone to go for example, to IKEA.
Food is very expensive here... well, everything is very expensive, but you notice it more with food, since its something you HAVE to buy. We're trying to manage our budget and figure out the less expensive options. Wine IS cheap, though... maybe we'll just be drunk all the time? haha.
We just visited the Zoo last sunday, it was very nice, lots of walking, and they have a great childrens section called Zoolino. We are planning on going to a museum this coming weekend, we'll see how it goes. Today was my first adventure on the bus by myself, nothing major, just hop on and off... but hey, it was a first!
As soon as we get internet at home, i will start posting pictures, so for now, just visualize Jazibe and Gerardo, very happy, eating Nutella crepes and reading (we have no TV, remember? and the nutella crepes? i made them today, mmmm).
all for now,
EN ESPANOL?
HAY ALGUIEN QUE ESTE LEYENDO ESTO ESPERANDO ENCONTRAR ALGO EN ESPANOL? SI EAS ASI, ENTONCES DIGANME, PARA EMEPZAR A PONER LAS TRADUCCIONES...
9.29.2006
I am on my way!
well, the time has come for me to join Gera (FINALLY!). I bought my ticket (hey, its cheaper than i thought, only $760, round trip), and I leave on tuesday. Gera has secured an apartment (by the way he describes it it sounds very nice, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a backyard). We will keep looking for another place to live, since this is not within our price range, and we know we can find something better. But hey! its excellent for now.
After more than 2 months (can you beleive it?) in Juarez, the journey finally continues. It'll be a while before we get settled in and get internet and phone, so this is the last entry in a while.
I will use this last weekend in Mexico to EAT and be with friends and family, not that I havent done that before, its only that when you know WHEN you're leaving, it suddenly becomes more meaningful.
Wish me luck on my international flight, as i go through security after security, and carry my laptop, external harddrive, and all kinds of electronic accesories with me.
Next time i write, i'll be from Zurich!
Auf Wiedersehen
(and i'll keep you updated)
Jazibe
After more than 2 months (can you beleive it?) in Juarez, the journey finally continues. It'll be a while before we get settled in and get internet and phone, so this is the last entry in a while.
I will use this last weekend in Mexico to EAT and be with friends and family, not that I havent done that before, its only that when you know WHEN you're leaving, it suddenly becomes more meaningful.
Wish me luck on my international flight, as i go through security after security, and carry my laptop, external harddrive, and all kinds of electronic accesories with me.
Next time i write, i'll be from Zurich!
Auf Wiedersehen
(and i'll keep you updated)
Jazibe
9.08.2006
Pictures, photos and more!
you can check out pictures here!
http://www.worldisround.com/home/jazibe/?e
http://www.worldisround.com/home/jazibe/?e
Catching up again...
OK, so I haven really posted anything in a looong time (sorry, although i dont think anyone is even reading, haha)
What has happened sonce the last post?
Not much really...
On sept. 02 I got all 4 wisdom teeth pulled out (turns out they werent in very good shape). It wasnt painful at all, the only pain has been not eating all the good, greasy food.
Earlier this week, Gera got a notice that his visa was ready for pickup in Mexcio city. Mine wont be ready for another 2 weeks. So now he´s currently on his way to Zurich, and I´ll wait here...
What else, like I said.. not much.
Its been raining on and off for the last month, so the flooding situation is still going on.
Mexico finally has a president!
check out usana.com, if you´re interested, my sister just signed up as an independant supplier, and I´ll just say: the shakes taste good!
I´ve seen more of my friends, i{ll figure out how to post pics next, or at least i´ll link here to a photo album
like always, i´ll keep you posted!
What has happened sonce the last post?
Not much really...
On sept. 02 I got all 4 wisdom teeth pulled out (turns out they werent in very good shape). It wasnt painful at all, the only pain has been not eating all the good, greasy food.
Earlier this week, Gera got a notice that his visa was ready for pickup in Mexcio city. Mine wont be ready for another 2 weeks. So now he´s currently on his way to Zurich, and I´ll wait here...
What else, like I said.. not much.
Its been raining on and off for the last month, so the flooding situation is still going on.
Mexico finally has a president!
check out usana.com, if you´re interested, my sister just signed up as an independant supplier, and I´ll just say: the shakes taste good!
I´ve seen more of my friends, i{ll figure out how to post pics next, or at least i´ll link here to a photo album
like always, i´ll keep you posted!
8.16.2006
Abril and Roberto's visit
Abril & Robe visited Juarez for about a week. We had a great time, went out, met with friends, had a few beers... you know... the usual.
Unfortunately, time flies, and a week went by soo fast. They left and ... well ... were still here . more to come.
Unfortunately, time flies, and a week went by soo fast. They left and ... well ... were still here . more to come.
8.04.2006
Rain + Rio Grande=floods
Grande means “big”. Rio Grande means “big river”. Well, this river that divides the US and Mexico hasn’t been really that big in the last few years, but in the last few days, it has grown tremendously due to constant rains (it has rained every day since we got here, go figure!). On Tuesday aug. 1, there was flooding all over the Juarez and El Paso, and the river even overflowed in some areas. Both the Molina and Gamez households are both extremely close to the river (you can see El Paso highways from my house), so we were definitely on the “path of destruction” (a little drama never hurts anyone) in case the river was to overflow. The streets were flooded and cars could barely drive, so my mom had to walk home from work (the water almost to her knees in some areas). My brother and I were home, watching the news and getting ready for disaster (a bit more drama). We got bottled water, candles, blankets, snacks. We gathered up the 2 little Chihuahua dogs in a box and got everything to the second floor. We were ready to jump to the roof if needed (I even wondered: “how am I going to get Huevo up there?”) Thankfully the rains stopped for the night and all the following day, so there was no need to get Huevo on the roof (but there was severe devastation in some areas). Gera thought we made a big fuss out of nothing, but better safe than sorry, right. It rained all night last night, and I am really looking forward to dry, dessert-climate Juarez, not this humid, wet, rainy and hot weather we’ve been getting (hey, I thought we left Indiana more than a week ago!).
8.02.2006
OK, so this blog is finally up-to-date (almost)
i've been posting stories from previous days, but today i am finally done posting old files (that I type up on my mac, save, burn, and then copy/paste), but I am done with those, and since I now have internet access, new posts will be more current. Later today or tomorrow, i will post about the floodings we had yesterday (tuesday aug 1), and maybe soon i will figure out how download pictures to this computer (a PC, argh! haha) and post them here. So please, keep reading, and don't forget to email me, or reply to the posts!
NOW WHAT?
After getting our stuff across the border that same afternoon (we loaded 1 van, 1 car and 1 pick-up truck), we’ve settled and rested a bit. We’ve been to the theater (pirate movie), and yesterday we went bowling (first time ever for me! and I even got 2 strikes… is that what its called?). We look forward to Abril and Roberto’s visit this coming Friday, we’re already planning a big bash. That is all for now, but I’ll keep you updated.
AN UNEXPECTED VACATION
Everything started to go as planned: we woke up bright and early and headed out at 5:15 (only 15 minutes later than planned), not bad, eh?. It took us about 1 hr to get out of the Dallas-Ft. Worth metroplex area and we were finally on our way to Juarez (or so we thought). 3 hours into our trip, we heard a loud “pop” sound coming from the car… did Huevo fart?, Did we blow a tire?. No, we blew the transmission. It was about 8 a.m in the middle of Texas, and it was already hot (and it would get hotter pretty soon.) Luckily we were very close to a rest area (about 100 m), and Gera had no problems getting there to call AAA. 2 hours and 3 “good Samaritans” later, we were on our way to the mechanic in Abilene. They wouldn’t be able to check the car until later that afternoon, so we went to a hotel to “regroup” and weigh our options (can you imagine getting Huevo in a taxi?). Go back to Dallas? Rent a truck to tow the car and put all our stuff in? (don’t forget we were hauling a 5x8 uhaul trailer); rent a suburban with a hitch? Finally, many phone calls and 3 different uHaul reservations later, we had a plan: Rent a 14’ truck with a dolly to tow the car. The next morning, we had to do some driving back and forth in Abilene before being on our way (again). The acrobatics went something like this starting at 6:45am: Gera got a cab and went to get the truck; he came back to the hotel and picked up the rest of the crew (Huevo and me); we went to the mechanic, unloaded the trailer and loaded the truck (it was pretty big for the few boxes we had left); Gera removed the trailer from the car and attached it to the truck; we drove the truck to the uHaul center to return it and get the dolly to tow the car; we drove back to the mechanic to attach the car to the truck (with the help of the mechanics). It all took about 2 hours and we were finally on our way (this time for good). After an unexpected vacation in the town of Abilene, TX, and 8 more hours of driving, we arrived in El Paso on Thursday july 27.
BRIGHT AND EALRY!
The next day, we left Bloomington bright and early (of course, one never leaves as bright and early as one plans, at least not in my family; we said 7am, it turned out to be actually 9am). Huevo (our dog), Gera’s brother Gustavo, Gera and I spent nearly 17 hours on the road. It was exhausting! (not to mention hot, cramped, and very boring). We’ll spend a couple of days here in Dallas (where we’ve unpacked part of the uhaul) and on Wednesday, we’ll leave to go to Juarez. We plan to head out around 5am, BRIGHT AND EARLY!. (I’ll keep you posted)
8.01.2006
TAPE, BOXES, AND A U-HAUL
First of all, the packing. OMG! Here’s a riddle: how much stuff can you accumulate after 6 year of living in the same town, in the same apartment? The answer: a lot. I started packing around june, being all smart and organized thinking “Martha’s got nothing on me!” Well, that did not help much, and at the last minute, stuff was thrown on boxes that were barely labeled, and I am pretty sure that sometime in two years, when I am unpacking all the boxes, I will say to myself “WHAT WAS I THINKING, keeping all this stuff!?”.
But the packing got done (even as the uhaul truck was being loaded, boxes were still being sealed and stuff was still coming out of the closets). The uhaul truck was loaded as “words of wisdom” from our friends and family (that helped us greatly during this move, to literally move stuff, among other things) were shared. Phrases like “what do you need to keep this for?”, and “what the hell is on this box that its so heavy!” were heard several times, but after many hours of running, cursing, packing, taping, sorting, and crying, the deed was done and the uhaul was locked. We had some beers to celebrate our victory in a nearly empty and half lit living room (there was still stuff to be packed, but surprisingly, the lamps where the first things to go earlier that day).
But the packing got done (even as the uhaul truck was being loaded, boxes were still being sealed and stuff was still coming out of the closets). The uhaul truck was loaded as “words of wisdom” from our friends and family (that helped us greatly during this move, to literally move stuff, among other things) were shared. Phrases like “what do you need to keep this for?”, and “what the hell is on this box that its so heavy!” were heard several times, but after many hours of running, cursing, packing, taping, sorting, and crying, the deed was done and the uhaul was locked. We had some beers to celebrate our victory in a nearly empty and half lit living room (there was still stuff to be packed, but surprisingly, the lamps where the first things to go earlier that day).
THE BACKGROUND INFO.
Ok, so I’m starting this blog to keep friends updated about our move, the transition time between Bloomintgon and Zurich, and the adventures that we’ll surely encounter once we get there. I guess it all starts now. Just so everybody is on the same page, I’ll recap on the events that have led to this change, in a solid, concrete and to-the-point list:
-we moved to Bloomington in Aug of 2000, where Gera started his PhD.
-Jazibe began her Masters in 2001, and finished in 2004 (Gera was still on the PhD)
-Gera graduated in May 2006, but did not complete the requirements (finish completely) until last week (july 14, 2006).
-We are now on our way to Zurich, Switzerland via Juarez, Mexico (we’ll wait in Juarez for the Swiss visa) and plan to be there end of august, beginning of september.
So now you know what the deal is, and this story begins with the trip Bloomington-Dallas-El Paso-Juarez.
-we moved to Bloomington in Aug of 2000, where Gera started his PhD.
-Jazibe began her Masters in 2001, and finished in 2004 (Gera was still on the PhD)
-Gera graduated in May 2006, but did not complete the requirements (finish completely) until last week (july 14, 2006).
-We are now on our way to Zurich, Switzerland via Juarez, Mexico (we’ll wait in Juarez for the Swiss visa) and plan to be there end of august, beginning of september.
So now you know what the deal is, and this story begins with the trip Bloomington-Dallas-El Paso-Juarez.
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