Thanks for Understanding

Most Swiss citizens have no income tax removed from their payroll but pay their taxes at the end of the year after completing their annual return. Because we are foreign residents, Todd's income is taxed at-source (removed from payroll) without any deductions applied. We then receive the overtaxed amount back in a refund once we complete our tax return. At least that is the idea. A couple of weeks ago, we received a letter from Bern's tax authority. The letter explained that they had changed to a new system for processing income tax returns and they were experiencing major problems. Thus, they would not begin processing 2010 tax returns for married couples until July 2012. And of course, they closed with the well-used phrase in all business letters here..."Danke für Ihr Verständnis". Not sure what this will mean for our 2011 and 2012 returns. I just find it all a bit funny.

Murten Christmas Market

Xavier and I spent Sunday afternoon in Murten, checking out the town and the Christmas market. There were lots of stands selling handmade products, some flea market type stuff, and all the typical Swiss market foods: raclette, fondue, waffles, roasted chestnuts, gluhwein (hot, spiced mulled wine), beer, wine, brats). And also a stage will hourly musical performances.

Making Our Own Snow

Isabella was sick and stuck inside for a few days, AND we've all been wishing for some snow, so we decided to make some. Nothing like folding and cutting to keep the spirit bright:)

Capturing Bern

Izzi commented yesterday as we were leaving Bern, "Mom, we really need to start taking photos of the buildings in Bern. When we get home and people ask us about it, it will be hard to describe how it looks...like the Bundeshaus for example".

New Visa...New Process

This is the time of year that we have to renew our Swiss visa, allowing Todd to work here and us to live in CH along with him. Last year, we just filled out a couple of papers, Todd's company signed and stamped, and we sent it all in with new photos of each of us.

This year, we were notified that we had to visit the migration office for photo, signature and finger-printing. I don't know how this compares to the process in other countries, US included, but I can say that I really didn't like watching my two babes get finger-printed.

Looking Ahead

When you make an international move, you need to do some of the planning and preparation well in advance. So of course the children overhear some adult conversations concerning our planned move home July 2012. And both of them occasionally blurt out thoughts regarding the matter. I thought I'd start recording them here. Many I've already forgotten but I'm sure there will be plenty more.

Xavier was looking out the train window on our outing to Bern last week and noted "It's going to be weird to go home and not see all these trains and buses."

Steiner Schule Basar 2011

We all did our part to support the school's holiday basar again this year. Izzi and I spent hours and hours making advent wreaths the week before, we made home-made items to sell at Xavier's class stand (Xavier, Izzi and I needle felted; Todd and Xavier built a catapult that was an instant sell item), and Izzi and I made the "years" buttons from clay with her class. Todd and I also worked preparing deep-fried apple rings this year.

We were all so busy manning the class stand or working in the crepe/apple ring booth, or walking around selling pins that not many photos were snapped. Here's a couple...

Xavier standing in front of his classes stand:

(back to camera with brown hoody)

Xavier enjoying the outdoor "railway"

Halloween 2011

One of the US holidays most missed by Isabella and Xavier is Halloween. It is not celebrated in Switzerland, although we hear rumors of certain neighborhoods in certain towns taking it up.

This year, we planned some special activities on Sunday, October 30, to mark the day. Xavier's friend, Isaac, spent the day with us so joined in as well.

We started the day with some family games, mask decorating (a kit sent by a Bern - now back in the USA - friend along with some other treats) then carved pumpkins and roasted pumpkin seeds. After, Todd planted clues for a treasure hunt that would lead the kids to some hidden treat bags in the forest. Although without the thrill of the door-to-door trick-or-treating with other children, it turned out to be a very nice day.

Pumpkin Carving

Finding Clues

Copenhagen>Barcelona>Copenhagen

Copenhagen
In mid-October, I met Garnette in Copenhagen and proceeded to have 12 amazing days traveling with my sis. We chose to spend time in two cities that were equally wonderful but very different: Copenhagen and Barcelona. There was a short pit-stop in Berlin, but aside from seeing a very nice neighborhood market, it was short and not worth writing about.

Copenhagen was all about bikes. It was amazing to see the wide bike lanes constantly streaming with bikers. Well, not exactly bikers. Just regular people of all ages, sizes and life styles. That's what struck me most. That biking is nothing special there. It is for everyone and a regular old thing. Most bikes were of a similar make and many rattled. Most had baskets and they got you where you needed to go. Copenhagen is flat too which made biking it such an easy pleasure.

G and I rented bikes each of the days we were there. It was a bit nerve-wracking at first getting used to the speed and quantity of bikers on every side of you, but it was also so invigorating.

Garnette had great information from her friend's brother who lives in Copenhagen with his family. We visited all the neighborhoods, restaurants and bars he recommended. The food, drink and atmosphere were laid-back and yummy.

We took the train over the 10-mile Øresund Bridge to Malmo, Sweden, and spent the morning wandering around its quaint center.

G in front of bike rental shop



G in front...biking around Copenhagen





So many bikes they must be managed...shouldn't every city have that problem



Tivoli all done-up for Halloween


Waiting for train from Copenhagen to Malmo


Malmo Central Train Station


Malmo photos












Barcelona

We went from cool/cold but sunny Copenhagen to warm/hot Barcelona. Our hotel rooms in Copenhagen, although clean and functional, were typical teeny European. In comparison, our Barcelona hotel was large and luxurious.

We spent much of our time on foot and made use of the metro to get to neighborhoods outside the center. We started every morning with a trip to the bakery and a cafe for a cafe con leche. Barcelona was full of small, arty shops with cool fashion and jewelry. Aside from shopping, we visited the Gaudi church and apartment building, and the Picasso museum. All were amazing. We washed our clothes at a local laundromat and I got my haircut at a small salon across the street.

Our time in Barcelona was warm and relaxed. I feel so fortunate to have spent time in two awesome cities with someone I know and like so well.

Chasing down a jewelry market

Walking to the end of Ramblas

Cool little bike stuff shop

Our favorite bakery in Born neighborhood

Taking the metro

Barcelona harbor

Sitting at Barceloneta beach

Window shopping in northern Barcelona

Pretty little square in our hotel's neighborhood (Born)

The glory of Gaudi