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The town of Gland with Mont Blanc in the background. (Photo by Hannah Capozzi)

I miss you, Schuyler County

Note on Nov. 8: Alpine resident Hannah Capozzi is spending the year abroad as a Rotary International Youth Exchange student in Switzerland. She reports here on her experiences in the second in a series. For the first column, click here.

By Hannah Capozzi

I am an exchange student living in Switzerland for one year and am having the time of my life. In Switzerland a two-week school vacation is scheduled quarterly, separating each term. It is a great time for Swiss families to relax together after an intense period of school or work. 

I, on the other hand, had only started attending school two weeks prior to the autumn vacation, so I still had quite a bit of spunk left in me. While my host family decided to relax at home, I chose to utilize my time and energy to visit family friends near Geneva. I packed a small bag, boarded the Zug (train), and journeyed to the little town of Gland, about 20 minutes outside of Geneva. Geneva is located in the French speaking section of Switzerland approximately three hours from where I am living in Zurich, the German speaking region.

I hadn’t seen Joann and Maynard Davis since I was six years old. But after living in Switzerland for the past three months as an ambassador of the United States through the Rotary Exchange Program, I needed a place where I could relax, connect and “let my hair down” with anyone remotely connected to my family in Alpine, New York. My parents assured me Joann and Maynard would be just what I needed, so off I went.

Traveling to unknown sections of the world is thrilling to me. I anticipated exploring the bustling city of Geneva, hearing the romantic French language on every tongue and sampling their famous cuisine. Beautiful mountains and fields of green serenaded me at every twist and turn of the track. At arrival I was greeted by a friendly Chocolate lab named Sierra and her loyal companion Joann. I was brought to their delightful apartment to unpack and encouraged to make myself at home. I presented my hostess a gift of bright cheery yellow flowers and a jar of Jif peanut butter. Joann smiled broadly and belted out an infectious laugh at the sight of the red, green and blue label. The Davises are an American couple living and working for the World Wildlife Foundation in Gland. I knew instantly that my parents were right; this family was exactly what I craved. These are people with whom affection, laughter and intimacy come naturally and spontaneously.

Taking hold of Sierra, we decided to walk around town and catch up on the last 12 years. Passing acres of fields that grow hundreds of thousands of sunflowers, our trail brought us to Lac Leman, where stately Mont Blanc proudly greeted us. Mont Blanc is the highest mountain in the Swiss Alps and Western Europe. The views in Gland are enchanting and my company was equally so. Connecting with Joann and Maynard was as easy as smiling. We have much in common as both our families grew up on Cape Cod, lived in upper state New York, and now here we are in Switzerland, far from our close knit family and friends. We laughed, shared our joys and our trials, and spoke of our adjustments while in this beautiful country.

Although new, everything in Joann and Maynard’s apartment felt homey, which was made more so with a traditional American dinner of chicken, baked potato and broccoli. After dinner we all got into our pajamas and settled on the couch for a calm night of “Friends” and “Everybody Loves Raymond”. Generally speaking, the Swiss enjoy bread, cheese and fruit for dinner, view American television, but do not lounge about in their pj’s.

We started our second fun-filled day sitting on an old stone wall, basking in the sun and eating our packed lunches. With full bellies, we explored the old part of Geneva. We climbed to the top of a church located in the middle of town. It had a stunning view across the lake, over little European towns and with an exquisite view of Mont Blanc. Next, we took a bus and arrived in front of the United Nations building. Having taken part in a Model United Nations (MUN) class in Ithaca and debating at the MUN 2009 conference at Cornell University, I was thrilled to tour the UN in Geneva. My excitement could not be contained. Security was tight and we were on our best behavior, but we still managed to get yelled at several times for being in undesignated areas. It became clear we should try to curb our enthusiasm and therefore joined a small group led by a tour guide.

First we were given an overview of the United Nations; how the UN was formed, its purpose, all the different organizations that have been created through it and how conferences work when organizations meet to grapple with world problems. We saw sculptures, paintings, and photographs that were gifts to the UN from countries from around the world. One of the conference rooms was recently and extravagantly decorated by the Spanish artist Miquel Barcelo. The ceiling in this room looked like a cave that had been splattered with every color paint imaginable. This tour was a dream come true for me for I truly hope to work for this organization some day.

Exhausted by the end of our tour, we took a train to the charming town of Nyon.  We found an amiable café where we split a crepe and sipped hot chocolate. In Nyon there is a store aptly named “American Store.” I entered wide-eyed as that Christmas morning feeling overwhelmed me! The shelves were stocked with rows and rows of familiar American brands. I don’t think I have ever been so excited to see Cheerios, Pop Tarts and Campbell Soup! Joann and I were giddy. It was soothing to both of us being around such familiar items. A little bit of home!

On my third day Joann had a dental appointment and Maynard had to work so I went traversing by myself. First on my list was the Red Cross Museum. This museum was intriguing and made me consider becoming involved with this organization. The thought of helping people less fortunate then I tugs at my heart. From the Red Cross Museum I made my way to the Arianna Ceramic Museum. Unfortunately, most of this museum is under construction so my viewing was limited, but what I did see was charming. My favorite there is a piece of china showing a young couple dressed in bright clothing, wearing large elegant hats and relaxing by a riverbed. The girl has a bouquet of flowers in her lap. It is a beautiful piece. I took numerous pictures which soon caused a stir. Once again I was reprimanded by a security guard who told me photographs are both prohibited and a misdemeanor. Who knew that’s what the signs in French indicated. It had been an eventful day, but it was time to get back to the Davis household for supper. I took the train back to Gland and experienced a true Swiss meal…CHEESE FONDUE! It was delicious. A fondue pot filled with warm melted cheese was placed in the middle of the table. Other little bowls surrounded the pot and were filled with apples, peppers and bread for dipping. Between the three of us we wolfed it down with only a little belly ache to remind us of our very American digestive systems.

The next day, feeling rejuvenated, I packed my bag to return to Zurich. I was encouraged to make one stop enroute to see the Chateau de Chillon (at right). Joann packed me a lunch with treats that could feed an army and after many hugs and “Au revoirs” I boarded the train. Château de Chillon is an amazing castle dating back to 1150 and sits on the edge of a sparkling lake with a picturesque view of Mont Blanc. This well-preserved medieval castle made me wonder how many princesses had stood right where I was standing. It was a wonderful way to end my visit.

Having the opportunity to see so many wonderful attractions is exhilarating. But what I truly enjoyed and savored on this particular trip was the radiating love I got from my two hosts. I never imagined that what I would long for most while on exchange would be the quiet feeling of unconditional love that occupies every corner of my home and every fiber of my family and friends. When I meet with the other Rotary exchange students, it is what we always talk about. It is also what every one of us struggles with. Two of my closest friends have already returned to the United States because this feeling became too overwhelming for them.

One night in Gland, when I went to say goodnight to Joann, she engulfed me in a warm bear hug. And then more hugs when I arose one morning for breakfast. Frankly, I was stunned. It had been so long since anyone had hugged me in that motherly I love you no matter what kind of way. The Swiss kiss (kuss) alternately on the cheek three times when they greet one another, and are generally more reserved then Americans in showing affection.

I love being here in Switzerland. I love everything about it, but I must admit I miss you, Schuyler County!

Kuss, Kuss, Kuss,
Hannah Capozzi
forestfairy08@yahoo.com

If you could only love enough, you could be the most powerful person in the world. --Emmet Fox

Photos in text: Hannah Capozzi

And in descending order (Photos by Hannah Capozzi):

--A side street in downtown Geneva

--The United Nations in Geneva

--An art piece from the Arianna Ceramic Museum

--The Chateau de Chillon