In addition to all of our time off together, we manage to scoot out of work early from time to time and take advantage of what the region has to offer. Our first such adventure took us over the mountain (Männlichen) and over the woods (in a cable car) to another tiny ski village. Wengen was emmerced in the hoopla surrounding the weekend World Cup skiing event with live music, dancing women, corporate tents, and food and drink. We even managed to score an autograph from some guy who claimed to be an injured member of the Swiss ski team. WHATEVER!!!!

From there, we made our way to Interlaken for an evening with the Osters, a couple we were put in touch with through Paula. Max and Marlene were kind enough to provide us with a free meal in an authentic Swiss haus. We enjoyed an evening of good food, stimulating conversation, and warm hospitality.

Next on our social calendar was the World Snow Festival. Representatives from 9 different countries gathered to hammer and chissel away at massive blocks of snow for a week straight. The theme for this year's competition was "Declaration of Love", although not necessarily apparent to the untrained eye. Our patriotic juices were flowing as the jury's results were announced. The US team, hailing from Chicago and NYC, placed third, and made us very proud indeed.

Our month of local activities also included an international curling tournament here in Grindelwald. We have never been so excited before in our lives!!!! After watching matches for three days we were still CLUELESS as to the rules and object of this silly game. It wasn't until we received a brief lesson from a member of the USA team, a Olympian from the Nagano games, that we gained the slightest bit of insight. Ironically, as we were complaining to our fellow American about our rude, inconsiderate and obnoxious boss, Mr. Glaner, he walked by and she answered, "Oh, you mean Hanspeter? He's really nice, and his son, Alex, spends a lot of time in Madison, WI with some of my friends." OPEN MOUTH and INSERT FEET!!!!

After getting over that embarassing moment, we celebrated a 4th place finish for the American team with music provided by the first bagpipe band of Switzerland, the Happy Pipers of Lucern.