Texas Part 1

Well after 15 years without a visit I finally arrived in USA to stay with my brother and his family in June. Once again airports and I just don’t seem to get along, after landing in Los Angeles I very nearly missed my connecting flight to San Antonio but after some negotiating I jumped the queue and got under way flying through all the formalities and straight onto the next plane with only time for a brief toilet stop. Not great after 11 hours on a plane but we got there. Easily spotted in the San Antonio airport I was welcomed by Rodger, Jennifer and Rayden with open arms. After 5 months of a wafer thin single squeaky bed I was living in luxury with a giant sized cosy bed not to mention the gym and pool on hand also. The weather was super hot with over 100˚F every day which was very warm compared to the yucky London weather with only 15˚C, not impressive (even Switzerland was better). Although in London’s defence apparently the weather had been quite nice the previous week.

My first experience out and about in Texas (other than the drive home from the airport) was off to the Tower Of America. Here we caught a glass lift up to a 360˚ walk way where you can view out over San Antonio, a very surprisingly flat city. It was extremely windy so we did not stay up and admire the view for too long. At the Tower Of America there was a great 4D movie about Texas, complete with 3D glasses, moving chairs, blowing air and squirting water. My nephew (2½ years old) Rayden thoroughly enjoyed the film and keeps asking for the movie with the spitting cow and helicopters, super cute! From here we made our way past The Alamo to the River Walk, the river walk is a man made canal that runs through the city and is lined by bars and restaurants. It has a fantastic ambience. We selected a great little cafe called the Rainforest Cafe to have dinner. The food wasn’t great but the whole cafe had a rainforest theme with running waterfalls and animals that came alive every 20 minutes, from snakes and parrots to monkeys and elephants.

The first weekend rocked around pretty quickly and we arose early and made our way through Fredricksburg to a place called the Enchanted Rock in a State National Park. It was a great big slab of Granite in the middle of nowhere, very strange. We climbed to the top which was a short steep climb with no official walk ways on the rock but the rock is very rough so has a lot of grip and we made it up without too much trouble. However on the way down we did seem to come a very awkward way and ended up doing a bit of rock hopping. The place where Rodger and Jennifer got married was very near the park so we couldn’t drive by without stopping in for a look, a stunning place and great wedding venue. On the way back we stopped in the town we had passed through Fredricksburg. Fredricksburg is a German town and we had lunch at a German cafe where I got to meet Jennifers brother and wife and try a Texan beer. When we left Fredricksburg we stopped in a LITTLE town Lucenburg where there is only a postoffice/bank/pub combined and is the only store in the town. It happened to be a day where there was a annual car show on and there was a great little band playing with a rooster in the tree crowing along, very amusing and hick townish.

On a Tuesday 23rd June one of Rodger’s work mates plays in a band Two Ton at another lovely old german town Gruene so we got Jennifers Dad to babysit and went out for the night. We had dinner at a lovely restaurant that has been converted out of an old mill. Great food and a fantastic setting with lots of bush and the river running down below. The band was also fantastic playing some great upbeat songs.

Thursday 25th saw some more extremely hot weather and we had arranged to go to a concert under the stars at the Botanical Gardens where we had pre-ordered a delicious boxed dinner and sat on our picnic rug listening to a wonderful live local band. Rayden wasn’t quite so keen on the sitting part but there was plenty to occupy him kicking up dirt and running around under the trees over the back out of everyones way.

London

Well I finally made my way through Heathrow Airport after a bit of an ordeal with immigration. Unfortunately the hold up at the airport meant I arrived too late to attend the live BBC show that Pam had scored free tickets for. This also meant that I did not see Pam at all during my visit to London. However it was a pleasure to spend time with Tim and Louisa and have a nice rest after my intense five months at WOSTEP.

During my visit I had a job interview and bench test in Southampton with a large watch company The Swatch Group. The day went very well even though five weeks later I am still waiting for any correspondence from them. Perhaps this is for the best as in the mean time I have had a couple of fantastic job offers in Sydney, Australia.

Of course we had wonderful home cooked meals with a combination of Tim and Louisa’s cooking. One of the finer days we took a fantastic picnic with salmon, salad and wine to Primrose Hill Park only to have the sun go behind the clouds when we arrived, however it always fun to people watch and all the dogs playing. I made a fantastic lasagne one night that would have tasted great had it not been for my little run in with the chilli, thank goodness still edible but on the border. Between us we managed to devour a fair bit of wine over the two weeks but wine goes hand in hand with good conversation and that is what detox’s are for.

I had visited London in January for a few days and got a fair bit of sightseeing out of the way but decided to do the free New Europe royal walking tour all the same to get the running commentary and meet some new people, wise decision, I did meet a lovely girl from Canada and afterwards we went out to lunch and I got to try the famous fish and chips with mushy peas. Also during the viewing of The Changing Of The Guards at the palace the queen just happened to depart so I saw her for the first out of the two sightings in the two weeks I was there. The second opportunity was to come during the Queens birthday celebration where they have the big horse and military parade, fly over and gun salute, it was certainly special to be able to see this. Tim and Louisa had been fortunate enough to get themselves tickets to the Queens Birthday so while Louisa was in France on Saturday 4th June Tim and I spent a very successful day suit shopping, had a great time traipsing the streets of London and tried Pork buns for the first time (delicious) and of course had to have a quick detour into the biggest toy store in the world.

What trip to London would be complete without a visit to the ‘Church’ so with Louisa’s wonderful planning we threw together some last minute costumes and met with Nicola and a couple of others for a fab afternoon at the ‘church’. We all met at Tim and Lou’s for a yummy croissant breakfast and Pimms (another first for me) before catching our black cab to the club. Of course no church visit would be complete without being followed by a trip to the walkabout where we devoured a pie and some more beer. We made our way home at a responsible hour and went to the Australian burger bar up the road for some delicious burgers for dinner and then an early night to prepare for a day at work the following day or for me an early start to the airport for my departing trip to Texas.

Fairwell Switzerland

Well all good things must come to an end to make way for more good things. As my time at WOSTEP was up there were a few spare days prior to my departure from Switzerland left for a little bit of adventure. I have made some very special friends during my time in Champreveyres and I thank each and everyone for the very special experience we created together, and as not previously mentioned thank you to the ladies that helped me get ready for graduation and generously loaned me all my fantastic getup, where would I be without you.

So in the few days waiting for results life was a bit calmer and we managed to get down to the lake for a bit of swimming before dinner and the odd brush with nature walking throught the bush and meadows, places that should have been discovered much sooner. And once graduation was over and done with we managed to venture a little further afield. Anna (from Iceland, partner of Robie from school) organised for John and I and Robbie's brother and girlfriend to catch the train and go a do a wonderful walk at Crux du van, which just has some amazing views and scenery. Unfortunately the day we were up there the alps were completely obscured by cloud except for a couple of the very highest tips. Not to worry as the rest of the scenery and of course the company was well worth the trip.

No farewell would be complete without a visit to our favourite bar and pizzaria so John and I headed to Tony's Bar for one last pizza and beer. Then on to Cafe Du Cerf where some other very good watchmaking friends and fellow housemates from Champrevyres joined us for the last horray!! And no tears even from me, what an achievement. I then got a leaving parade at the train station the following day where a group joined me to say goodbye, I am so priveledged to have met these people and had there support during my time in Switzerland an experience to be remembered.

Graduation

Well my adventure here in Switzerland at WOSTEP is drawing to a close. Two weeks ago we had three days taken up by the final exams. Two and a half hours of theory followed by 16 hours of practical. The practical pieces were a Lemania chronograph which had many faults from the chronograph eccentrics, bent wheels, incorrect end shakes to the centring and flatness of the hairspring etc. Then there was an Omega automatic and an ETA quartz which just needed a basic clean with correct lubrication and timing. There were of course a few dramas on the day but we all made it through and stopped at the pub on the Friday for a well deserved beer, or two, or three . . .

During the following week the professionals from inside the industry came to the school to mark our pieces so of course they needed to kick us out. We spent three days visiting various factories. Monday we visited Chopard, it was a very hot day with temperatures reaching over 30 degrees with not a lot of wind. They have in recent years set up a small museum also inside the factory so it was a lovely morning spent touring the factory. Tuesday we ventured a little further from Neuchatel and had the very pleasurable experience of seeing inside Patek Philippe. This day started at the truly amazing museum, unfortunately two hours is not long enough to really absorb everything. Then onto the factory for a wonderful three course lunch with some of the management before the tour began. At the end we were seated before eleven complicated watches valued at over five million swiss francs. Wednesday was another busy day, the morning started with a tour of the Omega factory, which unfortunately ran over time so we missed out on their museum. Then onto lunch with A.Betti before an extremely interesting tour of two of the many ETA factory buildings.

With the factory tours over and done with we had Thursday to clean the school from top to toe; the fridge had some very interesting specimens growing inside. The motivator for these tasks was getting our results when we finished. At 1630 both the refresher and the two year course gathered in the theory room and awaited our verdicts. There was a very close call but overall the school was very proud to announce everyone passed included the student from last year doing his reset. So once again back to the pub for a couple of beers.

Friday was taken up by sleeping in (no scheduled program) and then preparing for graduation. The ceremony took place at the Château of Neuchatel which is a beautiful old castle where we received our diplomas before moving onto a five star hotel on the lake side to enjoy a wonderful three course meal. After the formal event the partying continued at the local watchmaking drinking hole Cafe du Cerf till the wee hours.



My time here in Switzerland has been a truly wonderful experience not only have I expanded my ability as a watchmaker but I have also had an intense period of personal development. I have not always been happy with the way I handled the pressure but I am now out the other side and can’t wait to experience the industry again and really measure how much I have learnt.

Spring Time In Neuchatel

Well where to start, once again it has been a while, sorry. I have had my final intermediate exam with fab results, easter has been, lot's of school and general socialising at Champreveyres.


We'll start with spring, it is my favourite time of the year, fruit trees blossom, flowers bloom and trees re awaken and with the help of a little extra sunshine you can't help but have your spirits lifted. Day light savings has kicked in and we are now enjoying the extra hours of daylight in the evenings so no more walking home in the dark :-)


Easter weekend was celebrated here the same weekend as down home in NZ 10th-13th April. For me this entailed a extra hour or so of sleeping in (or lying in bed) time each day but we were still able to attend WOSTEP (without tutors) so friday, saturday and monday were spent at school. Achieved quite alot but with the end approaching I am really starting to feel the pinch and wish there were available hours in a day. Stress levels are quite high and school and tempers a little short but thank goodness for us you tutor has done the course himself and knows exactly where we are coming form. He really does have the patients of a saint, thanks Andrea!! Sunday however is our day off and even though it was an overcast day it was still very warm and a few of us heading on down to the basketball courts for a bit of a game (if you could call it that) followed by a walk and of course a well deserved ice cream. With the weather warming we also enjoyed a picnic by the lake last sunday joined with a couple of hangovers and some delishous chocolate turkish bread (thanks Thijs) it was another great day of rest!! Even if I did study all morning before the picnic and go for a run, it is all about balance and just how much you can cram into one day!!

Time is flying and graduation is 29th May, can't wait, as much as I love WOSTEP I am ready for the next step. Sometimes I do think when you know the end is near you just can't wait whereas if you knew there were still another two months to go you wouldn't be hanging out for the end. Does that make sense?? I have been sending my application to various places here in Switzerland and London hoping for the best however like every industry times are not so hopeful. I do know of a couple of opening at two fantastic brands in London though so fingers crossed, it will be easier to be back in an english speaking country too I am sure.


There is lots going on back home too of course my newpew will be turning 22 next week and of course we are still waiting patiently for the arival of his and Aleisha's baby, hmmm how much longer?? And my most favourite news of all I am to be an aunty again with dearest sister and bestest friend Lee-Anne 12 weeks pregnant!! Perhaps having to go home early will not be such a bad thing after all.

Must away to dinner followed by more study. Happy reading and kindest regards,
Donna

Baselworld

Well what kind of watchmaker would I be if I was in Switzerland and did not attend the Basel Fair? Baselworld is a huge watch and jewellery fair held here in Switzerland every year with retailers and wholesalers coming from all over the globe to attend. The day began with both John and Hakan sleeping in. We were to leave at eight but when I was ready I went to see if John was ready I woke him up but not to worry Hakan didn't arrive till nearly nine anyway as he had done the same thing. So whilst waiting I had a fresh croissant from the bakery and a cup of tea (the only one open on sunday and its right next door ;-) they made a wise business decision to close saturdays and open sunday and they are always busy). It is really quite mind boggling the extent some of the companies go to. The stands cost some of the companies millions of dollars and take months to construct all for one week. As an example Brietling had a huge tropical fish tank in the side of there display which I think had three or four levels to it. There are six different halls, one for big swiss watch brands, one for tools and one for brands from China, Hong Kong etc. My favourite part of the show was seeing the pieces individual watchmakers had hand made, there was a section set aside for these people that only had three or four pieces on display each but the craftsmanship and creativity displayed in this small corner would almost out do anything else I saw. I was a little disappointed to find some of the brands I really wanted to see, Audemars Piguet and Jageur-LeCoultre, did not attend Basel this year having opted to go only to one of the other fairs :-(. There are thousands of people to weave your way around, creating very tired feet and weary minds after a day. It was a great experience and as we had free tickets compliments of Rolex and Patek Philippe I had to go and now I can say I have been but unless I have an actual purpose of going I am not in a hurry to go back.

We got home at about half seven or eight I think and I went straight to bed without dinner. Day light saving started that saturday night and we had had a farewell dinner for someone leaving Champreveyres which all contributed. The week was very long and I went back to sleep after my alarm three mornings in a row! Well that is all for now plenty of study to be done but once again my blog is well overdue, can't believe it is April already!

Happy reading Budha ;-)

Home

Well I have now been out of New Zealand for three months. It feels like not so long ago that I was at home and Lee-Anne and Jade got engaged, ate too much at christmas and had a very tearful goodbye. Yet at the same time it feels like I have been gone for ages! So much has been going on in my absence, friends having engagement partys, people getting new jobs and shifting houses. When friends are away and you read all the exciting new experiences they are having you wish you were out there doing that too and then on the flip side when you are out there trying new things and experiencing different countries you wish you could still join in with what is going on back home. I guess it comes down to enjoying where you are at in life and appreciating what you have. I was saying yesterday that there are always people better off than you in the world same age with more assets have done more things with your life, this is to give you motivation to continue to strive for what you want out of life and then there is always someone worse off than you also, there purpose is to keep you thankful for what you do have.

I would really like to thank all my precious friends and family back home for all the letters, postcards, emails, photos and gifts you have been sending me over the last three months. Even just a couple of lines in an email can really lift you spirits at times. My wall of NZ is growing all the time and it always a special feeling when I hang the next item up, it is almost like a little ritual I have. (Yes hairsprings have sent me loopy and if anyone has got a padded cell up for rent I maybe requiring it shortly, he he he. Not really.) The wall has grown alot since this picture was taken!

Life her in Champreveyres is actually pretty great if you close your eyes, don't eat anything and just absorb the attmosphere. There are some really special people I have met from all over the world that make my time here in Switzerland so much more bearable. Last weekend a group of ten of us went out for chocolate and coffee. It wasn't a huge expense but it just made me feel like I was human again and that there is something out there besides the walls at Champreveyres and WOSTEP.