"Fete des Vendanges" Neuchatel

We had a lot happening this past weekend! Katelyn was dismissed from the hospital on Friday and we were thrilled to be home! However, there was one big party that started while we were gone. The "Fete des Vendages" is the biggest festival Neuchatel celebrates. There were amusement park rides set up in the parking lot behind us and across the street at the port. Then on the street in front we watched 2 parades.

The parade on Friday night was mainly marching bands - "Guggenmusik". The bands were dressed up in costumes and some wore masks.

It was lots of fun to watch them from our place. However, we missed out on sampling some wines. They had several carts giving away samples.

It was a good thing that we were exhausted on Friday night. The music, noise .... went on till at least 3 or 4 in the morning. We didn't sleep too bad and it was at least quiet in the morning.

Saturday afternoon, we decided to camp out in front of our place to watch the "Cortege d'enfants costumes".

Katelyn was feeling pretty good. We have only given her one painkiller and that was the first night. I think that helped her sleep through all the noise.

It was really something to see these men and these whips. Their arms had to be hurting. We were near the end of the parade route. It was quite scary at times. Those whips were long and they came really close. I should say too close!

The whips were making the cracking sound and right behind them were the men with the cow bells. It was so loud but it was a magnificent feeling.

The costumes and ideas were very clever.

Of course there were more marching bands. In fact, we heard them through out the weekend at various times. They would be marching down the street. It was fun.

The other big thing was "confetti". It was everywhere. The kids loved the confetti cannons. The cannons would aim for any open windows. The spectators would even point them out.

It made a huge mess and could do lots of damage. Our neighbors below us forgot to close their window. It was amazing that no one got hurt from falling glass. The police did arrive later in the day and left a note for them. I think they left town for the weekend.

The streets were covered and it looked like snow. They had it cleaned up within the hour.

As you can see, it was right behind us. The streets were closed off downtown and there was one vendor after another. The majority of them were selling drinks, food or junk. It was very organized. I guess it should be since they have been doing this for the past 84 years. Saturday night, we had a good view of the fireworks over down town. We did have to hang out the window a little bit.

On Sunday, it was all the same stuff going on. However, the amusement rides stayed for the week. Thank goodness they are off by 9:00 pm!!!! It was fun to experience but we might head out of town next year. Maybe some where a little less quiet!

Katelyn -Broken Leg - Geneva

Well, we have been having a very long week so far but I think we can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel!

On Saturday night, we were at our friends house and Kate's crutch landed on a toy. She slipped and fell hard onto the tile floor. She knew instantly that she broke something. We took her to the ER and they sent us to Geneva by ambulance. The hospital in Neuchatel was not equipped to repair the broken femur which happened right where she had a metal plate and screws from a previous surgery when she was 2 years old.

We chose Hospitaux Universitaires de Geneva because just 3 weeks ago we met an Ortho-Pediatric doctor that comes up to Neuchatel every 2 months. We really liked him and wanted him to see her. When we arrived in Geneva they put her in traction and that helped the pain tremendously as long as she wasn't touched. They scheduled surgery for Tuesday morning. She had the brackets and screws removed from her right leg and they inserted 2 pins. On her left leg, they removed the brackets and screws to help prevent this incident from happening to that leg. The surgery went well and we are hoping to be going home on Friday or Saturday.

It has been quite an experience. There are some similiarities to the U.S.A. and some differences. I can't say there has been a language barrier. Everyone has at least a little bit of English. Our French is poor but we can at least say a few things in French if they are not understanding our English. Some of the nurses are enjoying the opportunity to improve their English. We have had a few tough, older nurses. Katelyn prefers the younger ones - they have more sympathy for her. All the doctors have been very nice. I haven't met one that hasn't smiled and thinks they are "Almighty".

I was hoping this was one experience that I would never have to write about. However, all is well and we have learned some new things. We have received so many well wishes and wonderful phone calls. Thank you! We are just so thankful that she is feeling more like "Kate"!

September Already!

Sorry about this posting. I was trying to do a different format and it didn't work. It looked good where I edit the post but not when I actually posted.

I can't believe we are already into September! The weeks seem to be flying by. We have had a few days where it feels a little bit like Autumn but we still are having some very nice warm days. However, the leaves are starting to change on some trees.

I wanted to post a picture of the park. Here is the picture from "before"summer.

This is the "After" Summer. Some of those plants have to be at least 7 -8 feet tall. It's amazing!

Here is a good picture of the ram. They always have some design in this flower box but it's not always easy to get a good picture.

A couple of weekends ago, they were having a Bocce tournament down at the lake. It was fun to see. They had perfect weather.

The boys have finally started school. Their first day was on Monday, the 7th and they were ready to go! I thought they looked pretty handsome in their uniforms.

St. George school is the first International School for the middle and high school years in Neuchatel. The city has invested a huge chunk of money to help them get started. St. George's main campus is in Clarens down by Montreux. So far there are 16 students enrolled. Hopefully it will grow over the next 3 years. We are thrilled with the school and the boys have really enjoyed their first 3 days. They are looking forward to their after school activity on Friday which is Kayaking on the lake.