Swiss memories

Happy Swiss National day!

Five times on this date (Aug. 1) I have been awakened by a canon at daybreak celebrating Switzerland's cantons coming together to form a nation. Apparently, most municipalities celebrate with a canon shot at dawn and fireworks and parties after dark.

Working summer school at Leysin American School in Switzerland was an amazing experience. Each time, I was able to bring back a few small, inexpensive souvenirs and lots and lots ofy photographs. Teaching photography was my job there, so getting pictures of students dancing at school-sponsored discos, the weekend excursions, and tons of activities took up most of my days. Editing and compiling those photos often took me far into the night.

The Dents du Midi, c. 2008

Almost everywhere on campus has a view of the Alps, specifically Dents du Midi ("middle teeth"). We never got tired of the view; the mountains are different every time you look.

I have enjoyed seeing friends' photos this summer -- from Wisconsin, Iceland, Dublin, Edinburgh, and Greece, to name a few. I hope we all can take some time to get these precious photos down from the cloud and into archival albums or onto our walls. They are the best souvenirs!