Samedan and Rumauntsch course

It was a strange, and admittedly sometimes at the beginning a rather sad thing to no longer be in the thick of the camp, but as the days have passed with so many interesting moments and wonderful things to do, I have definitely settled into a more holiday/study mode!

I still have to get up early whilst most in the campsite  sleep, but I eat my breakfast outside in peace and quiet, surrounded by fabulous scenery.

At 8. I hop aboard the little red train to Samedan, the little capital of the region. I love the station, which at only 100 metres from my wine barrel, is the closest toilet from 06.00 to 23.30!  If I get up at night - inevitable- I still enjoy the 100+ metres walk I have. Full moon and mountains silhouetted make the walk the greatest pleasure rather than a chore.mglad I have my merino clothes, as its about 2 degrees at night!

In Samedan it is once again an uphill walk to the school. It seems they never build schools in the valleys - I guess so you are wide awake when you arrive! The views on the path upwards are breathtaking, although I have to admit that stopping to admire the scenery is a cunning plot to recover for the next few bends!

The day starts with an optional singing class, chaunter in Rumauntsch, which I love. The songs are so jolly and singing helps me to understand the rather unusual pronunciation. 

To be honest, the language class is not the greatest because we never speak, but I am super motivated to learn outside the class and am happy with the progress, most of which was made on the second day! Singing to start, class, then a tour of Samedan entirely in Rumauntsch.

What a picturesque place it is with its colourful houses, sgraffiti on the walls ( not graffiti), its flowers and fountains.

I love the intricate network of ladders to allow the cat access to the top floor. I would love to see the training process! Winter must be even more daunting for the poor creatures with ice and snow on the incredibly steep and narrow planks! Glad I am not a local cat! 

The sgraffiti everywhere is intricate and tells a story. I hope to do a sgraffiti workshop next week .

Midday sun casts wonderful shadows, particularly on the wrought iron window coverings and fences.

The restaurants offer some unique food. I enjoyed the most delicious pizza with mozzarella, gorgonzola, pears, honey and walnuts. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. The one I had was a 'small'.

And Man's best friend has its own rather elaborate menu!

The grand finale on Tuesday after singing, lesson and tour in extreme heat, was a cookery class and dinner with a famous skier from the sixties, Dumeng Giovanoli. It was a fantastic evening, although I can't say I would have done well on masterchef. At least Giovanoli found my attempts entertaining!

The first course was my favourite with the tenderest of trout fillets on a wonderful bed of thinly sliced veggies.

I was lucky enough to sit with three patient, very proficient Romauntsch speakers, and could listen to the language all evening, building up confidence with every glass of wine, to speak! Brilliant.
And what an incredible view I had! This second plate was the one I helped with. Fortunately, the mistakesgot covered up by the cheese sauce, and the dish was a great success!

Last but not least was the dessert, which we simply watched being put together. Blueberries, meringue and ice cream, plus a vanilla cream. Yummy!

It is a tiring business being a student again, so I am so grateful that I have such a lovely place to go home to in the evenings. As I sit outside my barrel, I watch the ever-changing cloud patterns. It is heavenly.

I am so lucky to be here. I have great neighbours who keep my food cool for me( I have no fridge) , and who are really friendly.  What a paradise!

More to follow!