preparation

As I've been getting over jet lag and various other stuff in the past week, I've been working my way through the preparatory materials CPT sent me, to read before the training which starts in three days. I'm not finished, by any means, so it's good that we have a quiet Christmas planned.

I'm going to make a tourtière for tonight, and a lemon cranberry loaf, and we'll decide tomorrow what we'll make for tomorrow. We have a fridge full of food, including some amazing cheese and two kinds of Christmas cookies. We're aiming for simple, i.e. not much time in the kitchen, so we can kick back, relax, read, think, etc.

If you have a few minutes for some reading and thinking of your own, may I suggest this sermon by Martin Luther King, "Loving Your Enemies", delivered 50 years ago. It made me realize how far short I fall, and yet reinforced my decision to do the training and learn more about non-violent action and conflict management.

"Time is cluttered with the wreckage of communities which surrendered to hatred and violence. For the salvation of our nation and the salvation of mankind, we must follow another way."

Have a peaceful and joyous Christmas, everyone.

still more trip photos

Have received preparatory readings for the CPT training, am saving them for the flight home on Monday. Switzerland is in a major drama because Blocher got voted out of the Bundesrat and a woman got voted in. Some are in mourning, some are rejoicing. Fear of immigrants (especially non-whites) is a big thing in some parts of the population. OK, they actually have dialect variations between Bern and Basel, a 45-minute train ride apart, so differences of all kinds are nicely preserved because they're cherished. As Obelix says in Egypt, "C'est une autre culture."

Have a look at the Zentrum Paul Klee in Bern, where we had a lovely visit today.

Have a look at some more photos:
Life in Les Montants

Excursions in the French Alps

Basel Visit Dec.7-17

more trip photos

- weekend in Basel
- week two in Taninges

Sorry, no deep thoughts. Too busy working, gazing at the scenery, and visiting with Ed, Jane, and their neighbour Ida. Might have some deep thoughts soon.