Day 19: Training and Market Part I
This day, half of the summer vollies were working and half were not. I worked that day and began the day with morning meeting (as usual). I learned that there was a big market fair in town and this fair only happens twice a year in Adelboden (before summer and before winter). At this fair, all of the farmers come together to decide which land the cows will move up to for the summer time. In the summer, the cows move up into the mountains to graze. Soon, there will be a traditional cow parade where the cows will wear flower head-dresses. I hope to make it to the parade but it is at 5am haha.

For the morning, I cleaned: bathrooms, vacuuming, setting beds...whoo!
Also, Putri departed today which was sad; the first spring vollie to leave :(

After lunch, we had free time until dinner prep at 5pm (dinner officially moved from 6pm to 6:30pm). I decided to venture into town to see the market! Once I got into town, there were stalls lining the main streets. There was a lot more people milling about among the stalls. There were food stalls selling bratwurst, other grilled foods, chocolate and baked goods. There were stalls selling farm equipment, jewelry, honey and my personal favorite: toy stalls. The toy stalls were filled with different candies and toys. I thought it was so cool because most of the fairs I've gone to there are usually not stalls dedicated entirely to toys.

I stopped by the Co-op and wandered around for a bit. I bought some mint tea and body lotion...whoo! Afterwards, I was walking out of Co-op back towards the market stalls when I heard my name! I saw Rihanna, the Assistant Programme Director, walking towards me! I walked with her to a nearby cafe and we sat outside until Karin and Carly (spring vollies) joined us. They were leading the big group on programme today and allowing for the families to explore Adelboden for a bit. I got a delicious chocolate-covered creme puff and we had a good conversation. I learned that in the winter the trains freeze to the tracks in Sweden.

Then Rihanna, Karin and Carly had to leave and while I was walking with them we ran into Steph (another spring vollie)! I then walked with Steph instead and we had a good conversation. It was fun to hang out with some of the spring vollies before they depart (except Carly is working Summer and Karin will be working in the scout world centre in the next valley Kandersteg).

I then began the long hike back up the mountain. Half-way up a van stopped by next to me (I was wearing my uniform for Our Chalet...aka staff shirt, staff vest and navy blue pants) asking me if I wanted a ride to Our Chalet. The woman was showing the guy she was with Our Chalet and gave me a ride....my first time hitch hiking! Wow haha.

Then, I was on kitchen prep and clean-up. During dinner I sat with different guests and got to know them which was fun!