Various forms of "flying"

Last weekend was considerably action packed in a very good way.  This began early on Friday when all of our department schlepped out to Interlaken for a firmwide event.  This included (of course) the requisite dissemination of information to all employees concerning various work-related topics before our Chief led us to the festival grounds (yes, they were indeed called festival grounds) for the par-tay.  Several months ago, when we were initially informed of this event, they told us that any over-nighters would be granted accomodation in a tent.  Now, I'm sure you are all desperately trying to picture me in a tent and are failing miserably because the odds of this are about as likely as me becoming a nun in Iran.  This did not mean, however, that I was not going to enjoy the party.  It started off in the best way possible - they fed us.  And when I say this, I mean they truly appreciated the concept of providing delicous, succulent, readily available food:  Käsebrötli, chicken schnitzel, Turkish food, sweet and savoury crêpes, bratwurst, salted ham with green beans and fresh potato salad.  I was weeping at the bounty.  Washing it down was just as easy, with a well-stocked open bar for our drinking pleasure. 

We also had a team building activity - create a commerical using a random object (provided) promoting the firm.  Our object was a strainer ("water out, spaghetti stay"), and I must say our team was IN.GEN.IOUS.  The language lover in me was delighted that we even managed to incorporate "Welcome!" in TEN different languages!  Alas, we did not win, but I am trying not to be bitter about that.

The sun went down, the moon rose high, and we all went inside the festival hall for the musical acts.  Several groups had been brought in to play for us, one of which was headed up by the equivalent of a Swiss American Idol.  The band was pretty impressive (picture above right - check him, um I mean it, out).

The best part of any party, though, are the people.  We have the most awesome, rocking group of people in our department, and I'm pretty sure that we fly the highest at all work events (and this is not ONLY because of the open bar).  I have some of the best colleagues the world has to offer.  See how much fun we had?

Saturday, as you can imagine, required some R&R, which I happily did by treating myself to a pedicure (yay for LABOspa).  Sunday, it was off to Jana's for a BBQ and a chance to see the worldfamous

FLUGTAGE DITTINGEN!!!

(Dittingen Airshow)

For those of you unaware, Jana lives in Dittingen, "Weltdorf mit Herz" or "Worldvillage with Heart," with a lovely apartment providing us with a fantastic view of the airshow.  We had gorgeous weather and tons of fantastic food, compliments of Jana & Martin who hosted a slew of us on their back patio.  For those interested, also available were dips in the hot tub.  It was a great opportunity for all of us to gather outside the office with the sig others and friends and enjoy the last days of summer.  It was the perfect weekend.

I ♥ my people!  : )