The deep end

I have survived my first two nights working in a German speaking bar. I have found that when Swiss people speak, I have no idea what they are saying. When I ask them to speak high German they look at me with contempt. When they hear me trying to speak high German they ask where I'm from. When I tell them South Africa they ask "How the hell did you end up in Lenk??" Suddenly I'm a topic of interest and any mistakes I might make are instantly forgiven. I can however brag that I'm getting better at this bartending thing. I only sort of want to have a panic attack when a huge group of people walk in, I now know what glasses to serve most drinks in and my manager forgives me when I screw up and takes over when I look terrified! Today is the first day I think I feel slightly normal again, working from 8pm until 4am takes some getting used to but tip for survival, keep busy! When you're constantly moving your body can't think about being tired. Then when bed time comes, well rest has never felt so good!

I have also found out that I will be working for a local festival when that opens. I have no idea who any of the acts are and somehow feel that they will all be quaint local Swiss acts but its in a massive tent (and called Das Zelt!) and I will be watching for free while doling out drinks to happy festival goers.

I have also today managed to find the gondola up the mountain. If you ever do come to Lenk, the gondola is not within walking distance! Taking the bus is strongly advised! I think this is the first ski resort I've worked at where its taken me nearly a week to actually locate the gondola. I will be heading up the mountain for the first time tomorrow. Hopefully it will be my first day off since I've been here. What a wonderful idea, no work for 2 whole days! Slightly more normal sleeping hours and the possibility of 2 full days of skiing!