VAS Magazine 2015.1

Page 1


VAS remember:

Holi Montreux


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contents Freshman 15 by: Natascha Lau

Amazing cities you can’t miss by: sofie kansmark

You know you’re in glion .. by: marcus Siggelow

End of season ski review by: Maurits van doorme

Long distance relationship The cooking club by: Ludovica polotti

The carribean treasure by: irena vergara

4 steps to pass your resit by: marcus siggelow

You reap is what you sow by: georgina boden

06 10 11 12

14 15 16


5 tips on how to ovecome

FRESHMAN 15

By: Natascha lau

For those of you who don’t know, the “Freshman 15” is an American theory that new college students will gain 15 pounds (about 7 kilograms) by the end of their freshman year. Some believe that this phenomenon is just a myth; but let me assure you that the Freshman 15 is not a myth. Just think of the millions of Red Bull™ vodkas that we down at BP. Combine that with the 3AM walks of shame we take to the closest kebab shop and you’ll soon realize that the Freshman 15 could strike at any given moment. Before you know it you’ll be scrolling through your old high school pictures and thinking to yourself, “Oh my god…I was so skinny!” Yes, you were a lot skinnier, but

lucky for you we’ve taken this opportunity to write a guide that will help you to avoid being a victim of the Freshman 15. Although 15 pounds seems a little farfetched, but considering the fact that we live in Switzerland, the land of cheese and chocolate, a little weight gain is inevitable. So what can we do to avoid it? We’ve taken the liberty of sharing a few useful tips with you to help you avoid your backside looking like Kim Kardashian’s. Whether you think that’s a good or bad thing, is up to you. Tip 1: Identify the problem! If you’re hoarding coins to use

on the vending machine, or if you have already befriended the guy working at the kebab shop, you may want to buckle up because it’s going to be a bumpy ride. If you’re eating habits are no longer similar to when you had parental supervision, you’re in trouble. Lucky for you, the first step is to identify the problem, so do yourself a favor and take Jazz Pizza off your speed dial. Tip 2: Avoid drunken binge eating I think we can all agree that eating when you’re drunk is one of the most heavenly experiences imaginable, but unfortunately it comes with a hefty price tag. Drunken snacking is one of the biggest supporting factors of the Freshman 15. Your metabolism has been proven to


slow down during the night. If you were to combine the amount of calories in that magnum bottle that you’ve been downing all night, with the calories from the sandwich you got at BP’s panini machine, it all adds up to a mound of next-morning-regret that can really weigh you down. Just remember, nothing good ever happens after 2AM, and we’re sure that your summer body would agree. Tip 3: Exercise We know we’re stating the obvious, but we also know that for some of you the most exercise you’ll get during your time here at Glion is moving the fork from the plate to your mouth. Bad idea! Although it’s the best way to avoid weight gain, exercising doesn’t always mean hitting the gym, because as we all know, it’s pretty difficult to find the time to get a full work out in. Dear Glion Students, If you haven’t realized already, our school is situated on an awfully steep hill, so spare yourself the fight for a seat on the shuttle bus and walk to your compulsory lunch at HAD; because we all know it’s the little things that count. Warm Regards, Captain Obvious

Tip 4: The “Two-Thirds Rule” The two-thirds rule is something that we feel needs to be taken into consideration while navigating through Bellevue. It consists of reserving two thirds of your plate for vegetables, fruits, and grains (the main elements that you need to keep a healthy and balanced diet), while also re-

It’s as simple as that. The body takes about 20 minutes to process the fact that your stomach is full, therefore more often than not, you’re probably eating more than you actually need to. Boys, If you have to unbutton your pants during your meal at Bellevue, you’re done. Girls, If your stocking involuntarily rolls down your belly during your meal, you’re done. The time to stop eating is not when your poor stomach has been packed to capacity, it’s when you’re not hungry anymore.

serving one third of your plate for the good stuff. That way you’re not completely disregarding the foods you love! It’s a simple and very useful way to control your diet. Tip 5: Know when you’ve had enough For some, a meal may not be over until you have gone for seconds at the dessert station. Wrong! You need to be in control your food intake.

Hopefully this short article has taught you a little more about how to minimize your weight gain here at Glion. If you take our advice and stick to these tips, you won’t have to worry about no longer fitting into your favorite pair of jeans. We hope the next time you’re calling the waiter in HDA for another bread roll, that you’ll think again. Just remember, “A moment on the lips, forever on the hips.”


Amazing cities you can’t miss during summer break

Summer is finally here and some of us are going for internships and some of us are just going to have a lot of free time. Even if you will be busy, there is always time to enjoy, have fun and explore the world. If you are the person who loves to travel and to find new golden spots, this might catch your interest.

To experience the ultimate vacation of your dreams with relaxation there are a lot of great tips to look for on Internet. However, instead of spending more and more time behind your phone or laptop, VAS will bring you some of the best tips and you will be able to get a mix of sunbathing, culture and of course our amazing nature right away from this article. There are a lot of spectacular places created by the power of nature but sadly Instead of booking your summer trip to Barcelona, some of them are getting destroyed day Paris or another big city, why not book it to a by day and that is why I highly recomsmaller and more unique city? mend you to take your time to travel as much as you can and of course to visit When it comes to travel within Europe, these cities. You can find my personal you can find some of the world’s most tips of things to do and my favorite respopular cities here. There is always taurants. something that makes our favorite cities special. It might be the atmosphere, the lovely landscape or the tourist attractions.


Cassis France

The French Riviera offers the most luxurious vacations in Europe and it is a favorite destination for many people. The French culture is famous for its’ food and wine and many people travel here just to experience it. If you are looking for something smaller and with more charm, I clearly recommend you to go to Cassis. This small town is one of my favorites and I have been visiting it since I was a little girl. You find this little pearl between

Nice and Marseille. With the Riviera around the corner, you will for sure enjoy the amazing Cote de Azur and the warm climate. Cassis is also surrounded with a bunch of vineyards where you can find tasty local wines. The town is very small but because of its charm you will for sure return back. Small beaches with lovely cafes and restaurant among the harbor, just with that French touch. Enjoy a bottle of wine and Moule-frites.

My restaurant tip: Restaurant Le Bonaparte Typical French food and the owner, Bonaparte himself, is an old French man with a lot of humor. I recommend this small restaurant you can find in one of Cassis alleys. My tip of things to do: Because of the vineyards around the city you can find many wine tastings for a good price. Take the boat out to the famous calanques de Cassis, truly amazing!! The boat will stop and you can enjoy your day at the true Riviera.


Portofino

Italy

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icture friendly, beautiful nature and amazing beaches. Italy has trips for everyone. This shoe lookalike country have it all and of course that little extra, the Italian cuisine. It is no doubt that the Italian food will make your semester even better. Italy has a lot of spectacular places to visit but in Portofino you can find some special and extraordinary spots. Even if the city is extremely

expensive, it is worth the money. Portofino has a lot of history in the luggage and the city is a fishing village. It is famous for its’ beautiful harbor. Many celebrities visits the city and it might also be some tourist but if you are looking for someplace to have a good time and enjoy food, wine and the view, this is the place to go. After a long walk around the city you can find restaurants that are super small without any tourists. My restaurant tip: Winterrose Wine Bar This small bar is located with a waterside view to die for. It has a fantastic view of Portofino Harbor. The atmos-

phere is excellent and the owner of the bar makes the guest feel like home. A great place to watch people and boats go by. Amazing wine and local products! My tip of things to do: Portofino has an amazing history and if you like to walk you should go here. You can explore the tiny bay of San Fruttuoso, where a Benedictine abbey was built in the eighth century. If you can’t handle the two-hour walk from Portofino, there are regular ferries going to the abbey. The abbey’s inwardness and composure is fascinating amid such a roar of nature.


nature is in S candinavia’s general very beautiful and breathtaking. You don’t go to Sognefjord if you want to shop or enjoy sunbathing. You go here to see how amazing our mother nature is. Sognefjord is Norway’s longest and deepest fjord and it extends more that 200 inland to the foot of the Jotunheimen Mountains. This area is said to be one of the most beautiful travel destinations in the world, which you can’t miss. The fjords of Norway are an extraordinary way to experience the magnificent fjords. There are a lot of different fjords but the easiest way to get to Sognefjord is from Bergen. The spectacular nature will be breathtaking for you. It depends on the season but here are a lot of activities to do, if you like doing activities outdoor. You can go for different journeys through the fjords, mountains, valleys and glaciers. Hiking, skiing, summer skiing, cycling

and hiking in the mountains. In the valleys you can go for kayaking, rafting and have course take the cruises and just enjoy the view. If you are a fan of nature and beautiful mountains and fjords, you need to go here. Also, if you have the time I highly recommend going further up in Norway where you might have the chance to see The Nordic Light.

While you are enjoying your food you have the amazing view over the fjord at the same time. My tips of things to do: Even if you like hiking, skiing or kayaking, I highly recommend buying a ticket for one of the cruises. This is truly amazing and you can just sit down and relax while you actually experiences one of the world’s most beautiful places.

My restaurant tip: Fretheim Hotel This historical hotel is located in the end of the Sognefjord. In the restaurant of the hotel you can enjoy a fantastic meal. Have a taste of food from the surrounding nature and it is also prepare in the good old way with homemade organic specialties.

Sognefjord

Norway


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END OF 2 season Ski review by: Maurits van doorn

Verbier, Switzerland + 50 min drive or 2 hours of train ride from Glion + 412 km of slopes, advanced ski area, great off-piste - Limited car park available Gstaad, Switzerland + 60 min drive from Glion + 220 km of slopes and beginners ski area - Long waiting line for chairlifts

3

Portes du Soleil, Switzerland/France + 40 min drive from Glion + Biggest ski resort in Europe with 650 km of slopes - Slow chairlifts and bad off-piste

4

Chamonix, France + Easy to reach by car + 115 km of slopes with a great village atmosphere - Small ski area, short slopes and slow lifts


I need you. now.


long distance relationship I wrap myself in my blanket, And pretend that its your arms, Because maybe if you were here, Things wouldn’t be so hard. I rest my head on my pillow, And pretend that it your chest, Because maybe if you were here, My heart would ache less. I close my eyes and sigh, And pretend these miles don’t exist, Because they overwhelm me Completely, All I want is to feel your kiss


the carribean treasure by: Irene vergara

n occasion that leads millions of

A people to wait an entire year for

only two days, painting the streets with colors, music and pure bliss, a complete outsider would stand in awe at one of the richest cultural festivals in the world; Trinidad and Tobago’s joyous Carnival. After only four years living on these tiny islands in the Caribbean, I can call Port of Spain, the capital of Trinidad, my second home. Here, on the happiest island in the Caribbean, there is never a dull moment, as you immerse yourself in the joyous spirits of the local people.

A universal question that all masqueraders can ask themselves throughout this two-day extravaganza is, “Where have all these gorgeous women and fit men been all year?!”

After seeing and experiencing Carnival, I became familiar with what is known in the West Indies as “Tabanca”. Have you ever felt a deeply rooted craving and insatiable desire, for someone or something? A sense of hopelessness that consumes your mind, and embodies itself in the form of painful misery, leaving you in the fetal position on your bed feeling completely helpless? Well, maybe I’m over exaggerating, but

you can see what I’m trying to get at. Tabanca has been described as the sensation that masqueraders from around the world feel after leaving this phenomenal occasion. Becoming part of the masqueraders in Harts Band has been one of the best experiences of my life, perfectly described in songs as a feeling of being possessed by euphoria. The sights, the sounds, the music and the atmosphere, are something that really need to be seen and heard to be believed. Carnival gives you the chance to free yourself from preconceived notions; to free yourself from the fear of society’s judgmental gaze. It only asks that you leave your inhibitions at home and truly enjoy the frenzy of the moment. If there was ever a time and place to parade the streets in a bejeweled bi-


kini, Carnival is most certainly it.

parade the streets with pride.

Coming to this place for the first time, you might get the impression that here in the Caribbean, sexy people are growing on trees. A universal question that all masqueraders can ask themselves throughout this two-day extravaganza is, “Where have all these gorgeous women and fit men been all year?!” Carnival offers nothing but the finest specimens of both sexes, and in the Savannah (the biggest roundabout in the world), for two days of the year, the world’s greatest musicians share their gifts with all who will listen. At

Every sense is heightened, and you can’t help but become acutely aware of the sights of the locals smiling, the smell of rum in the air, the touch of the sun on your skin and the “Soca” tunes that fill the streets. Even though you are surrounded by complete strangers, you know that you are united by the same feeling of euphoria and love for the twin islands. People no longer have skin colors, there’s no such thing as politics or crime, and classism becomes nothing but a hollow concept. Walking down the street in our outrageous costumes, you melt into a sea of colorful people from different socioeconomic backgrounds, nationalities and races, into one huge family. Where: Trinidad and Tobago When: February 8-9th 2016

this time of year, we take a moment to say thanks to all those gyms that keep their doors open 24/7, for letting all these beautiful men and women spend the other 363 days of the year in them. The city is littered with people wearing costumes so outrageously decorative, that they would leave Rio de Janeiro green with jealousy. It all starts in anticipation of “Band Launch”, with pageantries that showcase an explosion of colorful feathered headpieces and thin dresses that flow graciously in the cool ocean breeze. From the moment you finally decide which costume to wear the excitement only intensifies, to the moment where you adorn yourself with feathers and

Unfortunately, I can only describe to you the feelings, sensations and memories of being a part of this extraordinary annual event. It’s something that you will never truly understand without experiencing it for yourself. Will this orgy of Soca, rum and sun be everything you expect from the West Indian Islands? Have I been exaggerating all this time; with this wild tale of 24-hour-bacchanal? Are Trinis really the original party animals, ready to drink, dance and ‘chip’ (a street dance that Trinidadians do to music), from dusk till dawn, and on and on, day after day? Are you really going to have the best time of your life? Why don’t you go find out for yourself? Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival 2016 is waiting for you.


4 steps to

Pass your

Resits

1 2 STUDY

There is no way to get around it, no matter how little time or motivation you have. To study is a must to even consider passing any exams. Make sure you know what the teacher is asking for, how to find the answer and why. Remember: The harder you work, the luckier you will get.

3

EAT

The brain is like any other part of the body, it needs energy to function properly. Look at yourself and your brain as a athlete before a long run. Fill up your body with slow calories and whole grain rather than sugar and white bread. Skip energy drinks or coffee, you will only risk having a energy dip in the middle of the exam.

SLEEP

No brain works without a good nights sleep, not even the smartest one. Reconsider and decide, will I learn anythin the last two hours or should I prioritize having a awake and functioning brain on the exam day.

4

READ CAREFULLY

No teacher want you to fail and most teacher avoid confusing you with the questions. Yet, most mistakes are made simply cause the question was not read carefully. Make sure you understand what the teacher asks for. If you dont - Ask.



What you

sow Is wh R By: Georgina Boden

something new can be odd. S tarting We change so much over such a small period of time. Uncertainty can be very unsettling. Not knowing who one is can also be quite daunting, but trying to be somebody you’re not is foolish as invariably you will be found out! Stop being afraid of the unknown, grab the opportunity by ploughing your own furrow and create your own path. You have all the power and are fortunate because you have the network of resources at your disposal. You have many choices as to what you make of your life but you must always be yourself in that respect you have no choice! I was always being told the world is your oyster and you have many choices, the secret of course is in order to take advantage of the world being your oyster is to be able to realise what the choices are and make the right decision when making that choice which may influence your life in ten or twenty years time –

that’s the most difficult thing to achieve when one is so young and inexperienced! There are many things, which can influence our lives. Sometimes life can be quite difficult but as one gets older one starts to get a sense of perspective. Life’s difficulties are all relative and unless you are extremely unfortunate there is usually someone out there whose having a tougher time than you – keep it all in perspective. Helping others in whatever capacity is a wonderful way of achieving that sense of perspective and indeed helping others can give you a great sense of purpose because it’s the right thing to do. We are all moved in different ways but it’s important to handle life’s challenges head on and always expect the unexpected, and deal with it! The backing and support of the family is paramount, a situation from which not


hat you REAP everyone has the benefit. A parent’s love is unconditional whereas it is rare to find friends whose affection and love is on the same level. That is why having a few very close friends is more fulfilling and who can be relied upon to help and support you we you need it is so much more fulfilling and profound than scores of people who call themselves friends. Choosing the right people in your life wisely is crucial to being fulfilled and happy – not an easy thing to do. When you’re feeling low or sorry for yourself just consider that usually there is someone who worse of than you – get that sense of perspective, enjoy that lovely sunny day or the fact that you may not be rich but you have your health and the opportunity, think overtly not inwardly – think of others but make sure you keep that sense of perspective and don’t have any regrets; learn from the mistakes you have made, move on and

try not to make them again! Always listen than talk, we have two ears and one mouth, use them in that proportion! A sugary tongue is better than a vinegary one, it will take you further! Kindness and thoughtfulness usually brings respect; people will look up to you, will aspire to be like you, not through envy or jealousy but simply they’d want to take a leaf out of your book and learn from, eventually they will realize how rewarding it is to have this kindness shown to them and hopefully return it in spades. I do hope for those who read this it will provide food for thought, help with your fears of being unsure and give you the confidence to be yourself, consider the less fortunate and hopefully give you a sense of perspective. Life is difficult a lot of the time but by keeping that sense of perspective and grabbing those opportunities, treating your fellow man as


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