Our boys ceremonially make sure to visit Olympus Gym every evening. They usually practice their hooping skills and tonight wasn’t any different. Check out these epic pics of the Concha Team balling together!
Which way is he going?
This way? – That way?
It’s a Fanbo Fade-away!!
This year, Concha Blanca and Concha Annexe came alive during our weekly meeting with the spirit of Geneva’s Escalade! Guests gathered to honor the historic victory of 1602, breaking the chocolate marmite—a sweet nod to the tradition of smashing pots to commemorate the Savoyard defeat.
We delved into the story of Mère Royaume, enjoyed Swiss treats, and celebrated unity and resilience in our cozy haven.
La Nuit de l’Escalade – the History and Tradition
A boiling pot of vegetable soup, or so the legend goes, saved Geneva’s religious fate in 1602. The troops of the Catholic Savoyards, led by the Duke of Savoy, launched a surprise attack on Protestant Geneva on a cold night in December that year. Genevans tells the story of Catherine Cheynel, also known as Mère Royaume, whose quick thinking led her to seize, and empty, a large cauldron of boiling hot soup on a group of attackers beneath her window, killing one of them. The resulting commotion alerted the townspeople who successfully defended their city and defeated the Savoyards.
L’Escalade or Fête de l’Escalade is an annual celebration of this historic event, usually held on the night of December 11th, when the original attack was thought to have taken place.
The name refers to the French word for “climb” (escalade), as the Savoyards first had to scale the city wall to get in. The most delicious aspect of the fête, though, is the smashing of the marmite de l’Escalade, a chocolate cauldron embellished with the city’s red and yellow coat of arms. Traditionally, the oldest and the youngest members of the household stand over the marmite (French for “cauldron”), joining hands. With a resounding “Ainsi périrent [or périssent] les ennemis de la République!” (“Thus perished [or perishes] the enemies of the Republic!”), they slam their clasped hands over the cauldron, smashing it.
Tonight, our culinary journey around the world brought us to the vibrant flavors of Thailand. The evening was a feast for the senses, featuring delectable Massaman Chicken, savory Beef Thai Basil, and Shrimp with Vegetables in a rich oyster sauce. To conclude this delightful experience, we indulged in a Roll of Coconut Rice Pudding, a sweet and creamy treat that perfectly captured the essence of Thai desserts. This flavorful adventure transported us straight to the heart of Thailand, showcasing the rich traditions of its renowned cuisine.
Dear Emir,
We wish you a very Happy Birthday! 🎂🎁
You are a wonderful part of our community, and we hope this year brings you joy, success, and all the best things in life. May everyone around you see the amazing person you truly are in every moment.
Wishing you the best today and always!
Warm regards,
The Concha Team
We all know the Christmasy feeling arrived at the Concha Boarding House last week, setting up the Christmas tree and all the decorations around the house. This week, the students channeled their creativity into building gingerbread houses for a Boarding competition.
The kids were buzzing with excitement as gingerbread walls were carefully assembled. They also decorated the house adding that “Concha touch” that could make it characteristic and different from the rest. They were very involved, which is truly inspiring.
While we don’t know the winner just yet, the judges are hard at work making their decision. Every gingerbread masterpiece deserves recognition, and the suspense is building as we wait to find out who will take home the title of Gingerbread Champion
Firdavs didn’t know where to start from! 😮💨
Kike was really into it 😎
Nathan adding his personal touches to the house 👏🏻
Eduardo and Javi working as a team!
Look at this beauty! 🥹
Concha’s Gingerbread House and some of the other house’s. Which one is your favourite? (We know your answer already 🤩)
Yesterday, our kids had the opportunity to visit the Christmas Market in Montreux. Some of them were already there the week before and wanted to go again to show their friends around.
Firdavs, who knows the city and the market itself really well, was the perfect tourist guide for the others. He showed them the best stands and restaurants in town to have an unforgettable Christmasy meal together.
The kids really enjoyed walking around the Market, exploring and discovering crafts, Swiss and other international flavours and witnessing the lights show! Although it was a bit crowded due to its growing popularity, the kids found it really enriching and it is a good way for them to get to know more about they country they are currently studying in! 🇨🇭
Look at this duo! 💪🏻
Zhengtai has amazing photography skills! 😱📸
The Christmas Market was busy! 🎄
Bon Appétit! 🍴
Every December, the streets of Geneva come alive with the Escalade, a cherished tradition celebrating the city’s victorious defense against invaders in 1602. For our students, participating in this historic event is both an adventure and a cultural immersion.
Decked out in medieval costumes, students parade through Geneva’s old town, blending with locals and tourists in a jubilant atmosphere. The event culminates in the Escalade Race, where individuals and teams dash through the narrow cobblestone streets, cheered on by enthusiastic crowds. Boarding and Day students often take on the challenge, forming teams to compete in the spirit of camaraderie and fun.
Beyond the race, they learn the story of La Mère Royaume, the heroine of the Escalade. For Concha’s boys, it’s more than just an event; it’s an unforgettable experience that ties them to Geneva’s rich heritage.
Another great Saturday morning at the climbing gym filled with great energy. After a gentle warm-up, our boys were eager to climb and get on the wall.
Quique is showing that he can keep up with the others as he moves up to another grade of climbing difficulty. Firdavs had fun swinging from the top when he completed his climbs. João was once again relentless and his determination is admirable, his arms will most definitely be sore later on today. Rodrigo’s cool and calm style of climbing is a joy to watch, he’s a natural and his flow is something special.
We hope to see these boys more often in the Climbing Club because, separately they are all good climbers but seeing them work together today as team can only lead to greater success. Awesome stuff lads!
Quique battling with the top of this boulder problem.
Fist bump for Firdavs
A face-off between João and his nemisis!
Rodrigo’s posing while climbing – too easy!
Tonight, Concha transformed into a vibrant Greek taverna, bringing everyone together for an unforgettable evening. The boys gathered around long, communal tables, the air buzzing with excitement and the irresistible aroma of Mediterranean cuisine.
The feast began with a spread of warm pita bread, tzatziki, and olives, followed by plates of fresh Greek salads topped with tangy feta. The main course was the highlight of the night: perfectly grilled beef meat, dishes so delicious that seconds were inevitable.
As laughter and conversation filled the room, the evening became even more festive with the sounds of traditional Greek music. A few students even ventured into a playful attempt at the sirtaki, their enthusiasm making up for any missteps.
By the end of the night, everyone left the table with full bellies and even fuller hearts, grateful for a shared experience that brought a taste of Greece to the heart of their home.
