Thursday evenings are becoming a joyful tradition in our house—music, singing, and dancing after showers and just before bedtime. Tonight, we turned our home into a mini concert hall! Everyone chose a song, with performances in English, Chinese, French, and more. Some sang, some danced, and some did both. It was a fun way to discover new music, learn about each other’s cultures and personalities, and share laughter through the rhythm of our shared moments.
Author Archives: ikermato
Europa Park with Luca and Yaroslav
Dear all,
This past weekend, two of our boarders, Luca and Yaroslav, set off on an exciting trip to Europa Park, one of Europe’s most beloved theme parks. From thrilling roller coasters to immersive themed areas, they made the most of every moment.
The journey began with plenty of anticipation, and Europa Park did not disappoint. Whether it was soaring through the air on Silver Star or exploring the magical corners of the park’s different European-themed zones, the weekend was packed with laughter, adrenaline, and unforgettable memories.
Beyond the rides, they enjoyed delicious food, lively entertainment, and the chance to unwind and bond outside of school life. It was a well-deserved break and a great way to recharge before the busy weeks ahead.
We’re so glad they had a fantastic time—and we’re already looking forward to hearing more stories from their adventure!
The CDB Team
A Weekend Full of Fun and Flavors
This weekend was packed with energy and variety for everyone! Some of us got creative in the kitchen, baking a delicious mango and coconut crumble that filled the house with sweet, tropical aromas. Others took to the courts for tennis, danced it out in hip hop, or got moving with boxing. For those who preferred a more relaxed pace, cinema club offered the perfect escape.
On Saturday afternoon, we headed into Geneva to soak up the sunshine. With Starbucks cups in hand—some with coffee, others with tea, but most of us couldn’t resist something pumpkin spice to welcome autumn—we strolled through the city. Shopping at Globus and Manor was a highlight, and since it was a friend’s birthday, a few of us found the perfect present to celebrate her special day.
Cozy Weekend: Monopoly and Muffins
While some boys were out enjoying their activities, others stayed in and made the most of a quiet weekend at home. Saturday morning kicked off with a lively game of Monopoly—always a fun way to spark a little friendly competition, with everyone eager to buy, trade, and build their way to victory.
On Sunday morning, we switched gears and baked a fresh batch of pumpkin spice muffins, filling the house with the warm aroma of autumn. We couldn’t resist sharing the muffins with our friends from Terray 27, making the weekend even sweeter.
It was a simple, relaxing time—just good company, tasty treats, and plenty of laughter.
Saturday Night at Terray 27: Dumplings, Cake, and “WALL·E”
This Saturday night, Terray 27 was filled with laughter, delicious food, and a touch of movie magic. After dinner, we gathered together and kicked off the evening with some homemade dumplings—steaming, tasty, and made with care. The table was soon covered with cake and sweets, making sure everyone had something to satisfy their sweet tooth.
Once we were all happily full, we settled in to watch “WALL·E.” The cozy atmosphere, good company, and heartwarming film made for a perfect end to the week.
Karaoke Night in CDB
Tonight turned into an unexpected karaoke night, and it was honestly one of the best moments of the day. It all started when one of the boys began singing Take Me Home, Country Roads after showering, and before we knew it, we were all downstairs in the living room singing and dancing to songs from Frozen, Kpop Demon Hunters, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Fools Garden, and even High School Musical. Just pure fun, laughter, and great vibes all around.
Exploring Lausanne on Jeûne Genevois
Today was Jeûne Genevois, a public holiday in the canton of Geneva. Since schools and many businesses were closed, our boarding group took the opportunity to spend the day in Lausanne, a beautiful city by Lake Geneva.
We started by walking around the city, exploring shops and enjoying the lively atmosphere. Some of us bought clothes, others tried different foods, and of course, we made a stop at Starbucks for a treat. Lausanne has a great mix of modern stores and charming streets, so there was something for everyone.
One of the highlights of the day was visiting the Olympic Museum. Lausanne is known as the Olympic Capital, because it’s home to the International Olympic Committee. The museum is full of fascinating exhibits about the history of the Olympic Games, famous athletes, and the values of sportsmanship. For some of us, it was a return visit, but for others, it was the first time—and definitely memorable!
We ended the day with more shopping, relaxing on terraces, and enjoying the stunning views from the Cathedral terrace. Yaroslav and Andrei even went up there to take in the scenery. It was a peaceful and fun way to wrap up the day.
What Is Jeûne Genevois?
Jeûne Genevois means “Geneva Fast” in French. It’s a special day in Geneva where people used to stop eating for a while to think, pray, and remember important events. It started a long time ago, in 1567, when Geneva was part of the Protestant Reformation—a time when many people in Europe were changing how they practiced religion.
The first Jeûne Genevois was held to support Protestants in France who were being treated badly. Later, in 1572, something very sad happened: thousands of Protestants called Huguenots were killed in France during the St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre. Geneva held another fast to remember them, and this became a tradition every year 1 2 3.
Today, most people don’t fast anymore, but the day is still a public holiday. Many families in Geneva eat a plum tart (called tarte aux pruneaux) on this day. It’s a sweet tradition that has become part of the local culture.
A Surprise Under the Moonlight: Witnessing the Lunar Eclipse
At 20:40 tonight, just as we were winding down and getting ready for bed, Mr. Ricardo called us all out. With shoes quickly slipped on and sleepy eyes turning curious, we gathered on the balcony to witness something magical—a glimpse of the lunar eclipse unfolding above us.
The Moon, partially cloaked in Earth’s shadow, glowed with a mysterious beauty. It was quiet, cool, and absolutely mesmerizing. For a few minutes, we stood together, gazing up in awe, sharing this unexpected celestial treat.
After such a joyful weekend filled with laughter, connection, and good memories, this moment felt like the perfect ending—the cherry on top of it all.
Mountain Weekend in Leysin – A Memorable Start to the Year
This weekend, our boys embarked on their first mountain adventure of the year in the beautiful alpine town of Leysin. The excitement was palpable as we arrived on Friday evening, settled into camp, and shared a hearty dinner together. To kick off the weekend, we ventured into the forest for a magical torch-lit walk, surrounded by nature and the quiet of the mountains.
Saturday was all about embracing the outdoors. After breakfast, we took the gondola up to Berneuse, the summit offering breathtaking views that set the tone for the day. Our hike was filled with fun and creativity—games like cat and mouse, sketching our favourite views, and playing splat kept spirits high as we made our way through the trails. We stopped for a well-deserved lunch at the Refuge de Mayen, and after a long but rewarding walk, we returned to camp, proud and tired. These boys truly proved themselves to be super hikers!
The evening brought a cozy change of pace. After some rest and dinner, we gathered around a campfire, sharing stories, laughter, and of course, roasting marshmallows—a sweet treat to end a perfect day.
Sunday morning was relaxed and creative. After a good night’s sleep, the group split into two: some boys explored Land Art, crafting beautiful pieces from natural materials, while others joined in sporty activities, showing that even after a full day of hiking, they still had energy to burn!
As we packed up and headed back to the boarding house, there was a shared sense of accomplishment and joy. Leysin gave us a weekend full of adventure, bonding, and unforgettable memories. Now, it’s time to recharge and get ready for the school week ahead.
First cooking class in CDB: Italian pasta by Yaroslav and Riccardo
This evening, Riccardo and Yaroslav took over the kitchen to prepare a delicious pasta dish. It wasn’t just about cooking—it was a full Italian experience! With Italian music playing in the background, they learned about the different cooking times for various types of pasta, how a proper Italian boils it to perfection, and what makes a great sauce.
Riccardo was ready to go all in with the sauce, but Yaroslav preferred to keep things simple and went for plain pasta this time. Still, the result was tasty, and we all enjoyed the cozy atmosphere, the music, and the shared laughs around the table.
Let’s see what culinary adventure they’ll take us on next!