This summer, Upper School French teacher Milagros Chiri-Zapata traveled to Switzerland as part of Tatnall's Faculty Grant Program and shared reflections of a trip that warmed her heart and returned her to Delaware feeling re-energized about her passion for igniting curiosity about the world within her students.
In Milagros's words:
I spent ten days immersing myself in Switzerland's multilingual culture, and the journey truly exceeded my expectations. I started in Vevey, where the stunning views of Lake Geneva and the town's charming atmosphere instantly drew me in. Strolling along the promenade near Chaplin's World with the lake as a backdrop felt almost surreal. I also explored the old town, popping into bookstores and striking up conversations with locals about books, films, and food. The warmth and willingness of people to help when I had questions or got a little lost made each interaction feel genuine and memorable.
The Montreux Jazz Festival was an absolute highlight. The variety of music was incredible—everything from jazz to genres I wasn't expecting, offering everyone the chance to explore different musical styles. Along the shores of Lake Geneva, musicians played and engaged passersby, creating a lively yet touching atmosphere. It was heartwarming to see people of all ages enjoying the experience together, with a mix of American tourists and artists adding to the vibrant crowd.
A true gem of Montreux was Chillon Castle. Visiting the castle gave me a fascinating glimpse into Swiss history and the legacy of the Counts of Savoy, deepening my appreciation for the region. The castle's strategic location on a rocky island and its well-preserved medieval architecture added to its impressive history, including serving as a fortress, residence, and even a prison. The walk from the festival to Chillon Castle along the lakeside promenade was spectacular, with stunning views all the way. It was also quite something to see people swimming by the castle's ancient walls! I even took the opportunity to swim after visiting the castle.
Lausanne was another incredible stop. The city's architecture was striking, especially the cathedral, the old town, the port, and the Olympic Museum. The museum was an unexpected treat, especially with the Games about to begin—it really brought the history and spirit of the Olympics to life. The interactive art displayed outside the museum celebrated the diversity of sports and added a fun, dynamic element to the visit.
And then there were the Swiss Alps, which took my breath away. Hiking in places like Schynige Platte, Männlichen, and Wengen felt like stepping into a dream. Switzerland's transportation system made moving between these stunning locations seamless, and I loved hearing different languages depending on the canton. Even in primarily German-speaking areas like Bern, I was able to use French and connect with people, which added even more depth to the experience.
This trip wasn't just my first visit to Switzerland; it was also my first time using Tatnall's travel grant, and I couldn't be more thankful. Experiencing multilingualism at this level reinforced my commitment to inspiring my students to keep learning languages and to remain curious about the world.
