Zermatt | a work retreat
Back when I first took this job, one of the pieces that I clung to as a real “seal the deal” excitement-creator was the promise of a group work retreat to somewhere beautiful in Switzerland. More than a paid-for-excursion, this trip held promise of a work culture filled with “can-do” attitude rather than scarcity mindset, a change I was craving on every level.
Funny, I suppose, that by the time the retreat came up on the calendar it was I who needed the “can-do” spirit infusion more than perhaps anyone else. I was so deeply drained from a roaring first few weeks on the job that I could barely muster energy to pack my bags. Our first real Swiss adventure, and I was completely toasted!
Luckily, a benevolent human took me under her wing for a long and emotionally supportive drive from Leysin to Visp, where we caught the train to Zermatt (a carless city). If there’s one thing I’ve felt particularly grateful for at work these past few weeks, it’s the tremendous kindness and support of the women around me. They are magnificent, and I am so lucky to learn from them and work beside them.
Our Zermatt hotel room, a little slice of luxury, featuring an underground saltwater spa and the ever-present European double-single-bed. Plus, Freddy had survived his treacherous overnight hike and managed to make his way to join us for a delightful dinner out at a nearby Italian restaurant. And yes, we found hugos!
A long, delicious evening of cocktails, wine and chatter later, we wrapped ourselves into bed and prepared for an eventful workday ahead. Monday, we strategized and simmered, then headed out in pairs for afternoon walk-around brainstorming sessions. Up the mountain we went, taking in the sights (and another delicious alpine meal) along the way.
Tuesday morning I crunched a few articles for an upcoming deadline while Freddy headed out to get in some photography and videography practice, then we all swept back to the train, then to the car for the 2 and a bit hour journey home to Leysin.
A whirlwind first adventure to another section of Switzerland (and I didn’t even mention how strange it was to switch to German after the past few weeks mumbling through with our French!).
Love from Leysin,
sbmc
