Lee Lee's Adventures Post-Nannyland: Introduction

a) I am not naturally inclined towards children
b) My child rearing skills are limited to an undergraduate course in applied behavioral psychology and the dog whisperer.
c) I have a masters degree in international business administration.

That being said, we can easily establish that I am overeducated and under-qualified.
But who am I to complain? After all, this stint in Nanny-land has plucked me out of the daily drone of American life, into Switzerland and soon enough, South Africa. This is an opportunity I have waited years for and arriving just when I completed my masters degree in international business, I could not resist.

The past four months, anticipation sat on my shoulder like Christmas day for a 6 year old in the suburbs.

I am nannying for my sister Stephanie's family composed of her husband Andreas, their two year old daughter Amelie Sarah Rae and their two month old son Laurent Alexander. Two dogs call this family their own- Tara and Braska. They live in Bern, Switzerland and keep a house in Capetown, South Africa. I will be accompanying them on their exile from the harsh Swiss winter to the sunny summer in Capetown.

The residence was built in the 1920s and is located in a suburb of Bern. Its typical swiss style with white plaster, green shutters and carved wooden balconies. Its located on a hill overlooking a field with sheep, cows and horses, train tracks, and the forest. The house is three stories plus basement with a wine tasting bar in the attic (they import SA wines), A master bedroom, the kids room, the office and the nursery on the 2 floor. My room overlooks the hillside and opens onto the uber cute balcony. The house also boasts a jewelry studio, wine cellar, sauna, and guest bedroom in the basement.
The garden includes a grill patio, pool and jacuzzi.

The weather:
Its not actively snowing but there is snow on the hills and some rooftops. Its really dreary here, but the mountains in the distance make up for any lack of sun. There is an ever moving foggy haze, casting an air of magic over the land.