Well, I finally received an internet cable and so here is my post (that has been written for days - but waiting to be posted).
My flight from Vancouver was uneventful (which is always a good thing). I was able to get some sleep, and watched one movie (Lincoln Lawyer). I had a fairly long layover in Toronto, and therefore took advantage of the wifi in the airport in order to catch up on some emailing. I also ordered a bagel for lunch at Timmies, and received the strangest bagel of life:
I wasn't sure if it was to be interpreted as an omen of positive things to come, or bad luck. Either way, I received a half-bagel for free...so I guess that can only be interpreted as a good thing. The flight to Paris was delayed by one hour (without explanation), but once we got going it was fairly okay. I always find long flights to be cold, and so I was happy to have their little blanket, my pillow, and a window seat. I dozed as much as I could, but because of my lover for food combined with my thriftiness, I was concerned about missing the meals. I therefore think that I slept with one eye open in order to be on the lookout for the served meals (which, as any good-sensed traveler ought to know - weren't really worth staying awake for). Oh well, at least it meant that I didn't have to buy any expensive food once I arrived.
First impressions of Paris included a discomfort with the police/military personal carrying massive guns around the airport, and the incredibly unhelpful "information" booth workers. Luckily, members of the general public were far more helpful and I found my way to the train terminal. Oh yes, I didn't get a passport stamp from the border-guard. Rats!
I needed to take the train from the airport to the Gare de Lyon in order to catch the TGV train to Lausanne. Getting the the Gare de Lyon was pretty easy, although despite being mid-day it was VERY busy (and therefor a bit awkward with my huge backpack, laptop bag, and full-sized pillow). Some might think that bringing a full-sized pillow as excessive, but I always appreciate having my "squishy" pillow as one never knows the firmness awaiting on unknown beds. I saw lots of other backpack travelers, but I was the only one with a pillow strapped to the top of my bag.
Once at the Gare de Lyon, I had a little bit of time to explore the neighbouring streets before my train departure. I bought a small snack for the train and took in the sights around the station. During the train ride to Lausanne, I sat next to a very talkative man who, upon finding out that I was a student of sport studies, told me all about his buddy's invention about geo-thermal training systems. The whole conversation was in French of course, (talk about instant immersion), and it helped to pass the time. I was happily surprised to see that we stopped at the French town of Dijon (yes, that's right - like the mustard!)
Julia and Rob (my wonderful hosts), were at work when I arrive, but Julia had provided excellent instructions up to their apartment. They live right in the heart of the "old city" - I couldn't believe it! After a shower, we caught up over dinner and I reveled in the location/proximity to all the sights.
their apartment is just beside the group of trees in the centre of the photo
The next morning, Julia and Rob when to work, and I explored the city. I walked first down to the water (Ouchy area) in order to visit the IOC Olympic Museum.
I sprung for the audio guide (headphones with ipod), and enjoyed the explanation of the exhibits. Personal highlights included seeing Katarina Witt's skating dress, as well as Eric Moussambani's swimsuit from the Sydney Games. You might recall this particular Olympic Solidarity athlete (financially funded), who upon the disqualification of his heat-mates (they both false-started), swam his race on his own. It was freestyle (front crawl), and because he had only learned to swim months earlier, and in a hotel pool which was far too short, he could barely swim his way to the finish line. He sort of reverted to 'head-up front crawl', and I really remember this Olympic moment so vividly. Seeing his blue speedo brought it all back into my mind. Visitors are not allowed to take photos/videos, and so I hope that you enjoy these contraband videos:
After the museum, I made my way back up the (blister-inducing) hill and checked out the local shops. I already know that the English walking tour began in the afternoon, and so I planned my day accordingly. While prices in Lausanne are exorbitantly high, I miraculously found a really great summer dress for only about $25 (it must have been 95% off). The walking tour was terrific! We were a small group (3 Americans, 1 Australian, and me), and our guide was really quite good. We learned about the city hall (Mozart played there), and he also toured us around Place de la Palud (which means that there used to be a march-initiated malaria problem). Now, it's a very beautiful town square:
We learned about the covered rivers that wind through the town, and saw through a funny little look-out a place where the river goes under the parking lot at Place Riponne. The Cathedral was spectacular: and it was neat to learn all about the pieces making up the stained glass "rose". After the tour, I went up all 240-odd steps to the top of the Cathedral for a great view. I later learned that Julia and Rob had never gone to the top (crazy kids!).
And two short narrated videos from the top (these go out to Julia and Rob, who live 5 seconds from here and haven't yet been):
I did a little more walking in the hilly surrounds order to ensure blister-equity across all parts of my feet, and then Julia and I enjoyed a lovely dinner down by the waterfront. It was honestly delicious! Neither Julia nor I are known as picky or small eaters, and so boy, did we eat a LOT! We even ordered dessert, and without really knowing what to expect we were presented with a full (medium?) sized pizza covered in Nutella, crushed nuts, and icing sugar:
It was massive, and perhaps best suited as a dessert for a family of 6.....or for just Julia and me. After learning that Suisse "doesn't really do doggy bags", I felt obliged to eat as much as a could. I think we only left 3 pieces when all was said and done. It wasn't really a hardship, but holy hannah did we ever stuff ourselves. After all that eating we elected to walk up the hill (instead of taking the metro) - and despite my wounded feet, it was a good idea.
Julia was able to take the next day off from work, and so I was so lucky that we got to spend the day together. After visiting the market in the square directly under her apartment (again, incredible location those two have), we made our way down to the water in order to take a boat ride. It was such fun - we got to reminisce and catch up, and the boat ride was pretty great too. Oh yes, I haven't mentioned the heat! It was hot - real hot! It had been hot since I arrived (unusually hot for the locals - but similar to what Julia and I would have liked in Ottawa). Being in Vancouver I've been missing out on this kind of +30 humid/sticky weather - and so I really welcomed it. So we took a large boat across Lake Geneva (interestingly called Lac Léman in French), and arrived at the stunning Chateau Chillon.
After a lake-side lunch of cheeses, fruit, and break, we explored the castle a but on our own, and a bit by crashing a school group tour. From there we walked to ritzy Montreau (stopping for swim in the lake, as we were really getting our sweat on), and then we took the train back to Lausanne.
