Lauren's free program report - Synchro International London

“Synchro in the City” International Synchronized Skating Competition – London Ontario

Free Programs: Dec 29 2011

I was able to attend the free program official practices and event and so here are some thoughts. First of all – a big THANKS and CONGRATS to the organizers and participants. Thanks to London Tourism for coming up with the idea and hosing the event. What a creative a progressive organization!  Synchro is lucky to have them on our side. I hope this event is only the 1^st of many to come.

The practices were 15mins and I will incorporate a few thoughts below.  As for the main event: Well there were certainly more people in the crowd – and that was great to see. Also, I think the music was slightly louder (a good thing).

In order of appearance (which was reverse order of short program results). By the way, the results of the short program changed slightly after I posted my blog. Les Supremes were awarded points for an element which they didn’t perform, and so when the correct element was entered they ended up with slightly fewer points and dropped behind Nexxice.

Fusion – CANADA.“Excerpts from Voices” black and white sparkly dresses, naked bun

·         Decent lifts – slow but steady

·         Clean triangle pass

·     Effective “fluff” lifts before circle were well timed to music (and performed much better during performance than during practice)

·     An L3 attempt, but perhaps a great strategy as the L4 is quite elusive for most

·         Have some unison issues to sort out during certain portions of the music

·         Fall in wheel

·         Good confidence (and good showmanship compared to practice)

32.20 + 43.20 (-fall) = 74.40 TOTAL = 112.07

Ice Messengers – JAPAN “Code Blue” soundtrack royal blue dresses with flesh tone

·     Strange fall on landing of one group lift

·     Good ducking out of the way during partner spirals

·     Great 135 spirals

·     I noticed some skaters cheating the mohawks during the wheel travel

·     MUCH more confidence and presence than practice – YAY!

30.20 + 47.73 (-fall) = 76.93 TOTAL = 118.03

Crystallettes – USA “On the Floor” very sparkly red and flesh tone dresses

·     Great free-leg extensions in opening block

·     Nice entry into box pass

·     Creative pairs move

·     Unique change of configuration/change of direction in wheel – nice work!

·     A few mis-steps in no-hold step sequence

·     Good smiles, energy and expression

42.34 + 56.26 = 98.60 TOTAL 142.51

Supremes – CANADA “Dark Knight” purple, backless, with satin-like skirt.

·     Performed drills during a portion of their practice session

·     Strong opening lifts

·     Fast entry into angled pass (unfortunately a fall here)

·     No call on the line element – not sure why (ice coverage perhaps?)

·     Noticeable speed and power from this team – great attack

·     Good line up during 135 spirals, but unfortunate miss on partner spirals

·     Strong line-up during no hold block

38.75 + 60.81 (-fall) = 98.56 TOTAL = 153. 76

NEXXICE – CANADA a Parisian program in striped black and white tops with red brooch and black bottoms.

·     Block line-up well maintained during block pivot

·     Distracting moment when an alternate when on the ice (way over, under the judges and to the other side) to retrieve something off the ice

·     Tidy intersections

·     Great speed and control on change of edge spiral

59.99 + 67.87 = 127.86 TOTAL 186.15

Rockettes – FINLAND “Beyond Rangoon, New World Medley”, full, layered, multi-coloured skirt (blues and white), with white top

·     Nice entry into box pass, but slightly slow on exit

·     GREAT pairs move

·     No call on line element – not sure why (again, maybe ice coverage?). Lines looked nice and tight to me though

·     Impressive flip-entry into group lifts (crowd loved it)

43.83 + 70.39 = 114.22 TOTAL = 174.05

Paradise – RUSSIA Moulin Rouge. WOW for these dresses. Seemed really out of character for Russia, but completely in character for the program. Red & black, lacy, pouffy bum with short front to skirts, with black fish-net tights and curly fake pony tails and one high glove.  

·     Free-legs not matched on entry edge into block pivot

·     Small fall in box pass

·     Nice circle travel (no hold with weave)

·     Two falls on angled pass

·     Fantastic musicality and interpretation for the many dimensions of this program– really strong!

42.30 + 60.79 (-falls) = 100.09 TOTAL 160.92

Hayden – USA Lady Gaga medley black dress with large gold star on front. Pretty short trimmed skirt

·     Nice box pass

·     Unfortunate fall on angled pass

·     Nice shape on wheel  - but seems to slow down towards end

·     Good energy, but the dance sequence before the circle albeit Gaga, seemed a bit too unchoreographed

·     Really nice speed on spread eagles

45.67 + 69.75 (-fall) = 114.42

Pictures for practices and performances: http://homepage.mac.com/eelinpaas/2011SynchroFest/index.html

Videos: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/london-synchrofest-international

Report cards: http://results.skatecanada.ca/2011-2012/11lsynf/11lsynfSeniorFreesegJudgesDetails.pdf

Lauren's short program report - Synchro International London

“Synchro in the City” International Synchronized Skating Competition – London Ontario

Short Programs: Dec 28 2011

The event began with a well executed instructional video about the judging system. There were video explanations of the elements, technical score, and program components. Well done!

Unfortunately they then showed the awful video featuring synchro girls putting on make-up which characterizes our sport as a bit too superficial if you ask me. Anyway – we were there for the skating and so here are my impressions (note, I didn’t see the practices and so I was only able to see each program once and have limited notes).

NB – Music was far too quiet....Distractingly so in my opinion.  I hope it’s louder tomorrow. Also, weak crowd attendance and enthusiasm. I thought “we” offered only a lukewarm reception to these teams who sacrificed their holiday season to travel & compete this early in the season.  It was strange.

In order of appearance:

Fusion  CANADA - I missed seeing their music on big screen..something Arabic? Black dresses with purple sash

     ·          Collision during triangle pass

     ·          Loss of unison during end of block pivot – I’m not sure everyone completed all the turns

     ·          15.43 technical + 22.24 program comp = 37.67

Rockettes FINLAND – lounge, swinging type music (again, I missed seeing it on the screen). Great purple, pink dresses with black gloves)

·         Triangle pass was so slow – but I guess this is what you need for the 1^st GOE bullet point this year

·         Unfortunate fall during moves in the field

·         Tidy and polished

·         26.57 technical + 34.26 program component (- fall) = 59.83

NEXXICE CANADA – I again missed the actual theme...something tribal, wearing last year’s free program dresses

• Their triangle pass was noticeably faster than Rockettes’
• Strong block pivot I thought (in terms of control/speed/line-up)
• Unfortunate fall at very end of no-hold block
• 26.37 + 31.92 (-fall) = 57.29

Paradise RUSSIA – Hallelujah with really sparkly light blue dresses (and “shiny tights”)

• AMAZING change of edge spirals and crotch shots (135). I see they were appropriately rewarded by judges. Such amazing flexibility and strength! They should put on clinics for this element
• I thought their musicality was quiet good – they interpreted the nuances of the music really well and were very elegant
• Slow triangle pass
• 30.77+ 30.06 = 60.83

Supremes CANADA – “Ne me quite pas” – a French song. Beautiful faded black/grey dress with pink underskirt

• Nice variation on leg position during twizzles in circle
• Poor line-up during no-hold block
• Awkward entry into triangle pass (it looks quite forced to create the correct entry angles)
• Really nice spread eagles
• 27.07 + 30.80 = 57.87

Hayden USA – “Dancing with Muse”...not sure how to describe the theme. Very sparkly orange/ rusty/ burgundy dresses with flattering satin-like skirts.

• Nice hand switch on 135 spirals
• Quite tidy for this time of year
• 27.60 + 33.42 = 61.02 (and they were THRILLED with this 1^st place result). Well done!

Ice Messengers JAPAN – Josh Groban ‘You Raise me Up”. Understated/ plain silver and white dresses that could have used a little something something. They didn’t have enough presence to pull off such a simple dress

·         Very long entry edge into block pivot and scattered exit

·         Average intersection

·         They looked timid out there

·         16.42 + 24.68 = 41.10

Crystallettes USA – “Footloose” pretty purple with pink dresses

• They performed a unique spiral element (backwards change of position, when everyone else did forward change of edge)
• Poor shape on pinwheel (1^st shape not straight at all)
• Good energy
• 16.83 + 27.08 = 43.91

Hayden - current leaders: photo credit to @eelinpaas

Detailed results (report cards): http://results.skatecanada.ca/2011-2012/11lsynf/11lsynfSeniorShortsegJudgesDetails.pdf

Videos: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/london-synchrofest-international

Over and out for now....will report on free programs after tomorrow. 

Okanagan Winery Tour

This fall I was fortunate enough to go on not one, but TWO winery tours in the BC Okanagon Valley. The first trip was with Marc and his parents, and I had such a good time, and with so many more wineries to see, I went again with my step mom. Each time we stayed in Penticton which is right in the middle of the action. It's about half-way between Oliver and Kelowna and acts as a great home-base.

Between the two trips I went to a LOT of wineries, although as a rule, we only visited wineries with free tastings. I've listed the ones I've been to below along with our rating system. The "host" score takes into consideration not only the personality of the host, but also the general feel of the tasking room/ experience/ vineyard.  The second score is exclusively for the taste of the wine. The scores were derived by group consensus.  If I bought wine it is because a) we got to taste it, and b) I really really liked it. I would therefor recommend any and all the wines that I've listed here. Click on the winery name to visit their website. If you know anyone considering an Okanogan Wine Tour - send them to this blog post.

Also, as a result of buying so much wine -Marc and I drink a lot more wine these days. It's great!

Arrowleaf  

5 stars for host, and 5 stars for wine (beautiful view and great prices)

I bought a few of the 1^st Crush White and Rosé

Bonitas

4 stars for host, and 3 stars for wine (a bit pretentious to mention their helicopter pad over and over – but beautiful location)

Castoro de Oro (formally known as “Golden Beaver”) 

5 stars for host, and 4 stars for wine (great name – that is why we went...although apparently the wine community doesn’t have a great sense of humour – so they fancied it up)

 I bought their white blend

DirtyLaundry 

4 stars for the host, and 3.5 for the wine (2^nd time I went was much better. It’s a big production in there –but worth stopping in)

Elephant Island 

 4.5 stars for host and for wine (great patio)

I bought their Cassis in order to make Kir

ForbiddenFruit 

3 stars for the  host and for the (fruit-based) wine (pretty sugary)

GreyMonk 

3 stars for the host, and 4 for the wine (large samples and good prices – surprising for big player)

I bought several from Latitude 50 series (white and rosé)

Heaven’s Gate

3 stars for host, and 3.5 for wine (very new winery in beautiful log-home style building)

I bought the Rosé

Hollywood& Wine 

4.5 stars for the host and for the wine (organic wines at reasonable prices, great couple)

  I bought the Pinot Gris

KrazeLegs 

  4.5 stars for the host, 1.5 for wine (neat 20s theme – with peep hole on door)

LakeBreeze 

4 stars for host and for wine (nice property and bathrooms)

I bought the Pinot Blanc

MissionHill 

We didn’t sample (but as always, the grounds are something to see, and the bathrooms were great).  I would always recommend the family owned/ boutique/ local wineries over this giant.

Monster 

5 stars for wine and for host (great prices, get to sample with cheese, name based on Ogopogo)

     I bought several of Manmade White, Red Eyed, and Rosé

OrchardHill Cidery 

0 stars for host and for wine (tasting was inside of fruit-stand and apple cider tasked skunked.  Gross)

OliverTwist 

3 stars for host, 1.5 star for wine (thought the name was neat – wine was not so neat)

Perseus 

  5 stars for host, and 4.5 stars for wine (cute scruffy dog and lovely soulful host)

I bought Sauvignon Blanc

PoplarGrove 

 3.5 stars for host and for wine (beautiful tasting room with view – although we liked their Monster Line much better)

Quails’Gate 

 4 stars for host and for wine (spectacular view from tasting room, only 2 tastes – but sizeable)

Road13 

4.5 stars for host and 3.5 for wine (in a castle which was strange)

I bought the Rosé

RusticRoots 

3 stars for host, and 3.5 for the wine (fruit based wine, really nice homey tasting room)

SevenStones 

 5 stars for host, and 4 for wine (right at the start of both tours - a magnificent way to start!)

I bought several of their nice dry Pinot Rosé

Seeya Later Ranch 

4.5 stars for host, and 3 for wine (only 2 samples, but they were large – also they have an interesting “dog theme here”)

SilverSage 

5 stars for host, and 4 for wine (lots to sample including cheese and pretzels, host has great 1-liners and the roses  gardens are magnificent. Always worth a visit)

SleepingGiant 

3 stars for host and 3.5 for wine (lots of interesting flavours: all fruit based – it’s connected to Summerland Sweets)

 I bought Summerland Jam

Sonoran 

3 stars for host and 4 for wine (poor host had awful tooth-ache, but did a great job nonetheless)

St. Laszlo

2.5 stars for host, and -4 for wine (very dumpy little tasting room, host was willing to offer lots of samples  - but they were terrible. It was awkward)

Stoneboat 

4 stars for host, and 4.5 for the wine (small but classy place)

   I bought the Chorus and the Duet

Thornhaven

3 stars for host and 3.5 for wine (one of the many with a Mediterranean style construction)

I bought the Chardonnay

Township7 

 5 stars for host, and 4.5 for the wine (the Queen was served their wine during one of her Canadian tours)

I bought the Syrah

VolcanicHills 

4.5 stars for host, and 4.5 for the wine (vast and empty tasting room, but great prices on certain wines)

   I bought the Gamay

Remembering Nan

Mary McElveny: obituary

The eulogy I gave at Nan’s Funeral:

I would like to start off by saying that on behalf of our family, thank you very much for being here. We appreciate your presence and your support. Remembering my Nan isn’t very hard.  My grandparents had a pretty significant role in our lives, and because of our parents’ work schedules they looked after us quite often as children. Some of my most fond memories involve the kitchen and baking. I remember being allowed to explore and snoop around in the kitchen with much more freedom than allowed at home. Or maybe the familiarity of our own family kitchen wasn’t as exciting, however, either way – I remember Nan letting me explore and poke around all the drawers and cupboards of her kitchen the way children would like. I was allowed to pull things out, and because most of her containers are coloured, I would have to open things to see what they were, and was allowed to taste and sample the baking supplies like chocolate chips, nuts, and coconut flakes. Nan’s baking was delicious. While my mom’s banana chocolate-chip muffins were really good, and to be honest, I’d probably appreciate them more now than before, Nan’s were significantly less dense. Nan’s were fluffy and had about triple the chocolate chips. Another memory surrounding food is how I recall Nan making me eat so much food at breakfast – far more than I would eat at home. I remember that she would lay out toast with butter and jam, cereal, a full glass of juice, and a full glass of milk. It always seemed like too much food, but I think grandparents take delight in stuffing and feeding their grandkids.

Nan not only tolerated the way we could raid the kitchen, but she and Gramps also tolerated things that our parents wouldn’t really go for – like the Super Ex. Regarded as too noisy, too dirty, and too crowded by mom and dad – it was Nan and Gramps who would scout out the “ride all day bracelet days” and would take us on the bus to get there. The whole thing would be an adventure from my perspective, but must have required heaps of energy and patience on their part.

I remember summer days spent with Nan and Gramps at Lac Phillipe in Gatineau Park. Nan would make picnic sandwiches, which were far more delicious that “in the city sandwiches”. She would cut off the crusts - something worth celebrating when you are about 6-10 years old.

Brett and I were lucky to have grandparents like Nan and Gramps. As their only grandchildren – we weren’t spoiled rotten, but we were spoiled. Not only did they shop for us and go overboard on birthdays, Christmases, and with souvenirs when they returned from trips – they also paid attention to and cared about the things going on in our lives.  Report cards, skating competitions, school concerts – you name it – they knew about it, and were there.

Nan taught me the Lord’s Prayer, and so whenever I hear that I think of her. I also think of her whenever I buy cottage cheese. She used to eat cottage cheese in her salad with mandarins (seemed strange then, and it still seems a bit strange now).  When I get into a bed at a hotel or at someone else’s house and the sheets are tucked in really tight, even on the sides, I’m reminded of my sleep-overs at Nan and Gramps' house from when I was younger. Not wanting to be held responsible should I catch a pneumonia, I think she had 6 layers of blankets piled on top of me, and that is overtop the 2 layers of sheets – I remember it being heavy, but also comforting. I think of that when I’m sleeping somewhere else and there are lots of blankets.    

I’ll miss Nan dearly, but I am very grateful for the very large role that she had in my life.

Mes Vacances Françaises – Deusieme Partie: France

Eeks - so it's taken so long to get this blog updated.  Here is the rest of my French Adventure:

Upon arriving back in France at Gare de Lyon, Paris, I took the Metro to INSEP (Institut National du Sport, Excellence, et Performance). It`s at the very end of the main yellow line, and then a short bus ride on top of that. On the metro I spotted another delegate (she was wearing a university polo shirt), and since she was from Australia, she was glad that I could ask a few clarifying questions in French (like were to catch the bus after getting off the metro). We found our way to INSEP without trouble, and after registering I was able to check out my dorm which would be home for the next few days. It was simple and clean, and had I been a resident athlete – there would have been ample storage space. INSEP is a multi-sport training centre for top level French athletes from certain sports. They have resident athletes, coaches, and sport scientists, and I believe that athletes can complete highschool or post-secondary studies while there. It`s a pretty neat place: the training facilities are quite phenomenal, and we heard quite a few communications about how most of France`s top athletes are from INSEP. We`ll have to check up on their stats after the Games in London. Here are some pics of INSEP:

 I arrived early enough to have some time to unload, and head back into the city before the evening reception. I was glad for this, as I was really worried about not having enough time to explore Paris properly. Glad to have purchased a mini map book (complete with metro map, and a few descriptions of top spots), I ventured out on my own. Feeling pretty good about `mastering` the required metro switches I made my way to the Luxembourg Gardens. Wow!  It was really spectacular, and although I was rushing myself a bit, I did get a chance to view and walk around the castle and Gardens. 

Next I wanted to see the oldest department store in Paris: Bon Marché. I ended up buying the children’s storybook Madeleine (in French), as I thought it was an appropriate souvenir (in case you don’t already know, I have a bit of a fixation with children’s books...I have MANY). Checking my watch, and realizing that I still had time to see a little more, I decided to walk towards the epicentre of tourism amazement. I sort of knew that I was heading towards the Seine, and would see Musée D`Orsay, but what the heck?! I came around the corner and there was a MASSIVE beautiful castle-like, block-long building...the Louve of course!

I was awe-struck....so big, so detailed, and so impressive. I went inside the Musée D`Orsay, and without paying for an entry ticket, I simply checked out the more-than spectacular lobby where you could more or less see the main section of the museum (as it’s all contained within one large space which used to be a train station). I crossed a foot bridge and discovered all sorts of locks affixed to the fencing. I remember hearing about this (either on tv or on the radio), about how couples “lock up their love” by writing or etching their name on a lock, and attaching it to a bridge going over the Louvre. The couples who are perhaps less sure about the certainty of their relationship use a combination lock (tacky-town!).

That night there were some opening speeches, an expectedly amusing keynote by Frank Dick (a regular invited speaker at these sorts of sports conferences), and a hilariously translated talk by the French handball team coach. He spoke in French (which I understood), and there were two translaters who took turns translating for him. He would say a sentence (or 2 or 3 or 4), and then either the man with the big moustache would translate into English, or it would be a woman. They usually took turns in that one would go for 10mins, and then the other would do the translating. It was so funny! For some of the words, he just repeated them in French but with a funny accent. At times, after the coach would say something quite long (4-6 sentences), Moustache Man would edit it down to a 1-sentence summary, or would just change the message completely. When this happened the coach would give a quick and sceptical glance, wondering how all of what he had just said could have possibly been repeated in so few words. It was really entertaining for the bilingual crowd.

Then we were to have dinner. Right, so, perhaps Europeans, and perhaps the French eat dinner at a more fashionably later time during the evening...but by 8:30 I was starving!! “Dinner” was more of a reception with lots of colourful ‘amuse-bouches”, many of which were simply impossible to discern (Meat? Fish? Mousse? Fruit?) We had no idea what we were eating...but they were colourful, delicious, and perhaps especially so when a crowd of tired travellers are hungry. It would have been a difficult meal for anyone with dietary considerations. After that it was off to bed in order to get ready for a few full days of conferencing.

The conference was interesting, stimulating, and fun.  My presentation went really well: it was well attended and I got some great questions and contacts.

Memorable highlights: Visiting the Louvre with UOttawa buds: Melissa, Sarah, and Véro and Sherbrook friends Martin and Jonathan, and then walking around the city. Martin, Phys.Ed Professor at Sherbrooke is also an excellent and passionate tour guide, who capably led us all around to see the sights. We also spent a great night together at the conference’s closing banquet. We had a uber-fancy dinner cruise on the Seine. AMAZING. Not so amazing was losing Marc’s camera (which I was borrowing) that night!  As a result, pictures from the trip are scarce (let’s just say it’s a good thing that I uploaded all of what I had a few days before).  Despite trying really hard to get it recovered from the bus company - I had no luck. Maybe one day I'll find it on this website. For the remainder of the trip I used my blackberry to take pics.

After the conference, Sarah and I spent a few days at a B&B, and did more touring. We had a really great time together and saw SO MUCH! At the end of the trip, I had one day to myself as Sarah went home one day before me, and I took the train to the little town of Marly le Roi.  That night, my last night in Paris I saw a spectacular and awe-inspiring performance of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons in the Chapelle. It was something I will treasure forever. What a great way to end a fantatic adventure!

(Full album on Facebook)

Mes Vacances Françaises – Première Partie: Suisse (b)

(I think I reached a word/space limit -and so here is the next section of part 1...please scroll down to read part 1 first)

The grocery stores offered an overwhelming selection of chocolates, not to mention horse meat (imported from, yes, you’ll never guess it – CANADA), and strange glazed  prepared sandwiches.

We had a traditional Raclette dinner (melted cheese over sliced baked potatoes, with meats and pickles – amazing!).

My time in Lausanne was too short, as I would have loved to spend more time with Julia and Rob in their magnificent surroundings, but I do feel good about having hit the traditional local must-sees. In only a few short days, I had also had taste-tested a good handful of different chocolate milks and chocolate croissants.  A+ all around. (Oh yes, speaking of A+, we got talking about blood-type diets, and after doing a little googling, decided that we would pick and choose elements of the suggested diets according to our tastes. I (blood-type A+) am certainly not prepared to give up milk, cheese, and red meat, and Julia and Rob (blood-type O) weren’t really convinced to give up beans and lentils. It’s an interesting idea – but until chocolate milk makes me feel sick instead of fantastic – pass it on over!

My train back to Paris meant an early-morning goodbye to my generous and cherished friends, and my last walk down the hill. Salut Lausanne – until we meet again.

On the train I sat next to a delightful French Swiss woman from whom I learned quite a bit more about Suisse. She told me about the struggles of language education as experienced by her grandchildren (the polarized nature of multiple national languages and diminishing existence of oral local dialects), and then I heard it first hand, as a family with 4 children under 5 sat right in front of us. Those curly-haired blonde little cuties spoke a full-on mix of French and German. Super cool!

A bientôt – Gros bisous!

Mes Vacances Françaises – Première Partie: Suisse (a)

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.