Switzerland

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Before I write about my amazing time in Switzerland, I have to say a big MERCI BEAUCOUP to Patricia!!! Thanks so very much for everything- I greatly appreciate the time and effort you put in for making sure I had a lovely time... and I had a exceptionally amazing time! It was great to go on a road trip around Switzerland and to have seen so much. A big MERCI BEAUCOUP to the Megroz family for everything as well. And last, but not least another big MERCI BEAUCOUP to my Mummy and Grandma- it was fun traveling around Switzerland (and France and Spain) with you both... you spoilt me rotten!!! and I miss you already.

So I arrived in Geneva on the 1st, into the loving arms of my Mum, Grandma and Uncle Alex. I had the joy of staying at my Uncle and his family´s house for the next week or so, and it was nice to hang out with family (and not have to think too much about traveling, as I had local guides and French translators in my midst. lol) Geneva was our base, and we did quite a few day trips- went to my Mum´s home town of Lausanne... was great to finally see where she grew up- old schools, her old apartment, the shops that Grandpa ran his business from, the church she went to, etc. Also did a day trip to Lucern, where I saw the Lion Monument (Lowendenkmal), the Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrucke) and the Hof Church, amongst other things. Another day trip was to Grimentz- a cutesi town full of Chalets... and I fell in love with Bernard (see pic.) One particular night we went to France (Port de Sciez) for dinner!!! (Not everyday you can say that.) Thanks to Corrine´s parents.

Then I went on a road trip with Patricia, my Mum and Grandma, where we visited Gruyere, Matten/Interlaken, Schilthorn, Bellenberg, Ascona, Mellide/Lugano/Lucarno... one thing that I loved about Switzerland is the diversity- French, German and Italian influences- and all the places we visited were so different from the last. Another thing to mention is that Sat Nav systems can help you learn French- I now know how to say turn right and turn left. lol! Speaking of speaking French- I´m still hopeless, but at least I understand a bit more. Back to the road trip... we went up the Schilthorn mountain, via ¨teleferique¨ (aerial cableway) which was a really awesome way to see the Alps. Ate at the revolving restaurant, which was quite an experience. Shame the weather wasn´t the best (it was overcast- that being clouds blocked the amazing views) but at least we did see some of the towering mountains when we arrived. Went to Bellenberg, which is like the Swiss version of Sovereign Hill- showing the life of times gone by... lots of interesting and old farmhouses, cute animals and yummy food! Ascona was awesome too- stayed in a 700 year old building with great views of the lake. Went to Swiss Minateur- which had all these minature (D´uh!) version of famous Swiss landmarks- the Alps, Chateaus, Cathedrals, etc. Drove through Lugano, Lucarno and Valle Verzasca- saw the Ponti dei Salti, which was the little bridge crossing over rocks and rapids. Lastly on our road trip we drove through Italy and went via train ferry (not sure if thats what its really called, but we drove onto a train, which went really fast through this tunnel) to cross the border.

All in all, I had an awesome time in Switzerland... and I miss it already.

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