So, just a head's up, these pictures are a little out of order! I am still trying to figure everything out with organizing posts on blogspot, but at least I was able to put up more than 5 pictures this time! Enjoy!
In Montreux, day 1. Usually you would be able to see the Alps through these buildings...
The lovely walkway to the city center of Montreux.
Lake Geneva. So blue.
Town center in Evian, France. Everything is closed until 7, so we had some time to just wander around...
Evian.
:o)
Ferry ride to Evian, from Lausanne.
Our view from the cafe where we ate lunch in Lausanne.
Lausanne.
Best dried fruit I have ever tasted in my life. Also, Lausanne.
peace.
Montreux. Day 2 when the sun came out!
Although Ruth lives in Lausanne, Sharon and I stayed the first three nights in Montreux, a small city only about 20 minutes from Lausanne. It was beautiful. Our hostel was located right on Lake Geneva, and the view was incredible. Unfortunately, the first day was wet. It rained and snowed the entire day, so we were not even able to see the Alps. However, we kept a positive attitude, and set out to explore with our hoods up and one umbrella. Before leaving, we met a girl from England who was trying to kill some time before heading over to Geneva later in the day. She joined us, and we were so thankful for her company not only because she was a fun person to talk to, but because she could speak French :) And neither Sharon or I can. haha. So we meandered through the narrow, steep, and winding streets of Montreux looking at all of the shops, and old buildings and architecture; just exploring. We stopped for lunch at a cafe overlooking the town and the Lake, which was so good to warm up and dry up a bit. We continued our exploring, and at the end of the day, headed back to the hostel. It was a good day.
The second day was BEAUTIFUL! The sun came out, and the clouds began to part as we watched the magnificent Alps emerge from the fog. Sharon and I walked along the lake toward the center of Montreux, the whole time not being able to comprehend the fact that we were walking along Lake Geneva looking at the ALPS! Not only did the sun come out, but the weather was warm. Everything was green, and there were flowers blooming everywhere. SPRING! (Talk about torture! It still looks like January here in Sweden with all the snow! But don't worry, I still love it here :) After walking along the lake, we took a train to Lausanne for the day to meet up with Ruth. The rest of the day was spent walking through the streets of downtown Lausanne, stopping by random vendors and looking in shops. We did a lot of walking, but had a great time. In the evening, we made our way toward the Lake, where we caught a ferry across the lake to the town of Evian, France! Yes, Evian, where the bottled water got its name! Fun! The ride was only about 30 minutes, and we went around 5:15 when the sun was setting. Needless to say, it was quite a sight to see. We ended up eating dinner at a little pizza place, which was really fun and delicious. After an evening of good food and talking and laughing, we headed back to our hostel in Montruex via boat, and train.
On Sunday, Ruth was able to borrow a car, and she came and picked us up at the hostel. We drove along the lake toward Lausanne, a beautiful drive. Even in the winter, the vineyards looked so idyllic, and we just tried to soak it all in as we drove. We spent the day at the YWAM base in Lausanne. It was a really relaxing day, where we just read, went for a walk in the surrounding woods, and just hung out. We were able to stay in the accommodation house that night, which was so nice. We even got Swiss chocolate bars on our pillows! It was really fun to just see where Ruth is living/working, and to meet the people at the base. Another wonderful day in Switzerland :o)
On Monday morning, I began my long journey home :o) As I was sitting on the metro headed toward the city center in Lausanne, I realized how crazy it was that I felt completely comfortable traveling to the airport in Geneva by myself. After all, I had to take a bus to the metro, a tram to the train station, and a train to the airport, all in a French-speaking part of the country. It was just a kind of weird, but cool thought when I realized that 3 years ago, or even 3 months ago, I NEVER would have thought that would be something I would feel comfortable doing alone. I am not trying to say I would feel comfortable doing that anywhere, but it still felt like a big step. Something I have realized, is that there is always someone who will help, even when all there is to communicate is hand gestures and facial expressions. I think there are more good people in the world than we tend to think.
Well, overall, I had a great trip. It was fun to see someone from home, and to just spend a weekend in a place that is possibly one of God's most beautiful creations. :) Now I will be in Karlstad for a few weeks as the term comes to a close. I am looking forward to spending some time here again. It seems like it has been a while :) Sorry this has been so long! I hope all is well wherever you might be!
Lauren
