Visit from America

This Thursday, I received a visit from America. Two dear friends, Maddie and Christine, who are currently studying in Vienna this year, decided to pay me a visit in Switzerland, and I could not be more elated to show them around my new home. Not only did I show them my favorite Lausanne park - le parc de Sauvebelin - and take them to the most famous hot chocolate cafe in in the city, but showed them the beauty of anoter country - France.

After thirty five minutes by ferry, we arrived in the city of Evian, famous for its pure theraupeutic water. We traversed the historical path through the city and learned about the famous Evian fountain that healed a king and resulted in a marriage. It is incredible to imagine how such a common staple can be so powerful to a community. We found a line of people waiting to fill their empty plastic bottles and watched as families loaded their cars with liters of fresh spring water. In order to experience the full effect of this fountain, we stood among the line of people and waited our turn to fill our empty bottles and to take a picture of the event.

Unfortunately, I have not received my magical powers yet. But patience - there is still time.

On Friday we toured the natural and the man-made parts of Lausanne. We walked among the old judicial buildings, churches, and schools. After having walked throughout the centre ville, we were in need of a serious lunch. There just so happened to be a creperie near the Cathedrale that could not have been more perfect in satiating our appetites. Roquefort, egg, mushroom, nuts...so many delicious fillings to warm our empty stomachs. My mouth still waters when I think about that salty cheese and delicate pancake.

We also tasted the most famous hot chocolate in all of Lausanne at le Barbare, a small cafe near the Cathedrale. It has a rich consistency like that of pudding - almost equivalent to a melted chocolate bar - and melts in your mouth like a small taste of heaven.

All in all, the two short days were filled with enchantment, and I was glad to share it with such wonderful company. It is comforting to know that there are others who share your struggles and often seek beauty in everyday life. Such is study abroad.