In Switzerland, we went to Lake Lugano and then on to Lucerne. Lake Lugano was absolutely gorgeous and perfectly warm. I seriously miss warm weather. I was blessed enough to return to my normal olive skin tone during my eurotrip... we had such great weather, save for the first day and the last evening. Lugano looks very similar to Lake Como in Italy, and it happens to be just over the Italy-Switzerland border. The rich people on our trip purchased some ghetto goods: Rolex and Swiss army knives because Lugano is also quite the shopping town. Anyway, if you ever make your way to Switzerland, I highly recommend stopping in Lugano for a night or two. It looks like Hawaii. There's a gorgeous lake overlooking the Swiss alps. Not too shabby, I'd say.
From Lake Lugano we bussed up to Lucerne (Luzern), also in the Alps region, where we proceeded to attend a Swiss Folklore evening. The yo-dah-lo-dah-ling was pretty schveet. I was randomly called up to the stage to blow a huge horn pipe. Luckily I was able to blow it, but the notes that I produced were horrifying. We were able to enjoy a free drink and cheese fondue at this little festival all for the small price of 48 euro. The first thing Friday morning, we went and visited The Lion Monument to celebrate the bravery of the Swiss mercenaries who were working to defend the French (specifically King Louis XVI) and were betrayed and abandoned by the King himself during the French Revolution. He escaped the castle without telling the army guys and thus, they were ambushed by the Tuilleries and fought to the death defending no one. Some 700 odd men were killed that day. Over 40000 Swiss military men were stationed under foreign banners because they were known for their fierce battle tactics and bravery, thus the lion as their monument. The French never did anything to show their appreciation, so the Swiss took charge once and for all. I'm always moved by lions and what they symbolize, so naturally, this monument meant quite a lot to me.
Yo-dah-lo-dah-ling. That's me with the Ceramic bowl.
After that, we walked around the rest of the city of Lucerne, when coincidentally for the third time on this trip, all of the shops were closed when we opted not to partake in the Lake Lucerne cruise in order to wander about on our own. At least there was an excuse, aka Good Friday. Luckily it was a nice day and we scored some sweet pics of Lake Luzern. By the time we had to meet up with the rest of our tour group it was nearing ten a.m. and a Swiss chocolate shop opened up, so we all decided to purchase some Swiss chocolates to commemorate the moment. Half of my chocolates ended up having all kinds of liquor in them. It caught me unawares. I was clueless the whole time... probably because I don't know the language. I also managed to open a Swiss bank account, so that I can hoard my money off-shore, and stole money from my best mate, Marius Lorentzen's, account while I was there as well. Here are some pics of our Swiss Luzern journey.
Me and Alexandra.
Swans & Lake Luzern.
I took this picture all by myself. National geographic, baby. You know it.From Luzern we journeyed onto France. This was my first experience of the French and I really wanted to share it with you. Plus, I thought my dad would get a serious kick out of it.
'Nouf said.
We celebrated our day-long busabout from Switzerland to France with wine, bread and cheese. I'm currently off of dairy, but again I felt the need to follow my when in rome rule. God is good and He forgives. Saturday morning we got up really early and went on a quick bus tour of Paris. Then, the rest of our fellow tour-people went to visit the Palace of Versailles and Martemonte while the poor Uni females, namely Alex, Genna, Lindsay, and I, did their own thing from 10:30 am to about 11:30 pm. We got to go on a really cool tour of Notre Dame during our bus tour first thing that morning and I happened to notice that there was going to be a midnight candelight vigil at 2100 Saturday night, aka the night before Easter. So, we walked a lot and saw the Arc de Triumphe, Eiffel Tower, Le Louvre, etc., and then proceeded to picnic in a nearby park before returning to the park in front of Le Louvre for tanning and a nap in the grass. What a pleasant day. We then dined at an Italian restaurant because we didn't want any more baguettes and headed back to Notre Dame to wait in line for mass. Let me tell you, the mass was gorgeous. It was all in French, which I could read okay due to my understanding of Spanish, another romance language, but I couldn't understand the priest at all. The cathedral was dark throughout the whole mass except for the candles that everyone was given to hold throughout the vigil. It was a packed house and people were standing outside to watch the service on the tube, but fortunately we got there early enough to grab seats. It was a beautiful mass and I never expected to have the opportunity to celebrate Easter in Notre Dame of all places. I mean, who can really say that they got to go to Notre Dame for an Easter service? I'm pretty sure there was even an Archbishop present at the service... that's how big a D it was. I'm not Catholic, although my dad would kill me for saying that simply because his whole side of the family is Catholic and I was baptized Catholic, but I have been to many a Catholic mass, so I understand and definitely appreciate what goes on during the mass. I'm non-denominational, so I'm used to the come-as-you-are crazy worship/jam sessions and wreckless sermons on Sundays, but I can still enjoy and admire Catholicism. Anyway, Notre Dame was an awesome way to spend my night before Easter and I was feeling pretty BAMF afterwards. No better way to celebrate the rising of Christ from the dead, ay?
Being the stupid girls that we are, Genna, Lindsay, Alex and I royally screwed up. For some reason, we were convinced that our tour ended today (13th) and not yesterday, so we booked a hostel for tonight rather than last night. We freaked out a little bit especially because Alex and I are so freaking thorough and couldn't believe that we missed that little detail, but luckily I had become buddy-buddy with an American from Colorado and her son now living on the outskirts of London. Theresa and Jack, her 8 year old son, offered to let us stay in their house until we all go our separate ways tomorrow (Al & I to Ireland, Genna & Lindsay to Prague). It's in a little village called Wendover. We were able to get out of our hostel arrangements, so that was good. Wendover is the most quaint village I have ever seen. There are sheep paddicks everywhere and all kinds of wildlife busting through the cracks and seams of the town. You can literally walk everywhere here; it's awesome and very homey. We went to this great pub called the Shoulder Mutton for dinner last night and for lunch today; best pub food I have had since I got to England. Today, Theresa and I went for a run around a creek and past some pastures full of Mary had a little lamb(s) and it was great. We all showered up and then went for a long walk through the nooks and crannies of Wendover after lunch and then, went to Theresa's old café for cake and hot chocolate. By the time we got home it was 5 pm. We've been here ever since, but it was one of the most beautiful days I've experienced since being in England. The sun peaked through the clouds every few minutes and beat down pretty hard. I was able to maintain some of the sun I got in Italia, so that was pleasurable for sure.
Enfrente de la Catedral de Notre Dame.
Alex y yo enfrente de la torre Eiffel.
Le Louvre.
Proof that we waited in line for mass.
Ireland tomorrow... hopefully our luck will change. :)
Sorry that I'm in all black in my pictures of France and that I'm wearing shades in most of my pictures, but my dad told me over Skype that our boxer, Cole, passed away in his sleep on Tuesday, the 7th. It was totally unexpected for me because he's only 8 1/2, but my dad thinks he had a stroke in his sleep or that he swallowed a bee. He's always had really bad allergies, so it's definitely possible. This is the reason why my new name is Johnny Cash. It wasn't the easiest day for me, so Paris was kind of a blur. I do want you all to know that Cole, aka Boyfriend, Co-Co, Bubbaloo, Coley-Boley, and Bubbaloser, was a great dog. He was stupid and silly, but absolutely the most spirited and content dog alive. He was a faithful friend and brother to our St. Bernard, Grace. Grace is about 3 years older than Cole, so I never imagined this would be how things turned out. I can't imagine coming home to a house without Coley and not having a dog to chase around the family room couch, pissing off my mom because he's getting the carpet dirty. It's been a few days, so it's starting to sink in that he's gone, but every once in awhile it hits me throughout the day, and I have to put on my shades or go for a little walk. I can't imagine not seeing him when I get back, but I've been holding tight to the fact that he passed away in his sleep and was in no pain. Cole, we love and miss you, Bubbaloo. You will be sorely, sorely missed by Mindy, Tim, Joe, Melissa, Grace, Mildred (our cat, from whom you craved attention and were never given the time of day), and I. Happy playing in dog heaven. Rest in peace, brotha man. We love you 4.7.09 <3.
'Nouf said.We celebrated our day-long busabout from Switzerland to France with wine, bread and cheese. I'm currently off of dairy, but again I felt the need to follow my when in rome rule. God is good and He forgives. Saturday morning we got up really early and went on a quick bus tour of Paris. Then, the rest of our fellow tour-people went to visit the Palace of Versailles and Martemonte while the poor Uni females, namely Alex, Genna, Lindsay, and I, did their own thing from 10:30 am to about 11:30 pm. We got to go on a really cool tour of Notre Dame during our bus tour first thing that morning and I happened to notice that there was going to be a midnight candelight vigil at 2100 Saturday night, aka the night before Easter. So, we walked a lot and saw the Arc de Triumphe, Eiffel Tower, Le Louvre, etc., and then proceeded to picnic in a nearby park before returning to the park in front of Le Louvre for tanning and a nap in the grass. What a pleasant day. We then dined at an Italian restaurant because we didn't want any more baguettes and headed back to Notre Dame to wait in line for mass. Let me tell you, the mass was gorgeous. It was all in French, which I could read okay due to my understanding of Spanish, another romance language, but I couldn't understand the priest at all. The cathedral was dark throughout the whole mass except for the candles that everyone was given to hold throughout the vigil. It was a packed house and people were standing outside to watch the service on the tube, but fortunately we got there early enough to grab seats. It was a beautiful mass and I never expected to have the opportunity to celebrate Easter in Notre Dame of all places. I mean, who can really say that they got to go to Notre Dame for an Easter service? I'm pretty sure there was even an Archbishop present at the service... that's how big a D it was. I'm not Catholic, although my dad would kill me for saying that simply because his whole side of the family is Catholic and I was baptized Catholic, but I have been to many a Catholic mass, so I understand and definitely appreciate what goes on during the mass. I'm non-denominational, so I'm used to the come-as-you-are crazy worship/jam sessions and wreckless sermons on Sundays, but I can still enjoy and admire Catholicism. Anyway, Notre Dame was an awesome way to spend my night before Easter and I was feeling pretty BAMF afterwards. No better way to celebrate the rising of Christ from the dead, ay?
Being the stupid girls that we are, Genna, Lindsay, Alex and I royally screwed up. For some reason, we were convinced that our tour ended today (13th) and not yesterday, so we booked a hostel for tonight rather than last night. We freaked out a little bit especially because Alex and I are so freaking thorough and couldn't believe that we missed that little detail, but luckily I had become buddy-buddy with an American from Colorado and her son now living on the outskirts of London. Theresa and Jack, her 8 year old son, offered to let us stay in their house until we all go our separate ways tomorrow (Al & I to Ireland, Genna & Lindsay to Prague). It's in a little village called Wendover. We were able to get out of our hostel arrangements, so that was good. Wendover is the most quaint village I have ever seen. There are sheep paddicks everywhere and all kinds of wildlife busting through the cracks and seams of the town. You can literally walk everywhere here; it's awesome and very homey. We went to this great pub called the Shoulder Mutton for dinner last night and for lunch today; best pub food I have had since I got to England. Today, Theresa and I went for a run around a creek and past some pastures full of Mary had a little lamb(s) and it was great. We all showered up and then went for a long walk through the nooks and crannies of Wendover after lunch and then, went to Theresa's old café for cake and hot chocolate. By the time we got home it was 5 pm. We've been here ever since, but it was one of the most beautiful days I've experienced since being in England. The sun peaked through the clouds every few minutes and beat down pretty hard. I was able to maintain some of the sun I got in Italia, so that was pleasurable for sure.
Enfrente de la Catedral de Notre Dame.
Alex y yo enfrente de la torre Eiffel.
Le Louvre.
Proof that we waited in line for mass.Ireland tomorrow... hopefully our luck will change. :)
Sorry that I'm in all black in my pictures of France and that I'm wearing shades in most of my pictures, but my dad told me over Skype that our boxer, Cole, passed away in his sleep on Tuesday, the 7th. It was totally unexpected for me because he's only 8 1/2, but my dad thinks he had a stroke in his sleep or that he swallowed a bee. He's always had really bad allergies, so it's definitely possible. This is the reason why my new name is Johnny Cash. It wasn't the easiest day for me, so Paris was kind of a blur. I do want you all to know that Cole, aka Boyfriend, Co-Co, Bubbaloo, Coley-Boley, and Bubbaloser, was a great dog. He was stupid and silly, but absolutely the most spirited and content dog alive. He was a faithful friend and brother to our St. Bernard, Grace. Grace is about 3 years older than Cole, so I never imagined this would be how things turned out. I can't imagine coming home to a house without Coley and not having a dog to chase around the family room couch, pissing off my mom because he's getting the carpet dirty. It's been a few days, so it's starting to sink in that he's gone, but every once in awhile it hits me throughout the day, and I have to put on my shades or go for a little walk. I can't imagine not seeing him when I get back, but I've been holding tight to the fact that he passed away in his sleep and was in no pain. Cole, we love and miss you, Bubbaloo. You will be sorely, sorely missed by Mindy, Tim, Joe, Melissa, Grace, Mildred (our cat, from whom you craved attention and were never given the time of day), and I. Happy playing in dog heaven. Rest in peace, brotha man. We love you 4.7.09 <3.
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