Summer 2017: Part 1, Switzerland

Summer is my favourite vacation season and mid-July, I went to Lausanne. As usual, it was kind of a last-minute low-budget trip! I’m a very good planner, I swear, but I’m just last-minute.

There are two reasons why I chose Switzerland over the other European countries, a) it’s the closest one and the trip (AKA by bus, of course) is very cheap and b) because of the NATURE which mainly includes the lake. I felt like the nature was hugging my soul during this trip.

Well, if you know me well, I hate the sea because it’s salty. I mean I go there anyway, but I hate it. And the pool is usually great, yeah. But the lake is just something else. My first lake experience was two years ago in Alpena, Michigan, the States. I fell in love with the lake back then; it was like the combination of lazy waves and sweet water. It was the best swimming experience in my life.

So Lausanne.

Super tired
 after a long hour of
carrying the two bags
and lack of sleep.

I arrived early in the morning and since I had no idea how and from where to take the bus, I went to the hostel on foot. With my two heavy bags and my awesome back injury. It was nice to explore a bit the city even though I was exhausted from the 7-hour bus ride. Thank God it wasn’t too hot or else I would’ve melted. The walk was full of slopes and it was so weird yet cute to see people normally climb them. Like if it’s the norm to have so many slopes in town. Or maybe it’s just me who finds the idea weird, I don’t know, what do you think?

After an hour of walking, I made it to the hostel one piece. Then I kept my luggage in their locker room and went for another walk till it was time for checking-in. I explored the area a little then sat on a bench facing the Alpes from afar and a very beautiful cemetery. 

After checking-in and organizing my clothes and food (yes, I bought food from Paris: ready meals and tuna cans), I went for a walk by the lake with an ADEEF colleague who moved there. We had some waffles as well. The walk by the lake was splendid. I could see the Alpes at all times. So beautiful. It rained a little but it was still wonderful.


Day 2

Most important meal of the day.

I had breakfast in the hostel. The best part was tasting the Swiss cheese and drinking latté macchiato (which isn't available in Paris because they don't believe in mixing coffee and cocoa for some reason). 

Then I went swimming in the lake. The water was a bit cold compared to the outside temperature but it was still a delight. I had lunch by the lake: tuna, bread and an apple. After spending some time admiring the lake, trees, mountains and sky, I went back to the hostel to change and bring a smaller bag. Then I walked in a park a little then sat on a bench for a while to admire the breathtaking scenery once again. I couldn't get enough of it, to be honest. For some reason I was too tired and I napped on the bench. 

Clouds,  mountains, rocks, trees, geese and a lake..

Day 3

After breakfast, I went for a run by the lake and in the park as well. I got lost a couple of times in a mansions' neighbourhood and a place with actual fields that seemed to have corn crops. I don't know, I'm not an agriculture expert.

In the park.

I then met up with my ADEEF colleague at EPFL. EPFL is one of the top universities in Europe and it was an honor to have a tour there. The architecture was insanely impressive. We then went to the city centre and walked a bit. The stores in Lausanne close at 7 pm! I saw the Cathedral as well and the city from above. 

Day 4 and last one

The checking out at the hostel was by 11 am maximum, so I had to have breakfast and re-pack then put my backpacks in the lockers. Of course I finished all of this last-minute. But to my defense, I had a very long talk with an old Swiss lady at breakfast and that was why. 

Anyway, so after checking out I went to the lake again. Afterwards I went back to the hostel to shower and change, feeling like a gangster for still using the facilities even after checking out. 

After getting ready, I went to explore some more with a new friend. It was very nice of her to show me around so many things in such a little time.

My ADEEF friend insisted on taking me from the hostel to the bus station, which was a sweet gesture even though I can always handle the transportation and luggage. When I went to buy some food from a gas station, we had a very long conversation with an Egyptian Swiss man. He was so friendly and I learned a lot from him about the almost-perfect Swiss life. We then ran so I could catch the bus because I was so close to missing it even though we arrived early. Typical me.

To be continued..


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