So began my "holiday" in Lausanne. Except, after these couple of days, I realized there weren't many things to see or do here. Especially the IOC Museum which I so looked forward to visiting - closed until the end of 2013. Not to mention the "temporary" exhibition on the docked boat isn't going to be ready until the end of March. Just my luck, eh? Nonetheless, I intended to make the most of my stay here one way or another.
(That's the boat to hold the temporary exhibit - though I must say it's seriously a horrendous timing! While it's suppose to serve as a substitute, it doesn't open until the END of March)
The walk was a rather short one from the hotel, approximately 10 minutes or so. The air did really help clear the mind, all crisp and fresh. I quite enjoyed the walk there and up the small climb decorated with sculptures and displays of "Olympic" values. The private time was short-lived as a group of Chinese joined my trek. Their world-famous ability to be completely oblivious of their surroundings just totally destroyed my peace and quiet. One even LITTERED. I thought to do some human justice by telling him off, but I figured, I'll leave the battle for someone else some other day. I don't want to have to deal with these kind of people on my holidays to spoil my mood. Having taken all the photos that I wanted, I decided to start making my way back as I had to shower, pack and check out before noon. Of course, I wouldn't have left so easily. There it was, the temporary souvenir shop just across the street. I mean, if I couldn't visit the museum, at least I have to grab something memorable! Running out of time, I quickly skimmed through the tiny freight-sized shop, picked out what I wanted, paid and bolted towards the hotel. Something that caught my eyes - the Winter Olympic posters that lined along the lakeside, all of which were the Vancouver 2010 medalists. Being Canadian, of course I was able to name all my fellow countrymen. So proud :)
(I'm here! But it's closed :( )
(Kind of reminds me of the CAD $2 coins. Oh how I miss Canada)
(Museum closed, but the flame still stands!)
(People reunite under the five Olympic rings)
Just as I started to prep for shower, the phone that rarely rang rung all so sudden. It was an invitation to join the lot to an expedition up some mountain. Seeing that I didn't have any plans, I jumped at the chance of hassle-free visiting. With that decision, I missed my after-walk shower. Oh wells, plans never can catch up with the happenings. Beautiful scene of the Alps followed by a cup of hot chocolate, the rush to pack was definitely worth it.
(Crazy view! We actually beat the clouds to catch this fantastic scene~)
Refusing to make another trip to the airport, I requested to stay back as our local guide took the lot for their flight home. In the meantime, the urge to spoil myself with the much-awaited Movenpick ice-cream won over. A scoop of Swiss Chocolate and Stracciatella - that made my day. Despite having to LINE-UP for a one-seater (never had the hotel been so busy while we were there, but possibly the Sunday made the difference - just completely packed from bar to restaurant), the dessert justified the wait. No doubt Swiss knows how to do ice-cream.
(No words can describe how much I miss this bowl of ice-cream...)
The night was spent cheese-fonduing at our local guide's comfy home. Can't remember whether or not I had tried cheese fondues before, but this one was definitely a first for me. Not only was it super strong, the flavour was chased quickly by a shot of alcohol. Almost a bit too harsh for me to enjoy, but I tried anyway. It's true, one has to get used to having cheese like the Europeans do.
(The warning was not to have anything cold during or after, so you won't have digestive problems - solid cheese. Hot tea it is!)
With the last check-in time at 10pm, the groupie called it about then to take me to my next stay for the trip - Lausanne Guesthouse. The place is conveniently located right behind the station where I will be taking the train to the airport. Bordering community center-feel, this high-security building stood about 5-6 floors with all sorts of rooms. I chose to bunk with the girls in an all-female dorm, and lucky me FINALLY, I'm not all alone. Not to say the girls were any friendly, at least I didn't have to BE alone on top of FEELING alone. Anyway, a quick shower in the whitey-tidy washroom and I was off to bed. Yes, two things I regret not bringing: a hair dryer and a pair of flip flops. That's what happens when I try to stay in a Guesthouse when I obviously packed for a 5-star hotel. Genius. No matter, I survived. Now, it's time to hit the pillow before the girl below me shoots me down for creating music with my keyboard.
(The lobby - not too big, not too small. Just right. Room on the left functioned as a chillax hall where people can read or go online. Free wifi!)
(Cute little kitchen which was invaded by Portuguese when I spent a night there updating while sipping on tea. Kitchens are definitely a good place to meet people)
(So tempted to play something, but nah. Too rusty to be any good. Plus, I don't want to die of embarrassment!)
A day out of the ordinary is a challenge well done for me.
Light out. Night y'all. Jessy out.