International

Showing a local girl which countries we're all from

It kind of blows my mind that the French language is the only thing bridging the gap between myself and some of my classmates - we have to speak in a foreign language, that we aren't very good at, so we can communicate with each other.

It's unsettling (in a good way) to realize that I can't fall back on English because not everyone can speak it here. This, by the way, perfectly highlights North American ethnocentrism. And these Europeans, they can speak so many languages! My self-esteem cries as Psychology tells me that I've passed my critical period of language learning.

(Neuroplasticity, though. Swedish, next)

Ravioli

Look, mom! I'm eating. And cooking. And eating what I'm cooking.
Also, I fry my egg in a pot (which I then manoeuvre onto a plate) and I use Hercules themed dishware. Je suis awesome. (Sorry for the grossest picture ever)

In other news, I might inadvertently become a vegetarian, as the cost of meat here is outrageous. Outrageous, I tell you!

Things I love: {one}

There have been many things I've loved since I've gotten here. There have also been many things that have worried me, or saddened me, or angered me. But, I knew that this little adventure would be what I'm calling an exercise in gratefulness. In fact, I feel guilty when I want to complain, because however many frustrating circumstances pop up, or negative feelings arise, I remember that I am extremely blessed to be here: to have the chance to do what I've always wanted, to explore the world, and to learn new things. It seems senseless to worry about things I can't control. Thus, when things don't go my way, I will brush them off, shrug, and say, "NBD, I'm in Europe."

I am choosing to focus on the (many) positives and will try to put them on the blog.

Things I love: {one}
- Easily accessible drinking water
- Large windows that allow the sun to illuminate my entire room
- Light switch beside my bed
- General ease of navigating their excellent medical system
- Helpful and hospitable waiters
- Fresh, local food (read: Cheese)
- Perfect weather
- Supportive parents and lovely friends

Reading

On Sundays, almost everything is closed here. Most people head down to the lake. I tried to review some grammar, but I mostly just soaked in some sun and felt like napping. Well, I started off in the sun, but the glare was too bright, blinding me until my pupils re-dialated. After, I opted to sit on the grass in the shade. 

Au café

I've been trying my hand at home cooked meals lately, most likely from the guilt of eating an $18 pizza on my first day (my travel wearied body protested going out and the grocery stores were already closed - pizza was actually quite tasty). Anyway, I love this place. Food was delish, and the patio is great for people watching and relaxing. I had a cool waiter to boot, who gave me all sorts of recommendations of things that locals like to do. "We just go out and drink." Merci, Gerard. I also love the key on their placemat.

I've realized that eating at a café is not as expensive as I had initially thought. Portions are pretty big, and tax and tip are included. Plus, taking into consideration the high grocery prices, it's really not too bad.

Coffee tastes much better here.

La Fête de la Musique

This is one of many indoor and outdoor venues that hosted live music throughout the night

Music festivals don't really feel different from city to city, country to country. The things people do tend to be similar: the drinking, the smoking, the chatting, the dancing, the merrymaking.

Apparently, this festival happens on the same day around the world. In fact, my brother attended the same festival, albeit on a much smaller scale, back home. Pretty cool.

Life on the boardwalk

1. Lots of people picnicking, chatting, and generally lazing about. I see people buying bread and fruit at the nearby grocery store and bringing it with them. I do love that there is so much green space. Points if you spotted the inappropriate statue.

2. Life sized chess. There was also life sized checkers. And one of the coolest playground climbing spaces I've seen.

3. Clean, cool water flowing from all the fountains. Drinkable, unless stated.

4. Bikes, any kind of bikes

5. Rent-a-bikes. A daypass costs 6 CHF and you can return them in multiple locations around town.

Scenes from Ouchy, an area alongside Lake Geneva. General tourist hotspot. In fact, it was the only day I allowed myself to go full throttle tourist: baseball cap, camera around my neck, maps. It was a pleasant day, but I was surprised at how few people were around. Not that it was empty, but it certainly wasn't close to being crowded. Although, I don't think I've seen any place in town that could be considered crowded, except maybe during La Fête de la Musique. I like this.

Lac Léman

Lac Léman. Lake Geneva.
This day, oh, it was a glorious day.
The lake is more beautiful than I had imagined. It's hard to believe that I live here.

By the way, it is not so fun to bring the wrong camera charger. So, you will either be subjected to the photo quality above, or of the cellular variety. sigh.

Adventures in German Airports

1. It took me 40 minutes to get from my arrival gate to my departure gate. I wish I was joking. The path even takes you through arrival and baggage claim; Germany was just outside those sliding doors. Alas, I did not venture outside, nor did I stop to eat, instead staying true to the task at hand. I made it just in time for boarding, only to find out the flight was delayed.

2. I ended up buying a chicken sandwich with the hardest, chewiest bread known to man.

3. I'm always curious to find out what the differences are between airports. This airport, for example: has indoor smoking booths with air filtration, has sleeping cots that remind me of a sick bay, and has their employees move around using cruiser bikes. I found this one parked behind a vending machine, as the employee went to fix a temporary power outage.

I ain't Hemingway, but...

"I never travel without my diary. One should always have something sensational to read in the train."
- Oscar Wilde, The Importance of Being Earnest

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I always enjoy chats with my good friend, Denise. We like to talk about anything, and everything, and nothing at all. As a bon voyage present, she gifted me with a Peanut's 60th Anniversary moleskine. I've actually been eyeing this gem for awhile, unbeknownst to her, since my bright orange Pantone number met an untimely demise courtesy of Mr. Coffee.

I'm excited to fill its pages with notes, doodles, train stubs, stickers, and little stories. Fleeting glimpses and singular moments. Plus, we all know my memory could use the help.

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Dallas Clayton recently put forth the idea of writing one song on your birthday for ten years, until you have enough songs to fill an album. Wouldn't it be nice to have a few songs finished by the time I return?

On your birthday this year you should take a few minutes to write a song with lyrics all about yourself and everything that’s going on in your life at that exact moment. Your girlfriend, your parents, your apartment, your thoughts on the government, everything you ever hoped you’d have done by now but for some reason or another haven’t - get it all out. It can be as long or as short as you’d like, you’re the songwriter. It doesn’t have to rhyme, or have original tunes behind it, or drums or guitar or even sound good. Don’t be scared. Just sing, like you would when you were a kid, by yourself, before you knew what all the rules were. 

Pack your bags, Charlie! We're going abroad.

In a fortnight

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Packing: The Obesity of Winter Clothes

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Winter clothes could lose a few pounds.

There, I said it.

My ski jacket and pants take up half my luggage space.
Then, there are my beloved Hunter boots.
Also, toques, the winter classic.
Plus, wool socks and warm mittens. Under Armour thermal gear.
Parkas, or trench coats, or rain jackets.

I suppose I could wear all of it on the plane.
I don't mind looking a little crazy, so that I can keep my cashmere sweaters.
Too bad I land in the midst of summer.
I guess I could buy my winter gear when I get there.
But I would like to keep my money, so that I can eat.

Cursed winter clothes.

First World Problems

I'm a low maintenance person. I don't like shopping much.

I live in jeans and t-shirts. Sometimes dresses.

But packing has a knack for exposing someone's true colours. I'm a high maintenance gal. 

Who knew?
I'm contemplating on bringing five pairs of shoes.
I cringe to think how many jackets I can get away with. I thought that would be my only vice.

Mountains

I'm being tricky. The last photo isn't from the same season. Or from the same mountain.
I shall miss this city. Where I can ski and sail, all in the same day. Where I can hike in the summer but still see snow when I reach the top. Where I can revel in shared hockey celebration.