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.