Nice Surprise

I have been MIA for a little while but its only because I have been quite busy.  Two weeks ago I got the opportunity to go to New York and was lucky enough to add a side trip to North Carolina  to visit family.

As I got on the plane to New York I realized its been 4 months since I was last in the US and since I said good bye one more time to pursue a dream here in Switzerland.  Time really does fly when you’re having fun.  Its also scary to think the next time I will be home is in December, which will be here before I know it.

The flight was wonderful as it always is with Swiss.  I managed to catch up on some movies and some shut eye.  For once immigration lines weren’t that long and I made it through without even a question.  Off I went to the JetBlue terminal for my connecting flight to NC.   I was pleasantly surprised to find some really cool and unique restaurants, not just the standard chains.  They have really made it an experience but I had to indulge in a Caribbean Passion smoothie from Jamba Juice.  I also saw the little touch-screen panels where you can order your food and they will bring it to your gate.  If only I had more time and I would have tried that.  Well it leaves something for next time.

JetBlue is one of my new favorite airlines.  The service was great and having a TV while we were stuck on the tarmac for 40 minutes was a great bonus.  Of course I had to indulge in a little Here Comes Honey Boo Boo for old times sake.   When we landed I had also forgotten how icky it feels when its humid.  Switzerland has had great weather for the last 2 months but there is little to no humidity.  First sign of humidity for me, my hair somehow grows several inches in height.

I was delighted to be able to see my family again, especially since it was a last minute decision.  I have decided I really enjoy impromptu trips and need to plan more of them.  Anyone for a trip?

I had the most relaxing weekend, spending time in the sun, going for walks, and a joy ride in the boat.

I also got to try paddle boarding for the first time, which I was a little scared of because there were lots of boats that just whizzed by, creating lots of waves.  Thank goodness for the many years of skating but within a couple of minutes I was totally comfortable on the board.  As we headed out I started to get the hang of it and we enjoyed a lovely little tour in the marshes.  Just as we were about to head back, we saw a dolphin pop up.  Instantly, every paddle boarder, kayaker, and swimmer started heading towards the dolphin.  Luckily enough for me that didn’t scare it off and we were able to see it come up several times.  It was amazing to be that close to a dolphin.  Only thing that was missing was a Go Pro so I could have caught that moment on camera.

By the end of dolphin watching I was starting to really boil in the sun and we headed back, enjoying the current making it a little easier for us.  It was a great experience and I am now hooked and can’t wait to go out and do it again.

I ended my weekend with an amazing curry dinner, with Tikka Massala, Lamb Rogan Josh, daal, and naan.  We also shared many a laugh that left me with aching abs and tears running down my face.  Its moments like that I wish I could record and watch over and over again and keep for a rainy day.

Monday came all too soon and after a much needed stop at the mall (I needed my shopping fix) it was time to catch the plane back to New York.  After making it to my hotel with my taxi driver that had no idea where my hotel was I was able to settle in to my room.  The hotel was totally up my alley with a massive lobby and super modern features.   Since I was in a part of New York I have never really explored, I headed out to explore a little.

While my exploring did include checking out some sights, I may have also done a huge drug store haul because lets face it, Switzerland is really lacking in that department.  I mean, I could spend hours in the drug store buying all sorts of things I don’t need but its great fun.

When my feet were finally killing me, I headed back expecting a quiet night but instead had a wonderful meal with new friends and ended the night on the rooftop bar, which had an amazing view.

Tuesday I attended a conference which went by way too quickly and before I knew it, I was on the plane back to Switzerland.  Before I knew it I was back at my desk and my spontaneous trip was over. I had such a great time and I can’t wait to do it again!!!

 

Schweizer Bundesfeier. Fête nationale Suisse. Festa nazionale svizzera. Fiasta naziunala Svizra.

August 1st is Swiss National Day and this year I got to spend it with my favourite Swiss girls!!  Fun fact: In case you didn’t already know, Switzerland has four official languages, German, French, Italian, and Romansh, hence this title in all four of those languages.  I wish I could say I spoke them all but I’m limited to French and terrible German.  Anyway back on topic.

Why August 1st? Because in 1291, three of the mountain cantons swore the oath of the confederation in early August, which later would become the foundation of Switzerland.  While this day has been celebrated for hundreds of years, the Swiss did not make it an official holiday until 1994.   There are many different celebrations throughout Switzerland on this day and it is generally celebrated on a municipal level.  Traditionally though, celebrations include paper lanterns, parades, bonfires, hanging strings of Swiss flags, and fireworks.

I can say that I did most of the traditional things this past Thursday.  It was another sweltering day and I can say I was more than happy for the air conditioning as I headed to Geneva on the train.  After meeting up with one of my dear friends from my days in Geneva (and of course I am terrible with directions and it took me forever to find her) and enjoying the sun sitting next to the Rhone we headed to pick up the supplies for a “grillade” or BBQ.

Now I can say I am very happy this friend of mine now works for a certain alcohol company because it makes for very good cocktails!!!  Perched in the backyard with a giant cold glass of martini rosato with proseco and a slice of orange, some little snacks, and music we caught up on many months of gossip.  It is sort of the end of an era for our little group as we all worked together (beginning about the same time) and now the last one is leaving that company.  It is amazing how time flies and how things change but I am very happy that we have all remained friends.

Best summer drink!

Once the group had all arrived, it was time for the BBQ.  Even though we had done a good job with the snacks, we still managed to chow down sausages, chicken wings,  lamb cutlets, and potatoes.  It was delicious and really made me want to go out and buy a BBQ for my tiny little balcony.  Its still an idea I am toying with but it has to be gas and I don’t really want to carry those bottles up 4 flights of stairs.

Once the sun had gone down and we were being attacked by the mosquitos and slapping ourselves like idiots, we decided to head to the bonfire.  I still love that here you can take your beer and just casually walk down the street and no one is going even look twice.  We headed to the highest point in Geneva (which really isn’t all that high), hiking through the vineyards, to see the fireworks and enjoy the atmosphere.  Unfortunately we arrived a little late and the fire was already dying down a little but  it was still awesome to see. The poor firemen that have to watch all these fires, its no holiday for them.

Bonfire!!

Another tradition, normally reserved for children is to carry a paper lantern with a candle inside.  Well now thats something right up my alley!  Apparently its also quite common that they catch on fire… hence you normally carry them on a long stick.  But we didn’t have a stick and so we very gently carried our lantern around, praying it wouldn’t catch alight.   On a side note to all those people that mock my little bag hanger thing for the table, it came in handy when we wanted to hang the lantern somewhere without putting it on the ground to roll around and surely start another bonfire.  Sitting on picnic tables, we enjoyed a magnificent view of the Geneva fireworks, as well as the fireworks being set off around us.

Paper lantern

I wish I could have stayed longer but it was a mad rush to get me to the train station to catch the last train back to Lausanne.  Overall it was a great evening with amazing friends and I hope we don’t wait as long to see each other again.  On the train ride home, it made me realise how hard it is to stay in contact with all the people I want to, especially since we are all over the world but as they say you don’t need to talk to your true friends everyday to remain friends.

Proudly holding her lantern… too bad about the quality of the photo

And even though I am not Swiss, I feel more patriotic to Switzerland than any other country and had to show my pride somehow…

Swiss flag nails!!