Switzerland

UPDATE (December 1 - December 13)

Almost immediately, I fell in love with Switzerland. The Swiss residents radiate a unique kindness and the landscape, a natural beauty.

Christmas market in Gruyere, Switzerland. 

LAUSANNE

​For the most part, I stayed in Lausanne hosted by my mom’s friend from college, her husband, and their dogs. I am so thankful for their generosity, hospitality, and knowledge of history and the area!

On my first day, we visited the Cathedral of Lausanne, known as a stop on the Swiss Route of the Camino de Santiago, as well as for having a remarkably large rose window at the time of its construction.

A small design museum, no larger than an average house, sits adjacent to the Cathedral of Lausanne. The ground floor featured work by industrial designer, Constance Giusset. In one room, her pieces were colorful and vibrant, while in the other, the same pieces were dressed instead shades of grey. This juxtaposition highlighted the seemingly obvious power of color in giving life to a space, however I found myself surprised at the effect.

The third floor showcased fascinating glass sculptures. I never realized how many ways this material could be manipulated.

Lasusanne also hosts the International Olympic Committee and the Olympic Museum.

I particularly loved the portion on the design of the games. From programs and signage to memorabilia and mascots to the torches and medals, it's all designed with immense intention. I left as giddy as a kid leaves a candy shop.

The mascots of various Olympic Games engage children and embody the culture and spirit of the host city.

GRUYERE

Much to my mother’s relief, I did not turn 19 in a rickety top bunk of a sad hostel room. Instead, I spent it in Gruyere, Switzerland with wonderful hosts!

We visited the Château de Gruyere, where the view out of an upper level window made me feel like princess.

We ate Gruyere cheese fondue (with proper fondue etiquette).

We went for a hike.

Glacial water running through the gorge took on a cloudy teal shade. 

We concluded the day with a Callier factory tour and chocolate tasting. All in all, 19 was definitely the tastiest birthday ever!

GENEVA

From Lausanne, I took a few solo day trips to other parts of Switzerland. The first: Geneva, which was appropriately filled with lots of watch-gazing.

I started off in the Phillippe Patek Museum, where every watch imaginable -- big, little, shiny, dull, complicated, simple, old, new, scientific, decorative, you get the point -- poses behind protective glass. Then, I hit Rue du Rhone. Rediscovering the torturous nature of window shopping, I wandered past all the fancy brands. None offered price tags smaller than 1,500 CHF (about $1,500) and all were guarded by big, stern-looking men in suits. I could barely conjure the courage to venture inside.

LUCERNE

Another day trip took me to Lucerne. The iconic Kapellbrücke Bridge proved just as impressive in person as in photographs.

The mountains that cradle this city-village did as well.

My day consisted of wandering the town and riding a sunset cruise around Lake Lucerne. In the secluded atmosphere, I couldn’t help but smile and relax.

ZURICH

For the final day trip, I traveled to Zurich.

An exhibit in the Design Museum within the Zurich University of the Arts highlighted prototypes and models. Modeling serves many functions, like communicating ideas, testing concepts, creating art and even just passing time. But, above all, modeling makes imagination tangible.

Another exhibit featured some really cool drone photography that reminded me of the movie Inception.

With that, I headed back to Lausanne for some much needed rest before moving on to Italy.