Life Styles of the Rich and Famous

OK, maybe Robin Leech wouldn't consider our day so luxiourious, but we sure felt like a king and a queen! First, I have to say to anyone headed to Europe, get a railpass. There are a confusing amount to choose from, but it is worth it to have one. Like, for example, being able to take a boat cruise on Lake Geneva for 3 hours and not have to pay anything for it, because it's covered by your railpass. And being able to ride on the First Class deck because you have a First Class railpass....tres bien!

So, we boarded our boat at 9:30 a.m. This proved to be the perfect time, as there were only 7 other people on the First Class deck with us. We had a choice of lounge chairs on the deck, or tables and chairs in the middle. We tried all the different options, and settled on the lounge chairs in the sun. This is when Robin Leech popped into my mind. I felt like a queen (which is even more extravagant than the princess that I already am!) There was even a waitress walking around, asking if we wanted drinks. (Not quite my Mom's Raul, but still quite nice.)

Cruising around the lake was wonderful, and both Eric and I agree that Lausanne has really grown us. I think it was a culture shock to come from the peaceful mountains to this crazy big city, but we are adjusting (and tomorrow we leave for the mountains again.) Our cruise ended at Chateau de Chillion, a really cool castle. You know Eric was heaven ( 2 days in a row of castle exploration!) and we had a relaxing time wandering through the castle. They had a very helpful pamphlet which enabled us to learn a lot, while going at our own pace.

Then we cruised back. This time it was much more crowded and it really made us appreciate our morning voyage. Eric got a crazy idea while we were headed back. He wanted to go swimming in the lake!!! (Crazy because it's so cold!) But it was a gorgeous day. So we rented a pedal boat, and pedaled around a bit. The water ended up being too cold to jump in, but we had fun dipping our legs in (with me screaming the whole time because it was so cold.)

Then Eric had another great idea to walk up hill (I tell ya, everything is up hill!) to the old town of Lausanne. It was incredible and we saw a lot of historical buildings and cathedrals. Lots more pictures to add to our collection.

I will sign off now, so Eric can write. But I will end with an answer to my Mom's question: yes - we are bringing home chocolate for everyone! We already shipped some home from Bern, and will ship some more home before heading to Zermatt. (Picture that MasterCard commercial... cost of shipping home a box of chocolate.... x amount of dollars..... cost of not having to lug it around Europe... priceless!)