Locarno, Switzerland: Day I

After many trips to the train station reservation center we finally found a train that wasn't booked solid for Easter vacation.  So after much research, and a bit of luck, we boarded a train for Locarno, Switzerland.  The town was beautiful, right on Lake Maggiore, and one of the last towns before crossing into Italy.  

Nearly all of my trips have been with the same person and we have developed a tradition of sorts.  We also go to the 24-hour store in the train station and buy snacks.  We like to try something different each time.  This time she bought what she thought was a banana smoothie. 

Language Barrier #1: Banana smoothie turned out to be banana flavored buttermilk, which is just as gross as it sounds.

The view from our balcony.  Day or night this place was beautiful.

We arrived Saturday mid-day after a long, but scenic eight hour train ride.  After some wandering around town, and slightly up a mountain, we found our hotel.  After dropping most of our stuff we headed out for the day.  The weather was gorgeous and everything was in bloom.  My travel partner is from Florida, and not impressed by palm trees, but I love them.  

After some purchases (homemade pasta for me), we found a cute pizzeria on the main drag.  Through some very creative sign language we were able to get a table.  We decided on a pizza, with ham (or so we thought).  I was, unfortunately, without my language book, because it was borrowed (aka stolen) by my Geneva roommate.

Language Barrier #2: Ham turned out to be the saltiest sardines known to man.

In an attempt to recover form this sodium attack we scoured the town for gelato.  We were eventually successful and I enjoyed a mango and cherry cone while we walked along the lake towards our hotel during sunset.  All and all the day went well and was rather relaxing.

Bern

Last weekend I headed to Bern, the capital of Switzerland, for a day trip and to visit another American intern living there.  The weather was gorgeous and I enjoyed wandering the city.

     



       

     
      

Geneva Auto Show

       

*Disclaimer: This post is mostly filled with car photos.  Unfortunately I have few productive comments about them.  

About a month ago we heard through the grapevine that the annual Geneva Auto Show was coming up.  We decided to go on the last day of the 10 day show.  I had a great time, even though I wasn't always sure what I was looking at.  There were lots of interesting marketing techniques being utilized, and, I am happy to report, lots of green technology.

          

   
 

   

 

Geneva Art Shows

A few weeks ago I received an e-mail at work informing me

that a new art show was opening in Geneva.  The

 photographs featured in this show were taken in Nebraska on election day

by two Swiss guys.  The photographs were great, but were accompanied by commentary in French.  I still can't say for sure if I got the full effect.  However, I am happy to report that gallery had jars of American candy on all the tables (I took a Butterfingers for the road), hot dogs, potato chips, and an open bar.  I was on a mission to find the photographers to ask "why Nebraska?," but was unable to find them.

After doing some research on this gallery we discovered that over 25 galleries in the area were actually having art shows that Thursday night. Our initial goal was to get to 5 galleries.  Then as the night went on we went for 10.  

I am proud to say that we went to 16 galleries, enjoyed refreshments at nearly all of them, and managed to stumble upon this guy creating some cool outdoor art.  

Most of the art was pretty darn cool, but I had trouble interpreting some of the other art.  I do claim the night as a victory thanks to one particular

 gallery.  They featured a picture of Obama and some fabulous photoshop skills.  My friend and I nearly assaulted some guy when we saw him holding an Obama card at another gallery.  Fortunately

 for us he spoke English and pointed the way to the gallery with the Obama cards.  Victory never tasted so sweet.  I picked up the last three Obama cards.

 

*Author's Note: Please excuse the photo quality as  I was borrowing a camera for the evening.  Sarah: one of these Obama cards has your name written all over it.  

Versoix Chocolate Festival

I woke up to a cloudy day. Minutes later I could see rain hitting the trees outside. Then while I was in the bathroom taming my hair I could hear the rain on our deck. Regardless, we decided to brave the weather and head to the Versoix chocolate festival.
On the way to the bus stop Mother Nature was clearly intent on turning our umbrellas inside out. Though the weather was awful the crowds were there. Never underestimate the power of free samples, especially free sample of Swiss chocolate. Imagine about a hundred people on a semi-large tent, many armed with strollers, lots of children with chocolate smeared on their faces, and everyone herding themselves around the free samples.

I officially added to my collection of chocolate to bring home. I also filled my stomach with free samples and not-so-free hot dogs. Though I have generally sworn of American food for my entire trip, I was drawn to a hot dog placed in a semi-hollowed out baguette, with ketchup and mustard in the bottom. Well done Switzerland.