Watch out Switzerland. . . The three-some is here and ready for action!

This photo is the essence of my next two and a half weeks, and I seriously cannot wipe the smile off my face. Sitting in my tiny room with two of the most wonderful people I know drinking wine and laughing. . . Life is good. Really good.

And tomorrow Natalie will be here to pick us up and whisk us away to Verbier for Shan's birthday, a fantastic (and freezing) New Year's celebration, and skiing in the Swiss Alps--essentially a couple days spent partying in one of the greatest and most exclusive ski resorts in the Alps. Yeah, we're that cool. Oh, and tomorrow evening, a serious feast at Andy, Anne, and Yann's Chalet (also in Verbier) with wine, wine, some food, a crackling fire and more wine.

So here's to the next few days in paradise--and I mean that in every sense of the word. And since I will be no where near my computer for the next few days, I want to wish you all a fantastic New Year's celebration, wherever the holiday takes you! Here's to the end of a fabulous year and the beginning of one that can only be better. See you in 2010!

Bonnes fêtes tout le monde!

And finally, in the spirit of Christmas, I will take you on a grand tour of the Montreux Christmas Market. Of everything in this little city, this market is by far the most magical. Each little wooden chalet glows against the black lake, and the sound of Christmas carols (in English and French) and live street music light up the already sparkling night. I would go into painstaking detail about every vendor, but I'd like to save some for the imagination. After all, that's what Christmas is all about, right? The beauty of the imagination and believing--two things that there can never be enough of in my humble opinion. And the Christmas Market? Well, I found it to be the embodiment of Christmas spirit for more reasons than I could list. Who knows. . . Maybe one day I'll come back here with a family of my own. With everything I love so much about Christmas in one place, how could I resist?

This photo was actually taken at the Christmas Market in Morges, but I thought it was just too appropriate not to include.

The grand eating pavilion surrounded by stands with foie gras, dried meats, fondue, pizzas, pretzels, crêpes, waffles, churros, cookies, chocolates, and of course, vin chaud.

The tea corner. But this tea is special. Really special. Black tea with rum. . . and lots of rum. Sounds kind of strange if you haven't tried it, but I can tell you that after a couple of these, you'll be plenty warm. Oh yeah, and by the way, that is a legit log house. I'm pretty sure that a family of four could have lived very comfortably there.

If I had no self control before, well, it went out the window here.

Nougat and fudge and chocolate oh my!

My favorite vin chaud stand. Mostly because the men working it were adorable and so so friendly. And I would be that happy too if was working there with huge cauldrons of bubbling wines at my disposal.

The same stand, with the same adorable (now shirtless) men roasting chestnuts for an eager crowd. Drooooool.

One of three full scale houses built for the market. Just the market. God I love this city.

The ferris wheel (duh) and the Canadian village to the right. And yes, that is a tepee with a real crackling fire inside.

Full scale house #2.

The center pavilion with more stands selling crafts and gifts, fine Christmas delicacies and more delicious food than you could ever imagine.

So what do you think? Christmas in Montreux, 2010?

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

And because I'm such a sucker for this song (I've listened to it like four times today), here are the lyrics, though you all probably know them anyway. Just imagine that I'm singing to you, cracking voice and all. La de de daaaa!

* * *

Have yourself a merry little Christmas,

Let your heart be light,

From now on,

Our troubles will be out of sight.

Have yourself a merry little Christmas,

Make the Yule-tide gay,

From now on,

Our troubles will be miles away.

Here we are as in olden days,

Happy golden days of yore.

Faithful friends who are dear to us,

Gather near to us once more.

Through the years,

We all will be together,

If the Fates allow.

Hang a shining star upon the highest bough.

And have yourself a merry little Christmas now.

It's a wonderful life

It's Christmas Eve and I just finished watching It's A Wonderful Life for the first time. And I have to say, it really was wonderful and exactly what I needed. Being my first Christmas alone, today has been a little strange. While at work this morning, I let my mind wander to Christmases past. Remembering my family gathered around the big dining room table for a bouillabaisse feast. . . Jumping up and checking the front door for Santa every ten minutes. . . And finally that magical sound of the doorbell actually ringing, which meant that Santa had indeed been there, leaving behind a great big bag of Christmas treats for the whole family, which we would then proceed to tear apart in the following hour. (We did things a little different in my house.)

And with the arrival of some hotel clients for breakfast, I snap back to reality. Montreux. Christmas Eve. My first Christmas away from home. Though I don't want to say that I'm completely alone because I am lucky enough to have the means to call my family and be with them temporarily, even if means being connected by our voices. Don't get me wrong. I've had my moments when the loneliness finds its way in. While walking the Christmas market yesterday evening, I felt that tinge of sadness watching all the bundled families walk by me, their hands joined and swinging with laughter. I smiled at their shared moments and continued walking, my hands shoved deep in my coat pockets to keep them warm.

I eventually bought myself a cup of vin chaud (I have to take advantage of this strictly seasonal offering, right?) and found a quiet bench next to the lake to sit and think. In the background, Frank Sinatra's voice warmed the chilly winter air as the thoughtfully placed speakers started playing "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas." I don't know if it's his voice, or the lyrics, or just the tune itself, but this song (and this version especially) has always been one of my favorite Christmas songs, despite the fact that it leaves me feeling heavy hearted. I get lost in the song, imagining a white, winter scene with twinkling Christmas lights. Silent snow falling in giant starry flakes like you always see in movies.

So I sat there silently looking out onto the dark water, lights glittering and reflecting off its surface, and I thought about all the wonderful Christmases I've had surrounded by family and friends and presents and sparkling ornaments. Yes, I would be lying to you if I said that I didn't miss it. Of course I do. And I wish I had a Christmas tree and a huge Christmas Eve feast at a large, loud and bustling table. But I'll take my quiet Christmas this year. I'll take it and revel in it and spend the time being thankful for all the wonderful gifts I've been given all year long. Soon enough I'll be with two of my best friends, laughing and crying (perhaps at the same time) and talking as if we haven't been apart for six months at all. And tomorrow? Oh don't worry, I have a mini feast planned, though it won't be served on fancy china like it normally is. But along with a good book, some delicious smelling candles, a few Christmas movies, and talking to family and friends. . . Well, I'd say that it's a wonderful life indeed.

Technical difficulties

My Internet connection suddenly stopped working yesterday morning. Soooo not cool. Especially considering that I have been depending on TVShack for nonstop movie entertainment (especially since I've been sick) and skype dates to keep me feeling close to you all this time of year. It's probably due to the lovely construction that also sporadically leaves my water brown or turned off completely. Let's just hope I can fix this little problem by Christmas.

But for now, my Christmas Wish List:

1. Internet (this wasn't on my original list, but suddenly got rocked to the top).

2. Friends and Family (I will settle for a few days after Christmas as well :).

3. A Christmas feast.

4. Snow.

5. "A Christmas Story" Marathon (hey, I can dream, right?).

6. A new supply of Yogi Tea.

7. My papers from Germany.

And since 7 is my lucky number, I'll stop there. Besides, I can't be too greedy. And just in case I cannot get this Internet problem figured out before Christmas . . . I wish you all a wonderful holiday filled with family and friends and food and love. I'll be thinking of you all!

Merry Christmas!

With love,

Mel

18.12.09

It snowed even more today. Fat, white flakes came tumbling down most of the morning, covering Montreux with a thin sheet of whiteness. Hello winter! And I wanted to go out running in it with my camera to capture the city in all it's wintery glory, but sadly, I woke up feeling absolutely awful this morning. Like could barely get out of bed and walk to the doctor kind of awful. But shockingly, I made it to the doctor's office just in time for her to assess my sickness and hand over a prescription sheet that was entirely covered. And now that I have a full on pharmacy in my room, I am feeling much better, though some homemade chicken soup and a cup of tea from my pink Beverly Hills Hotel mug would really do the trick.

If all goes well, however, I will be back on my feet and ready for action in two more days. Just in time to catch the snow with my camera--while it lasts that is. But for a quick preview, I will tell you this: it is cold and very white. Can't you just picture it?

New Developments IV

It snowed today!!! I was doing some grocery shopping in Vevey this morning and stopped at Starbucks for a much needed coffee and reading session. And when I walked out an hour later, tiny white flakes were falling down from the clouds, waving hello to the lunch time crowd gathered around the city center. Snuggling into my huge scarf, I walked around the city, enjoying every bit of the brief wintery teaser. The flakes were so small that they were more like ice, but it was still a lovely surprise. And who knows . . . Maybe I will have a white Christmas!

New love

That's right. I'm in love. With Greg Laswell and his raspy voice and dreamy lyrics. I first heard his song "The One I Love" in the car with Sam while driving along the rugged, raw California coast heading north. Our hands danced outside the windows as we let ourselves drift into other worlds of thought, trying to imagine what post-grad life would be like. I bought that song on iTunes the moment I got home and it's been racking up the play count since, always reminding me of that perfectly clear road trip day in a car that was so packed full of Sam's college life and our swirling memories that I'm still shocked that we made it to San Francisco in one piece.

And since then, I've been wanting to buy the CD, but being such a tightwad has left me listening to the 30 second teasers on iTunes. But I did it. I finally broke down and bought his album and what an excellent choice it was. I'm slightly obsessed and repeatedly get lost in the delicate guitar strings and depressingly romantic lyrics. Walking lakeside with my iPod, I imagine myself with toes in the wet sand, a morning walk on Mission Beach, coffee mug in hand, thinking and walking and occasionally stopping to stare out at the steady blue line where ocean and sky meet. The snowy mountains aren't such a bad tradeoff, but the nostalgia still creeps in and I find myself missing a lot of things. And although this may seem sad to some, I actually find myself happier after such moments because I have so many wonderful memories to look back on.

Okay, enough sentimental pondering for one post. If you haven't listened to him, I strongly recommend that you check out Greg Laswell, album titled "Three Flights from Alto Nido." Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

The little things

"Sometimes I wonder about my life. I lead a small life. Well, valuable but small. And sometimes I wonder, do I do it because I like it? Or because I haven't been brave? So much of what I see reminds me of something I've read in a book when, shouldn't it be the other way around? I don't really want an answer. I just want to send this cosmic question out into the void. So . . . Good night dear void." --Kathleen Kelly (played by Meg Ryan) in You've Got Mail

* * *

You've Got Mail is one of my favorite movies. Though I'm not exactly sure why I like it so much, but I have a few guesses. . . It reminds me of my mom. It's flooded with talk of books and bookshops. Kathleen Kelly's apartment in the movie is absolutely adorable (I want it I want it I want it!). And finally, both Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks' characters are perfectly endearing, quirky, and just complicated enough. But ultimately, I fall in love with the details in this movie. The "bouquets of sharpened pencils" and quotes like the one written above that make you think differently, which I suppose is what good books and movies should make you do.

And this brings me to a moment I had a couple days ago, while on my evening run lakeside. My endorphins were seriously kicking in and I felt like I was on top of the world, especially after two relaxing and therapeutic days off. I was thinking about how much freedom I have in my life right now. How I can literally do anything I want in my time off, now that I'm no longer a university student (though I will be again in the near future, I promise). All options are open to me and I have total control of my life right now since there is no boyfriend or husband or baby to think about. Nope, just me.

And even though I'm on this great adventure in a new country on a different continent, it shocks me how normal my life still feels. Yes, I have those moments of awe when I cannot believe where I am and the opportunities I have here in front of me. And there is the constant excitement of being able to see something new everyday by simply walking a new street or taking the train to some unexplored city. But my life still feels remarkable small. I live here, in this hotel, in a small room with my suitcases half full of things I have still yet to unpack. Pictures of friends and family decorate my walls and tell the stories of other adventures and places and people. The book stacks I started with have gradually grown taller. And of course, I've accumulated my fair share of nicknacks and odds and ends that will be a pain in the ass to pack when I decide to move again. But that's it. That's my life. The funny thing though? I love it. And because I've downsized so much, I find it easier to see the value in the little things.

Yet, sometimes I still put pressure on myself to squeeze the most out of my time here. As nearly every adult over the age of 35 likes to remind me, life gets a lot more complicated later on. You can't just pick up and leave and travel and make spontaneous decisions like you used to. And maybe that's true. I don't doubt that marriage and kids and money and mortgage payments complicate life. But I think sometimes we forget to take that step back, change our perspective, and appreciate the little things that are there right in front of us. Life never has to become routine if we don't want it to be. Call me naïve if you want, but I hope I stay that way because I really believe that no matter where you are, who you're with, or what you do, there is always someplace new to discover, someone new to meet, or something new and exciting and extraordinary to do. There may be a lot of things about this life that I don't know, and plenty of things that I'll never know. But for now, I'm happy with the little life I've created, roots or not. And if this adventure teaches me anything, I hope it's to never forget the value of each day. Each moment is there for the taking. It's just up to you to decide what to do with it.

Can it be December 28th yet?

"Missing someone isn't about how long it has been since you've seen them or the amount of time since you've talked. It's about that very moment when you're doing something and wishing they were right there with you." --UNKNOWN (via Carleigh)

I have these kinds of moments all the time, wishing that specific people were there with me to laugh or cry or talk or be silent. And in 17 days and 16 hours, Car and Shan will be here! A part of me will be complete again. Now, if only I could find a way to fly home for the Caroling Party. I would be the happiest person alive. But I'll take what I can get!

And since we always look so good together, here is a quick preview. And fyi: we're way better in action!

Luna llena

What I didn't mention in my last post was that I almost decided to forgo walking the city of Zürich itself after the Christmas market and take the train back to Montreux right away. I was quickly losing the drive to explore and a nice long bubble bath back in my room sounded much more appealing that walking aimlessly in the freezing cold weather. But thankfully, I'm stubborn and being in the city and not seeing what it had to offer, especially in light of the season, just sounded stupid. So I sucked it up and gave my tired feet the finger.

And it was when I was walking through the maze of streets that make up the beautiful old town that I stopped and mentally thanked myself for being so stubborn. Walking next to one of the city's many churches, I nearly stumbled upon a group of bundled people standing in the middle of the cobblestone street. And when I looked to see what all the commotion was about, I understood. Framed by walls of 15th and 16th century buildings on both sides, an enormous full moon was rising, shining like a spotlight down on the city. I don't think I've ever seen a moon that big. At first, I actually thought it was fake--no joke. It was that impressive, and the rest of the people walking by seemed to think so as well. Tourists and Zürich natives alike stopped to pay gratitude to the moment--whipping out their camera phones to snap some hopeless shots, followed by standing there in silent awe as the luminous ball of light climbed its way up the black sky.

I stayed for about twenty minutes, trying to find anything to put my camera on to get a steady shot. Sadly, I didn't have many options, so handheld it was. But I still got one shot that is an attempt of recreating the moment. One guy I was standing next to actually gave me his email address and asked me to send him the photos. His pocket digital wasn't being too cooperative, so I agreed. It was one of those moments that I will never forget--photo or not--and I can imagine that he wanted to share it with people he knew too.

Oh, and did I mention that this street was lined with Christmas trees draped in white sparkling lights? And that when I walked it later, I discovered that it was used books heaven? There must have been at least five ancient used book stores on this tiny street. It was like my very own Christmas dream come true. Even now when I try to explain the scene to someone, I'm nearly speechless because it was that extraordinary. I only wish that you all could have been with me. Another time perhaps?

And now to share my magical moment, voilà!

Take 1. Blurry, but I still like it.

Can I stay forever? Please??

Take 2. Okay, more like 15 but who's counting.

I played with the color here a tad. I think it looks like a scene out of a 50s Christmas movie or something along those lines. Romantic and vintage: two things I love. Ah, sigh.

Zürich. And my search continues...

My original plan was this: spend the entire day/night in Bâle, then take the train to Zürich the next morning to walk around the city and revel in Christmas market magic. However, when I was ready to leave Bâle by five o'clock in the afternoon, I figured, why not go to Zürich tonight when I'm only an hour away? Besides, what I really wanted was to be in the cities at night. With all the white lights draped over trees, buildings, houses, streets and little chalets, everything sparkles and you can't help but feel transported into a romantic state of bliss. So that's what I did and even though I was slightly worn out by the time I got to Zürich, it was the best decision I could have made.

The main Christmas market in Zürich (there are several others in the city as well) is actually held in the train station--a novel idea--so the crowdis an eclectic mix of travelers with time to kill, Christmas market connoisseurs like myself, and homeless people who call the station their home. Although the stands were nothing extraordinary in my opinion (it was basically a replica of the Bâle market), the ambiance was irresistibly inviting, so I circled the vendors a few times snapping photos and soaking up the coziness of it all.

Here's a quick taste of the Christkindli Markt, railroad station style:

The grand centerpiece: a Christmas tree draped in Swarovski crystals.

The stands selling paper stars and strings of decorative lights quickly became my favorite for reddish, orange glow they radiate. And that little girl in the foreground? Adorable. She had a big heart shaped cookie hanging from her neck. Luckily it wasn't any bigger or she might have fallen over.

* * *

After the market, I took off in the direction, of, well, I had no idea where I was going. I just followed the people out of the station hoping they would lead me somewhere interesting. And I was right. It took all about five minutes for me to reach the city centre where Christmas was undeniably at the forefront of everyone's mind. Holiday shoppers weighed down by bags, bags and more bags. . . People walking with glüwein cups in hand. . . And the rest of us strolling under streets draped in lights and ornaments. Zürich is a cool city on its own, but in the light of Christmas, I fell in love with it all over again. You'll see why.

I think I walked this street about three times. With white lights dangling down like falling stars suspended in the nearly black sky, how could anyone resist? And not only was there a Starbucks, but an American Apparel store! I went in (obviously) and felt like I was back in San Diego again--though this time without my crew of highly trained shopping professionals. I tried on a few things and thought about buying something until I was so scared off by the prices (thank you import taxes) that I left promising never to return for the sake of my wallet.

City lights glowing over the River Limmat.

And finally, the "Singing Tree," a longstanding tradition in Zürich where a group of children sit singing traditional carols to the crowds of people who come to watch and listen. With the full moon rising in the background, the night could not have ended more beautifully. Well, unless there had been a fireworks show, but I'll take what I can get.

New Developments III

1. Work. If you're wondering why I haven't written about work lately, it's simply because there's not much to say. The number of us still working is seriously dwindling--only five left in the restaurant and significantly less in the kitchen as well--but that has allowed me to get to know my co-workers better, so it hasn't been such a bad thing (not to mention the fact that with more time to spare, the cooks are always giving me samples of new dishes or foods I haven't tried--a perk that I do not find in the least bit bothersome).

And since the breakfast manager left on pregnancy leave about a month ago, I have been put in charge of the breakfast alongside Christianne. So essentially I work from 6am to 3pm every day. Not a bad schedule at all and I get to work during the busiest parts of the day, which obviously provides more entertainment. Still though, business is really slow on account of the work going on in and around the hotel. Just to give you an idea. . . On a normal day in September, we were serving anywhere from 60 to 120 people for the breakfast. A couple days ago, it was ten. Yeah. Okay, so maybe that was an exception, but still, you get the idea.

2. Friends/Social life. My newest friend is Gilles, a 18-year-old from Switzerland who works in the kitchen. He is my teddy bear. And he kind of looks like one too. He is a BIG kid--a rugby player actually--and I've taken to thinking of him as a simultaneous bodyguard.

The other night a group of us (service and kitchen personnel) went to the Black Pearl, the one and only club in Montreux. It was fun and I danced so much that my legs are sore today--two days later. And this is slightly embarrassing, but I honestly forgot what a serious hangover feels like. However thanks to my friends vodka, vodka, and more vodka (not that it takes me much to get tipsy anyways), I was in good shape--or not, depending on your perspective. I will also say that yesterday morning was not pleasant. AT ALL. Two hours of sleep after a night of drinking is not what I'd call smart. But hey, I've been too responsible lately, so I figured why not take a couple steps back?? Ha, I joke I joke. It was a great night, but more than anything, it made me miss my San Diego crew. No matter how hard I tried, dancing without the girls to old pop songs was a lost cause. And now for my quiet moment of nostalgia...

3. The Christmas Market. Vin chaud has replaced my almost-daily coffees. I can't think of a better way to spend 4.50 Swiss Francs.

4. Vacation. I officially have the entire month of February off. And maybe March (I may try to pull some strings with the management :). What do I plan to do? As of now, I hope to be in Prague with my aunt and cousin. Maybe an internship or volunteer position or something of the like. There are plenty of options. And in April, Omi's birthday. And after? I'm not sure about that yet. I suppose you could say that I'm taking my life one month at a time right now, since anything more would be unrealistic considering my current visa/passport situation. But that's top secret info. Hmmm. . . If anyone has high powered friends in Germany, let me know, please? Thanks!

5. Visitors. In exactly 20 days and 18 hours, I will have not one but TWO of the most wonderful people I know here with me. But really, who's counting? Shan and Car, I CANNOT WAIT TO SEE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And our New Year's with Nat and Heather is going to be epic. I am so excited that I barely know what to do with myself, but I suppose the anticipation is one of the best parts. Okay, I lie. You girls can just get here already!

That's all for now, but with two days off coming up on Wednesday and Thursday, I'm sure that I'll come up with something new to write about. Although, I'm warning you. . . It may involve more vin chaud and Christmas cheer. Hope you don't mind.

Bâle. And my search for the perfect Christmas market begins.

It's official. I love Christmas markets. Like if I could, I would go to a new one every day even if it meant looking at the same 20 stands over and over again. There's something just so cozy about walking around the little wooden chalets (built for the individual vendors) with a steaming cup of vin chaud keeping my hands toasty warm. Whether or not browsing turns to buying, the ambiance of the European Christmas Market is unlike anything in the states. Okay, maybe I have fallen under the spell of holiday cheer and am intoxicated by the smell of freshly baked pain d'epices (spiced bread), pretzels, and macaroons, but who can blame me?

So my love for Christmas markets ("Christkindlmarkt" in German) took me to Bâle (also called Basel in German) last week on my day off. Reading up online, I found that Bâle, a city mostly known for banking and commerce, boasts the biggest Christmas market in Switzerland. Over 120 stands all dedicated to Christmas shopping, food, and plenty, plenty of drink. And being three hours away by train, I figured, why not take a little day trip to a new city?

I found it to be charming enough, especially the old town. While walking around the winding streets that quickly warp anyone's sense of direction, I actually saw a building dating back to 1322. 1322! I couldn't believe it, especially since it just looked to be someone's residence. I can just hear it now. . . "Yeah, come on over! My house is the one with the nice 700-year-old brickwork around the door. And the hand carved design around the arched windows."

And how about the Christmas market? you ask. It was nice enough, and the people watching was top notch, but I personally prefer the market in Montreux. The market in Bâle actually felt smaller because all the stands were closer together and there was much less a variety in vendors. However, one thing that Bâle had that Montreux is seriously lacking? Vin chaud with amaretto. So freakin good and the best way to warm up on a chilly December day.

So then, here are some photos from my walking tour of the city. No Christmas market photos are included since the light of day severely lessens the magic of the place. So for now, you'll just have to use your imagination. Think white lights, Christmas trees so decorated that they look as if they will fall over, and mini wooden houses draped in fake snow and tinsel. And Christmas music--lots of American Christmas music. Just as it should be.

Doesn't this window just have "fairytale" written all over it? If Rapunzel were ever made into a feature length film, I vote that they replicate this exact window. I don't think it could be more perfect!

Münster, the 13th century Gothic cathedral that sits at the edge of the old town, overlooking the Rhine River. Pictured are the red cloisters near the back of the cathedral.

Climbing to the top of the cathedral towers. It was intense. And definitely not designed for anyone over 200 pounds.

View from the cathedral towers where you can see France and the Black Forest in Germany to the left and right.

"Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive." --HOWARD THURMAN

Tween bikes. They're kind of my thing.

Over a month ago, my coworker Christiane offered to let me borrow her daughter's bike while I'm here and I was ecstatic. A bike was the last thing I needed to complete this cozy little life I've adopted in Montreux, and here I would be getting one FOR FREE!

One morning after work, Christiane brought the bike in her station wagon and when I finished my shift at 11am, I helped her unload it from her car so that I could wheel it into the hotel. She had mentioned that her daughter was shorter than me, but whatever, as far as I was concerned, a bike was a bike and that would mean that I had wheels and freedom. Turns out though, the bike is pretty small. Like 12-year-old girl small. However, this only seemed appropriate considering the seafoam green beach cruiser I left behind in San Diego. A tweeny bike named "Daisy," my San Diego ride was a dream for any pre-adolescent girl, and I was the lucky 21-year-old who claimed her. I still remember the first time I rode my old bike down the boardwalk from La Jolla. I had to stop to let some people cross my path and right their coming toward me was Daisy's twin sister, though mounted by a ten-year-old girl wearing pigtails and sporting ruffles on her swim suit. Needless to say, my new bike fits me (metaphorically speaking of course) very well.

So on one of my days off last week, I took Sparkle (temporary name for my new, borrowed mountain bike) on a ride lakeside to the national park in Villeneuve, the next town over. It was a gorgeously sunny day and Sparkle was, well, I think you can guess. We cruised along the Rhone River and through farmland until my butt couldn't handle the seat any longer. Biking was a refreshing change of pace from hiking or running or walking. The cold wind chilling my face, the sound of gearing shifting, and ahhhhh, the option of speed! It was lovely. Not to mention the park itself, which served as the perfect getaway for nature lovers like myself. It was no Glacier National Park, but it still had its charms. Just take a look for yourself!

The beginning of the trail. That's Sparkle on the left. A beaut, isn't she?

My picnic spot looking back at the mountains in Valais.

Just a little port I came across where I watched an old man work on his boat for nearly twenty minutes.

My next project: find a good cushioned seat cover that will save me from future bike pain. The ride back was, hmmm, I'll just say that I had to stop and walk every ten minutes because my butt couldn't handle it anymore. But hey, at least it was a beautiful day! And my butt only hurt for about five days straight afterwards. How does the saying go? "Pain is beauty" or "Beauty is pain" or something like that. Ha, yup. Either way, that it is.