Switzerland Part 1

Okay, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say I've been really bad about posting recently. BUT there's a really good reason: I've spent the last week exploring Switzerland.

Why would I go someplace cold and snowy for spring break? Well, I kind of missed it (I know everyone in New England is rolling their eyes). It was nice to play in the snow knowing I'd be leaving it behind. The cities actually ended up being warmer than London, which felt strange.

I was pleasantly surprised by the budget airline I flew, EasyJet. It was no less comfortable than any other flight I've taken. The pilot chatted more than any I've ever heard before. He talked a lot. Our co-pilot was a woman, however, so I knew we were in good hands.

I made four stops: Geneva, Annecy (France), Interlaken & Bern. Each was totally unique. There's way too much exciting stuff to fit in just one post, so stay tuned for one on each city.

We'll start with the first city: Geneva.

Geneva is nicknamed "Europe's most boring city." This should be the time I tell you that's ridiculous and I don't know how anyone came up with such a name. Unfortunately, it's absolutely true. Burlington VT is a much busier city. There's even more hustle and bustle at UMass. Heck, downtown Castleton could probably give Geneva a run for its money.

Now, I don't mind quiet; I grew up in Vermont, after all. However, we covered the entire city and then some in one day.

There were still some amazing parts to this leg of the trip. Highlights included:

Finding 'Vermont' everywhere

Walking along Lake Geneva

  

A tour of the UN

Exploring the Old Town

It truly didn't take much time or effort to cover it all in such a short period of time. I was traveling with other college students; we're not known for starting the day early or being particularly good at planning.

• Geneva fun fact: there are Portuguese flags everywhere, but I didn't hear it spoken at all
• Switzerland fun fact: it's a law that supermarkets must be closed on Sundays (along with many other things). PLAN AHEAD. 

Things No One Tells You About London: Part 4

We encounter automatic doors all the time and usually don't stop to think about it. They slide apart and we step through.

That's not the case here.

Automatic doors swing open, and it's often difficult to tell which direction. I've finished food shopping at the end of a long day, gone to walk out of the store and almost gotten smacked in the face...a few times.

Many don't even have warnings about when the doors open toward you. Therefore it's best to approach with caution...

...or let someone go in front of you.

Bad Blogger

Looked at my calendar today and realized it had been a week and a half since my last post. In my defense, there hasn't been much excitement in that time. I spent most of it working on piles and piles of homework (yes, believe it or not, I do have that).

However, it hasn't been entirely uneventful.

My beloved Patriots won the Super Bowl (who said Tom was too old...?). I watched in a UCL pub with mostly British students who had no idea what was going on. The game didn't even start until 11:00 PM here, and therefore finished at 4:00 AM. Because I was just a little excited, I didn't get to bed until when I should have been getting up...

Luckily, one of my friends is from Boston

I also visited Borough Market on Saturday. It didn't take long to become one of my favorite places on earth. Hundreds and hundreds of food vendors--any kind of fresh produce, cheese and meat you could imagine, chocolate, homemade paella, etc.--fill the open-air market.

               

 

 

I had a smoothie and spicy lamb sausage roll, while my friends had yummy duck confit sandwiches. 

I also freaked out a bit when I came across the little Spanish market on the outskirts of the main complex. I was able to have some of my favorites that I haven't eaten since I was in Spain in 2012.

Today was used for exploring Hyde Park. 

And, guess who lives at one end of the park? Kate, William and Harry in Kensington Palace. While I didn't go inside today, exploring the grounds and beautiful gardens was amazing. 

Kensington Palace

 

There are officially flowers coming up all over the city (sorry everyone in New England)