Switzerland is my Paradise!

I've decided that I just may boycott leaving Switzerland tomorrow. I mean boycotting is in the spirit of the Olympics right? THis really has been my favorite stop on the trip so far and I'm not ready for it to be over. Every morning, it's like waking up in a fairytale land. Let's just say that I'm very content having a hotel window overlooking the gorgeous Lake Geneva with the snow capped Swiss Alps in the background. Oh yeah, and my favorite part of the accommodations here...my first warm, non-flooding shower, a face cloth, and daily househeeping!

We went to the Olympic Museum earlier in the week, which was really cool to see, especially after spending the semester studying the history of the Games. My favorite part was seeing the cauldron used to create the flame for the torch at the beginning of the relay in Olympia, Greece. We also got to see all of the different torches and medals used in each Olympiad. It was really interesting to see how unique each one was. Visiting WADA and the IOC headquarters was also a great experience. We learned about both organizations in class, so it was really cool to meet people who actually work there and listen to what they have to say.

Oh and we can't forget the food! It's safe to say that I fell in love in Siwtzerland...with Movenpick ice cream!!!! Plus, the chocolate and the bread were of course both amazing. The only down side to Lausanne has been the fact that everything is so so expensive.

Since I'm keeping track of the best quotes of the trip...I would have to say that my favorite from this country was definitely from Professor Ryan at dinner on Wednesday night. We were trying to check the weather and he read from his Blackberry "the forecast for tomorrow is calling fro a 20% chance of PARTICIPATION..." haha! He kept saying participation over and over. We all agreed that while we may have been pretty spacey at Paris-Sobornne, there was at least a 50% chance we were going to pay attention here!

I can't put into words how much I've enjoyed it here. It's just so peaceful and relaxing sitting by the lake and staring at these giant mountains. We had a picnic on the beach on Thursday and after dinner just sat on the rocks for hours watching the sun set and talking. I've really enjoyed getting the chance to meet and bond with everyone on the trip through experiences like that.

Missing everyone at home,
Ashley