Geneva and Switzerland

The most interesting thing here is the wonderful days. everyone is excited about the usual old stuff we get in brisbane. 25 C no clouds, gentle breeze. There is a perfect place to live an this is it. All the busses and trams are available for 7 francs for a day tripper. The french is understandable and the Lac Lamen (lake geneva) beneath Mont Blanc and the 140 metre plume d,eax fountain are spectacular. Some people saw they havent seen it so pleaseant ever. 2 weeks of wonderful weather. So to make the most of it Ive walked most of Geneve. Teh lower town is easily reachable from Burts place in Servett,two stops from the train station on the main bus route. Burts is 4 minutes from work, can take her time in the AM getting readdy nad there are a numbr of restaurants and shops handy_ especially the laundamat. Burts falt is sunny and overlooks a little patch of grass. thankfully next door is an Irish Bar- they ve taken over! It shows the Rugby but doesnt open till 5 pm What a sorry statefor a progressive nation like this!
I have experienced a couple of trips to the country side and it is exceptional. the Lac is surrounded by little villages, The bus took me to Lausanne and Metroux and the Castle of Chillon. This is at the east end of the lake just under the incredibly steep mountain ridges, it blocks the lake and road so has been home to the savoys and the bernese tax collectors for a very long time - Back to the 13 Century, There is a UNESCO vineyard - yes they list vineyard here that you pass through Le Levaux. Magnificient walls of stone, miles and nmiles of vines on slopes to the soaring mountains. all the time having little villages dotted amonst the vines. The hand picking creates a plonk that only stays in Switzerland and each restaurant depending on its age, may have a set of grapes that create a wine for them alone. This is the case with the chillon castle. didnt taste any though I tried. Montreax and ouchy_ the harbour for the medieval town of lasanne, home of olympics- has a statue of Freddie Mercury(Queen fame) who lived and died here. It is said that this is where the Deep Purple song Writer Teerry Gillan wrote, "smoke on the Water " after a flare burnt the stadium to the ground. Quite a contrast to the gentile nature of the Town and its gothic catherdral. Had a great walk to the markets and around the harbour,
Teh towns give fantastic views across the lake but are quite touristy and have the flavour of the top dollar charge. Enjoyed a fondue on the water front. sadly no plonk as the restaurant must have adopted Brisbane Liscencing regulations. Jumped a boat to get back to Lausanne from Montreax and waved goodby to a laovely seaside port that would really be fun for the JAzz festival. Book early though as it was sriously advertised and its not till June. I have to read Byrons "The prisoner of Chillon" as they were very proud that he was there(plaques and Stuff).