Around Montreux and Vevey

9-15-2008

The usual Euro hostel continental breakfast awaited us as we rolled out of our bunk beds. Just like Salzburg, six guys to a room...how exciting.

At 9:30 a group of us took the 10 minute walk down the shoreline to the Castle Chillon.  I absolutely love when the I can climb the tower of a medieval castle and look over a relatively modern city, even though it is a bit uppity.  

We learned of a unique story of Lord Byron, a six-year-prisoner of this castle who was chained in the lower level of castle and could only entertain himself by listening to the gentle thrumming of the waves against the castle wall. Students of the 60’s came to romanticize this prisoner and glorified his name.

From the castle we journeyed onward around Montreux, seeing what was to be seen: street art, the beautiful surroundings, and of course a tribute statue to Queen's lead singer Freddie Mercury.  Eventually, a smaller group of us hoped a bus to the next town over, Vevey. We were attracted to this small town because of a city-wide art exhibit called Images, a photography exhibit that placed life-size pictures all over the city.

Cody, Jenny, Shannon, and I began a mission to find a Swish chocolate shop. During our search, we stopped into a small pastry shop to sample some local flavor. I had a light pie crust of a pastry with a chocolate glaze-like frosting on top. Jenny sampled a delectable cupcake, and Cody won the prize with a tiny strawberry treat in a keesh-like crust.

We walked along the shoreline a bit in Vevey and it was here that I feel in love with swans. 

Once we had seen enough of Images, we decided a boat ride back to Montreux would be the perfect way to take in Lake Geneva. I’ll let a picture do the talking on this one.

I inhaled dinner at the hostel and then took a walk outside. At that moment, I was taken back 8 years by one simple sound, a shitty guitar player. Right next to our hostel was a row of storage garages. In one, two Swish high school students were fumbling their way through Metallica, AC/DC, and many other American favorites. Mike had already made friends with these guys. So him and I joined in on their jam. It took me back. Madris laid down a fat bass line, and I played what came to me. No technical music theory was necessary, just playing what comes. It’s been a while since I’ve been able to do that. No complicated thought, just music. They were the coolest guys and didn’t mind taking some time to entertain some foreigners, even when Jim sat in on the kit and broke their drum sticks. Music truly bridges boarders.

After the jams, we journeyed to what we heard was going to be a place for live jazz/salsa music, but when we walked in and heard recorded country, I turned and walked out.  Jenny, Cody, and I, determined to find live music, walked for a bit, but alas, we didn’t find any. However, the night got much more interesting once we entered the Montreux Casino. I pulled 100 Fancs out of the cash machine and hit the roulette tables. Thanks to Jenny’s beginners luck , I made 50 Francs on the night. I like Switzerland. Until Paris!