Lake Geneva

This past Saturday we took the train over to Lake Geneva, where we visited Lausanne (pronounced Loh-Zahn as I quickly learned when the person at the ticket counter almost gave me a ticket for Luzern because they couldn't quite understand what city I was talking about when I pronounced it like, Loo-sane). We actually got off to a rough start Saturday morning - I was still recovering from a 24-hour stomach bug, so my energy level was a bit low, and when we arrived late in Zurich for our connection, we ran over to the platform we thought was ours, got on the train and found out about 15 minutes into the ride that we were on the wrong train. Luckily, we were able to get off at the first stop, and get on another direct train to Lausanne and it only set us back 30 minutes.

We finally arrived in Lausanne around 11:15 (about a two and a half hour train ride from us). We then started with Rick Steves' walking tour of the city. All the cities in Switzerland are beautiful and this was no exception. Being in the French area of Switzerland, you can definitely see French inspired architecture throughout the town. The biggest different about Lausanne compared to the other Swiss cities we've visited is that to walk through the city, it's literally a hike - it's all on hills, very similar to San Francisco. 

Strolling through town

View of  the Lausanne Cathedral

Starting to climb up another street

I would have liked to wonder and explore the streets a little more, but it was just not going to be an easy task with Westin and the stroller. 

The Lausanne Castle (unfortunately, not open to the public)

The Cathedral

View of Lake Geneva there in the distance

Just another view of the Cathedral

After completing the walking tour, we took the metro down to a town called Ouchy (pronounced Oo-she), which is right on the lake. We walked around a little and then let W play on the playground.

We then got on another train and rode about 20 minutes to the town of Montreux, where the famous Chateau de Chillon is located. Montreux is small compared to Lausanne, but much feels even more French.

A ten minute bus ride from the train station and we were at the Chateau de Chillon

The Chateau was really neat to walk around and explore - we pretty much had access to all of it. 

Main courtyard

Miniature replica of the whole property

Wine cellar

Original artwork in the prison area called Bonivard's Prison, named for an inmate who was tortured there for five years. His story was told in the famous book, "The Prisoner or Chillon" (which I had never heard of, but am told it's famous), written by Lord Byron who went there on a visit.

Locked up with W (he was yelling out "help me," "help me" as we took the picture)

Lord Byron's name on one of the pillars

Secret passaway we couldn't go down :(

Their beds were so tiny. Apparently the average person was only five and a half feet tall and they slept propped up, so they didn't need long beds.

Coat of Arms Hall

Checking out the toilet situation - simply a hole that went straight to the lake.

The lookout wall

I asked Westin to pose for this picture, and this is what he gave me - unfortunately kind of blocked by the wheel.

Headed home as the rain came in.