I booked a flight the same day my passport arrived, I was so excited! I eagerly counted down the days until it was finally time to go, time to see so many of my friends. In the days prior to my trip, I had started slotting people in to days/hours/meals in hopes I could see everyone. Finally, my trip had arrived!
This is an overview of the whole trip, and not necessarily entertaining for my readers out there - it's really for me in the future. I like looking back at my trips, and it can be so hard to remember trips like this. Unfortunately, I didn't take many pictures because I was WAY too busy actually chatting with everyone and getting myself from place to place. What I learned from this trip is that I have to book another visit to Lausanne, pronto!
Day 1: Landing in Geneva felt like it always did, and I had to keep reminding myself I didn't live there. The passport control officer was very pleased I spoke French (and I was pleased I managed to remember anything!) I caught the next direct train to Lausanne with a minute to spare, and was so happy to be in a familiar place. It certainly makes traveling less stressful!
I dropped my bags at my old apartment, and then caught the bus to my old school. It felt so bizarre - there, but not living or working there. I gave hugs and hellos to many of the teachers in the primary building as well as classes full of students. In the secondary building, many of the staff said hello to me as if I still worked there (I actually suspect none of them realized that I don't, in fact, work there anymore). I joined two of my old colleagues/friends for drinks and dinner to catch up. Time had both sped by and stood still. We couldn't believe it had been ten months since I had last been there!
Day 2: Another day at College Champittet catching up with all the teachers, seeing how their year was, how the students were doing, dropping into my old classes, reading books with my adorable kiddos. My heart ached - I missed them all so much. But they've moved on, and so have I, and that's just life sometimes. A hundred more hugs and the school day was finished so I headed home.
I met two of my closest friends for coffee, and we had a good long chat. I was so grateful to finally get the chance to catch up with them and their lives, and I remembered how important it was to have friends who really care about you and understand your life.
That evening, my old roommate Catarina and I finally had the chance to catch up. With pizza, wine, and the Bachelor, it was the perfect night! Girl nights like that are so important!
Day 3: Switzerland decided to have weird, bipolar weather for me while I was visiting. In the morning I had a slow jog with my friend Hannah (I miss you!), and then I rushed home for the next event. Alternating between sunny and knock-your-socks-off windy, I joined my friends John and Catherine for a BBQ down in Ouchy. The food was yummy, the company entertaining, and the wine flowing. And then a Swan tried to attack my friend John to get our food on the BBQ! The afternoon quickly passed by and it was time to get home and ready for dinner!
I was booked to have dinner with some of the girls from my primary teaching team at Champittet, and I was really looking forward to it. We had a lovely night of sushi (a bit more wine) and conversation. I wish the night had never ended!
Day 4: Caves Ouvertes! For those of you who have never been, this is a wine tasting event where you pay for one glass, and then drink for free at all the participating wineries for the whole day. Due to some communication problems with my different friends, we spent a lot of time wandering around trying to find each other, but I did get to taste some delicious (and some not so delicious) wine, chat with new people, and enjoy the beautiful sights of the vineyards, lakes and mountains of Switzerland. I especially loved seeing my friend Cam and taking the train/tractor ride up the hill!
In the evening, I managed to catch up with my old flatmate Matt, his wife Heather, and Matt's kind parents. They had been out at Caves Ouvertes during the day as well, and had a big day planned for the following morning. It was so nice to hear how they were doing and just touch base in person.
Day 5: Also known as the pack-em-in day. I have so many wonderful students that I wanted to see while I was in town, and Monday seemed to be the best day to do it. So, I made a schedule of buses, trains, and trams to get from one house to another. First I spent time with my friends Hannah and Lauren, and Lauren's gorgeous new baby (so many cuddles!), then two houses of students I used to tutor, then drinks with a friend in Ouchy, then (getting lost!) but finding another friend in Ouchy, then dinner with another family of a student I used to tutor. By the time I got home, it was 10pm and I was completely wiped out. How was this holiday going so fast? I thought 6 days would be enough, but it clearly wasn't!
Day 6: My last full day! I spent the morning at Champittet in attempts to see any teachers/students I had missed the first few days. I had a long lunch with my old colleague and friend Sophie, where she helped me (cough-forced me-cough) to speak French. Then I hiked up the hill to see two more of my little students (who weren't so little anymore), and then ran to have one last night of snacks and drinks with two of my fitness buddies at my favorite restaurant Cafe de Grancy. Finally, I picked up a bag I had left in Switzerland (thanks again Hannah!), and then went back to the apartment for a little relaxation with Catarina and sleep before the big flight. By this time I was congested, felt exhausted, and had a sore throat. Switzerland sure knows how to welcome a girl home!
Day 7: Phew! I made it alive! After picking up last minute supplies (chocolate! cheese!) I packed up my bags and took the bus/train to the airport. I had to promise everyone I'd come back - which I will! - because I miss you all so much.
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