The vineyards and lakes of Switzerland

Couchsurfing.com is such an amazing way to travel.  Connecting with the locals is just so important to me.  I have not yet stayed in a hotel, and I don't ever plan to.  

I really lucked into a place in Yverdon-les-Bains, I walked into a vegetarian Meat Free Monday theme night.  Let me explain.  See here: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12953772-the-meat-free-monday-cookbook - Paul McCartney and his family started the concept and wrote a book.  

I was accepted so last minute by these two hosts!  They had a really nice apartment, with huge vaulted ceilings, massive rooms, and a sweet balcony.  I was so lucky to walk into a kitchen in full gear as 6 people whipped up an amazing veggie meal. Yellow curry (made with mortar and pestle), basmati rice, fresh organic veg, homemade humous, and apple strudels!  The strudels were the best part I think.  We all got to make our own with the dough, apples, nuts, and maples butter!  Shape it with our hands, fill the inside and then roll it.  They came out still hot from the oven after dinner, GoldStar to the hosts!  What fun! Great people, great food, great conversation!  Merci a Sarah et Regis!  If you ever visit Canada again, the Yurt door is always open!

Back roads in Switzerland, the road less traveled truly is the best way.  Leo enjoying the view.

Switzerland is one of the most naturally gorgeous countries in the world.  C'est vraiment formidable, I'm almost at the Alps!

 Lausanne was beautiful!  I stayed with Julien whom I met at my Couchsurfer's place in Yverdon the night before. He and his roommate were incredibly hospitable and we went out for beers together to a local pub, then hit la Place de Riponne for some late night laughs.  What a fun way to spend some time in the big city.  Merci les deux!  Lausanne hosted the Olympics!  I had forgotten, lots of really neat Olympic info signs every where in Lausanne, that was neat.

Suisse military, LSD, Banking

One pedal at a time!

Basel

So my first stop in Switzerland was Basel.  I arrived quite late into town, after dark, and I hadn’t set up any CouchSurfing connections because my phone drowned, and my adaptor for my laptop broke.  But, it was Friday night, and I thought I’d take my chances.  If all else failed I could go to the train station and hangout till sunrise and then ride on from there.

Switzerland is similar to Spain in that you can drink outdoors in public.  I love this about Europe because it means the people gather and hang out together without having to be in a club or restaurant etc.  Generally speaking, people will grab a few beers and head to a park to meet up with friends, I just like this so much because it really does create a sense of community.