Your new church, mate!

Well, I don't know if it is that, but it was nice.....

Let's start off with last night...as I was writing some emails Friday evening I thought I heard some American "white trash" argument. But I pinched myself and thought, "Surely not, I am in Switzerland." Oh, but it was very distinctly American and it seemed to be two twin females arguing about sleeping with the same man-- stick with the story, I promise it is not totally nonsense. As I came to my senses, I realized the crazy talk was coming from the TV that Victoria, one of my roommates, was watching. Sure enough there it was on Swiss TV: JERRY SPRINGER. I can easily count the number of times on one hand that I have sat down and watched Springer, and last night was definitely one of them. I don't know why but it was very interesting to watch it with Victoria and laugh at those crazy people. After Springer was over, I cracked open a Kronenbourg beer and we watched some of the World Cup of Rugby. Got to admit: its not my favorite sport to watch or my favorite beer to drink, but it was nice watching a sport with some company.

Today was a bit lonely at my apartment. All my friends were gone, all my roommates left, and I was waiting for Emma(the other exchange student from my school) to arrive. By 7:00 I was tired of waiting for Emma, so I did what I had to and armed myself with my book of English to French translations and headed to the towne centre for some food and beer. While riding the metro, I was cramming a couple key French phrases in my head so I could order at the restaurant and not feel like a total outsider. After I stepped of the Metro train, I realized I forgot my camera-- I am still kicking myself over that!

I found my way to Cafe Luna. It seemed nice and eclectic and at least had a couple beers on tap. As I sat down and waiter came near, the moment was rapidly approaching for my first jump into the French language. Finally the waiter spoke, "Bonjour." "Bonjour," I instantly responded but then froze as I searched my brain for the phrase. Ah! Finally it came, "Je prends un bier." Maybe it was my Midwestern US accent trying to speak French, the awkward pause, or possibly the look of utter confusion on my face, but the waiter responded, "Oh, you would like a beer." Although it is probably not great for my French language skills, it is so relieving to get a response in English and know you don't have to struggle. After that my Cafe Luna experience was great. I had Neopoli pizza, which is pizza with capers, cheese, anchovies, and enough salt to leave parched as I write this hours later (delicious!!!).

As I finished my two beers and pizza I made my way through the streets of Lausanne. The town of Lausanne is very beautiful, though very hilly. All kinds of very neat shops and restaurants, however many were closed at 8:30pm(20:30 as the they say here). Again, I am kicking myself I didn't bring my camera, but there will be other opportunities.

Finally I came it view of what I was looking for: a PUB. The pub's name was "Captain Cook's." I figured it sounded interesting so I figured I'd give it a try. As I walked in I heard "Two Princes" by the Spin Doctors blasting from the stereo and I had a good feeling about this place. I figured I'd try my luck and say "Hello" and see what kind of response I got. "Hallow, Mate," was the friendly response I got. As I ordered a pint, the British bartenders and I struck up a conversation. While I told them I new to town, one of them said, "Ah, this is your new church!" While I don't think it will be my new "church," the friendliness was appreciated on a lonely day and it did offer some solace.

Goodnight all!