Food, food, food

I can’t lie, having a best friend living in a completely different country that I haven’t visit (yet) has its perks. Krisztina returned from Hungary bearing a variety of coconut-based snacks. That is the definition of an angel, or at least a bloody awesome friend! There was one that I made Marilie eat because I didn’t like it, but the chocolate-coconut wafer was the absolute bomb. My only wish is that I had more to eat, but it won’t be too long before I’m there and I can pick up as much food as I want (within reason, I only have hand luggage). I’m currently munching my way all too swiftly through the coconut biscuits she so kindly gave me. I fear they won’t last long...

On the subject of my impending travels, my dearest Hana has informed me that we’re going to Croatia when I visit her in August. When she sent me these pictures I nearly cried. For real though, I’m beyond excited and overwhelmed that I’m going to be lucky enough to explore a completely new country with one of my absolute best friends. I miss her more than words can say and honestly, August can’t come around soon enough!

I have spent the week laughing at Marilie’s poor fashion sense. Who am I kidding? I’ve been laughing at that for months and months. Here is an excellent example of how NOT to dress.

I was instructed not-so-politely to make brownies on Wednesday, regardless of the fact we didn’t really have sufficient ingredients. I couldn’t go out and get anything because the cleaning lady ‘can’t be trusted’ on her own, like she’d burn the house down or something. I made do with what I had and the outcome wasn’t as catastrophic as I thought it would be. I don’t think I’ll ever like making brownies as much as I like eating them, but I am improving my baking skills (although not through my own choice).

At lunchtime on Wednesday I made a stir fry, as requested. Yes, I was surprised too. I knew the older ones wouldn’t eat it and that’s why we had it for lunch not dinner, but it didn’t taste the way it does at home and that only made me sadder. Everyone ate it though, but without any compliments or thank you’s. Clearly they didn’t like it either. That or it tasted too much like sadness.

Later that evening they tried to poison me with a chemical-ridden pineapple. No word of a lie, it tasted like something you’d use to clean your toilet. No wonder I felt absolutely rotten the next day! God knows where they bought it from, but that family really is incapable of choosing good fruit.

On Thursday I finished Season Two of 13 Reasons Why, although I didn’t actually realise it was the end and expected to watch the next one. Immediately after watching the horrific scenes in the last episode, I vented to Krisztina about it, and continued to complain about it for the entire time we were together (which to poor Kriszti must’ve seemed like an eternity (sorry!)). Honestly though, anybody who’s parent to a teenager or is a teenager or knows a teenager really should watch it. It’s eye-opening, devastating and beautiful all at once and depicts sensitively, but honestly, some of the horrific things people can be unfortunate enough to experience at school. What I’ve learned from watching both seasons; everyone ought to be a little kinder to each other, so that the world can start to become a better place and heal from all the awful events of recent, and not-so-recent times.

Friday is another running day. Yay…

We spotted a family of swans on our slow jog around the lake, so decided to stop. Don’t worry, it was when we’d finished.

Later on we went to a little bar not far away, to listen to Krisztina’s host Dad and his band play some songs. It was actually really good, minus the fact that Marilie hung around us like a bad smell for most of the first half of the show. Brenda, Kriszti and I found ourselves singing along to quite a few of the songs, which were all kind of indie-rock. That’s the only way I can manage to describe songs by MGMT, Muse and Twenty One Pilots, to name but a few. All in all it was an evening well spent.

The next morning three of us headed to Lausanne for the Streetfood Festival. We parked in our usual spot (it’s free - we’re cheapskates!) and we walked into the centre. On arrival we were a tad confused, there only seemed to be Thai food, not the 30 countries that were promised. Jason asked about it at the tourism office and discovered that it was about an hours walk away, so we got the bus instead. It was far too hot to be trudging up hills for an hour! It was quite a bit smaller than we expected, but Jason and I tucked into a chicken and prawn curry, while Krisztina chose a Greek delicacy instead.

Feeling a little disappointed, we made our way back into the centre where I met my future travel buddy, Hannah and her friend Jamila. Let’s just say, I feel much more confident about driving home now, so thanks Hannah!

After we left, Kriszti and I ended up at the lake, as always. We stayed until we got cold, then reluctantly went back home.

The following was much the same. We tried to find a ‘beach’ that Krisztina’s host Mum suggested, but I think it was just a port and there wasn’t really anywhere to even (comfortably) dangle our feet in the water. We sat at the lake Sunday afternoon, meanwhile being scarred for life by this guy and his awfully positioned shorts!

Get an eyeful of that!

After my tutoring, I dragged Krisztina to McDonald’s for my Sunday treat. Bad idea. Really, really bad idea. While we were inside, some kind of tropical storm hit and when we tried to escape, every single part of us got soaked. We sat in the car for a while just to warm up and wait until it passed, but it didn’t and I ended up driving back super slowly so I didn’t drown.

My face melted onto my WHITE top! Of course it had to be white!

I jumped straight into the shower when I got back, which warmed me up no end, but didn’t help me sleep. Not in the slightest. I don’t think I’ve slept well once while I’ve been here so, understandably, I’m pretty darn exhausted.

I can’t wait to snuggle down in my own bed. Not long now!

Wine and whining

Last week commenced with yet another bank holiday Monday. I have no idea what the excuse was, but I know that it was a full week before the one in England. I took this time to try and relax as much as I could, so interacted with as few people as possible.

It was pretty successful actually. I didn’t leave the house and took some time to paint my nails. I’m hoping that if I take better care of my exterior, my interior will feel the effects too.

Kev and Mel were off on Tuesday too (bloody teacher training days or whatever). Mel had a huge football tournament, so I didn’t see her for most of the day and Kevin is usually the easiest to deal with, so it wasn’t too bad.

We were meant to go to the gazillionaire’s house for dinner on Wednesday (see a previous blog for more info on her) and I can’t lie, I was thrilled. I’d made my hair look presentable and everything, but she cancelled at the last minute. All I can say is, thank god we had pizza pastry in the fridge, otherwise we would have been screwed! 

My week has consisted largely of solitude. Without Krisztina, I was reluctant to even bother leaving the house. How completely and utterly depressing, especially seeing as I’ll have at least three weeks without her before I come home. That is all I think about at the moment: coming home. Time is going by so slowly that it might as well go backwards! It’s safe to say that I’m sick of this place and these people. It’s simple things I miss, like walking down the street and saying hello to people, or going to the shop and having a chat with a friendly face, or the mundane weekly shop in Tesco. The people here are just so cold, you almost get frostbite just looking at them.

My bestie returned on Saturday morning *squeal*, but Brenda and I had a little trouble finding the arrivals section. Note to self: don’t bother picking anyone up again. I’m a complete idiot!

Eventually, we retrieved her (thanks Brenda!) Afterwards, we headed to a more-or-less free wine event. The idea was that you buy your wine glass for 10CHF and can sample an unlimited amount of wine for free. Unfortunately, I donated most of my money to Brenda for her glass and was left empty handed. Top friend points though…

As the designated driver I stayed wine-free anyway. We traipsed around all of the stalls which, unsurprisingly, is much less fun when you’re completely stone cold sober. We met a lovely, older man who let me have a paper cup of grape juice, while telling us tales of his travels and practising his English. He was super sweet and very generous, unlike a few of the wine givers. We actually stayed and chatted to him for quite some time, before realising how long we’d been there. Continuing our wine travels, I took a seat underneath a little shelter while the others topped up their glasses. This is where we queue the drunk Englishmen…

So, there I was minding my own business, when I made eye contact with a guy sitting further up the table. He said hi, in English, so I said hi back. Clearly none of them believed my story about not being alone until my friends returned, because they seemed surprised when they sat with me. We spent most of the afternoon with them, which was great because I had people to talk to and laugh with.

Me and my new pals

Yes, we were matching. No, it wasn't intentional!

The time came where all five of us ladies were bursting and urgently needing a toilet. Of course, the village only had one toilet and it was being used by hundreds, so was blocked by the time we got there. Which led us to taking a row each in the vineyard and peeing on the grapes (a real bonding activity, I recommend it). Classy ladies, I know. Classier than the couple having sex in a completely open space, that’s for sure!

Originally, our plan was to head to a music festival in Geneva, but it looked rubbish and we ended up back in Divonne drinking wine and eating sandwiches by the lake. Honestly, it was a really lovely end to the day.

Brenda's white 'socks' haha (nice tan!)

On Sunday, I finally returned to the market to see my love, the taco lady. She remembered me, even after all this time (I haven’t been since before Christmas), and was as generous as ever with her portion. I only stayed for a couple of hours because I foolishly said yes to watching my host Mum in a dance show.

The drive was over half an hour long, which feels like an eternity when you’re squished up against a sweaty child in a hot car. I can’t lie, the show was a little odd and, let’s just say that my host Mum is no Louie Spence. I would describe her as a skinny Ann Widdecombe on Strictly.  Harsh, but true…

It honestly couldn’t end soon enough, Kevin even put his earphones in for the second act! As soon as I got back, I was straight back out again. After waiting fifteen years for Krisztina to be ready and her trying to cancel on me, we went to the old classic, Casa Italia, for dinner. Thank god we shared a pizza because it always makes me feel funky. Let’s just say, Monday morning came with a rather uncomfortable stomach.

Obviously, I skipped French (didn’t want to poop myself, lol) and ended up finishing season one of 13 Reasons Why. I think my morning was much better spent doing that to be honest!

My mission now is to finish season two before the weather gets too nice and I want to be outside. I think I can manage it, I did the first season in less than a week, so it’s certainly doable.

I predict that I won’t have much to say about the coming week, but I have everything crossed that the weekend will be more entertaining than the week.

Pray for me.

A very, very quick update

I’m not okay.
It’s only the second time I’ve felt so low since I’ve been here. Strangely, it’s completely unrelated to the place or the people. This time, it’s much more personal. I guess there are a few things that could’ve triggered it. When all of the components swirl around together for long enough they are destined to collide, leaving utter devastation in their path. 
That leaves me, a bit broken and alone in a foreign country. I know, I know I’m not alone, but sometimes it just feels that way. I can’t help it.
I’ve learned from previous experience how vital it is to talk to someone. I’m lucky that I have an absolute rock at home who is always willing to listen in my times of need (trust me, there’s been a few). This incredible human consistently offers a sympathetic ear and useful advice, when sometimes I can’t even think straight. So, take the time to appreciate your loved ones and thank them for all they do for you. 
The end is near, only a few more weeks left before I’m home. My god do I need to be home! 
Until next time, my friends. See you all soon! 

P.S apologies for the ironically cheerful picture, it can’t all be doom and gloom haha!
P.P.S don’t worry, I’m feeling much better now!

A weekend of travels

Last week was somewhat uneventful, which is super refreshing. I've been needing a bit of break recently, as my end date is feeling a little distant. Let's just say that my energetic positivity from the Easter break has been dwindling away into nothingness for a while now. I'm trying to find ways to keep going for the remaining forty-odd days, but it's proving a tad difficult at the moment. Why must time go by so slowly? 

On Friday Melanie invited three of her friends over for a sleepover, while the rest of the family went out for a meal and to listen to a friend play music. It actually wasn't anywhere near as bad as it sounds. They made some pizzas, which I helped them cook, and spent most of the evening downstairs watching films. The four of them made sporadic visits upstairs throughout the night and were super talkative. It was actually a really lovely evening, apart from having to help Jason with his university application until 1am. 

Krisztina and I decided to go to Yvoire on Saturday, which is a few miles outside of Geneva. It was a bit of an odd day weather-wise, there were moments of warm, sunny weather, then others where it was wet and cloudy. The town is stunning, with really old buildings set upon the edge of lake. I got some lovely presents for my mum and dad, I just hope they get back to England in one piece! 

I managed to hit 20,000 miles on the clock this weekend, which just shows how much I've been adventuring while I've been here. When I bought my car this time last year, it had just over 15,000 miles to its name, so we've come a long way since then. 

The following day Brenda, her cousin and I got up early to drive to Lyon. It took two hours and cost a fair bit in tolls, but it was well worth the journey. I was a little anxious driving through the twisty mountains, especially being so tired, but I managed just fine (nobody died!) We were so lucky with the weather, the sun was shining without it being too hot. We ended up parking in a random spot, just to get a place, and then wandered around for a bit trying to find the centre. When we reached the bridge over the river, we looked up at the daunting walk up to the cathedral. 

Before setting off, we had a mooch around the old town and Brenda and I indulged in some expensive sweets...no shame.Thank god I had taken a wealth of snacks to eat, because that hike up to the summit was something else! I don't think I've ever been up steps that steep in my life and there was so many of them. Every time we thought we were close, there were another hundred or so steps to the next level. 

Anyway, we eventually made it up, breathless and tired, with shaky legs, but the view from the top was absolutely stunning! We took a few stereotypical tourist pictures and filled our bellies, before slowly descending back to the old town. 

On the way down, we discovered a rose garden which smelled incredible! Only downside was that it triggered my hayfever, which I've not really been suffering with until this point. It was well worth it though!

The three of us sat outside in a little cocktail bar called Le Paradis des Fruits, which boasted freshly pressed fruit juices and smoothies, as well as ones with alcohol. (Obviously I chose the alcohol-free option because I didn't need anything making the drive back even harder!) 

After our much-needed sit down, we were supposed to meet Jason at a park further outside of the city centre, but we got distracted by a band playing in the street. They are called La Fanfarovis and are super talented, definitely check them out on Facebook if you have a spare minute or two. 

When they'd finished it was a bit too late to go to the park, as it was a 4km walk and we'd not even started. We ended up sitting by a little skating area for a bit, watching the guys do crazy jumps and stunts while we ate more sugary snacks. 

After a while we headed back to the centre, where we decided to eat in a restaurant called Ninkasi. It was an awesome choice on Brenda's part, because the food wasn't that expensive and they played up and coming music while you ate. I don't know about the other two, but my food was fantastic, even though I had a salad (shock horror!) Brenda and I were both particularly impressed by their lemonade, which was very fizzy but beautifully refreshing. 

We spent a bit of time by the river with Jason and his friend, before heading home. I think all three of us were exhausted from the early start, all the walking and the bright sun, so we were glad to go back. I basically got in, had a shower and sparked out completely. Luckily, the kids are off so I got a bit of a lie in (thank the lord!)
I don't think I'll recover from this weekend for a while, but you won't hear me complaining about it. Roll on next weekend I say!