La deuxieme jour...

Our second day in Switzerland didn't begin until about 10 in the afternoon. I was thankful to have slept off the jet lag, but was worried about our late start to touring Bern and Schupbach.

After getting our showers we called Remi to return home. He owns a dental lab in which denture and crowns are made, so it was easy for him to take the day off to accompany us on our tours. When he returned to the flat, he brought with him croissants and pears for breakfast. Tres delicieux. Mom made the mistake of agreeing to some "cafe" or coffee. I think she had envisioned a large cup of cappucino, maybe Folgers as we know it in the US... and when he placed the teensy weensy cup infront of her I wish I could have captured her expression on film! Haha! It was very strong espresso. Bitter, and only to be sipped in small amounts at a time.

It was then that Jacqueline Molliet, Remi's sister-in-law, arrived. An incredibly tall and thin woman, with collar bones that stuck out, dark wispy hair that was pulled up into a clip, and stylish Gucci glasses. Jacqueline is a professor of the human sciences and cultural anthropology in Paris, works as a researcher in a privately funded institution, and then teaches Pilates on the side (where she acquired such a trim frame, no doubt). She was quite nice, and extremely informative! There was never a lack of subjects to discuss, and she was very willing to entertain our cultural questions.

So Remi, Jacqueline, mom and I made the voyage--by car--to visit the town of Schupbach which was about an hour or so away. Driving on the European highways and backroads is utterly confusing.... there were countless roundabouts, random stop lights that were practically indecipherable. It makes driving in the US look like a cinch. Regardless, the sharp twists and turns and Remi's start-stop-start-stop driving took it's effect on me... and I became terribly car sick. Mom still labels it as a hang-over from the two glasses of wine I consumed before bed (lol). However, I am almost positive that it was the driving.

We arrived in Schupbach. The village (if you can even call it that) is primarily used for lumber, and included about two stoplights. Before I could blink we had already passed through! So Remi, mom and I had our picture taken by the sign... simply as a novelty! Visiting the town which bore my name was on my list of the top 15 things to do before I was 30. I have done it now!

Next we travelled to Bern, the capital of Switzerland. Unlike most capital cities in the US, Bern does not sport skyscrapers and bumper to bumper traffic. I loved the way Jacqueline put it: There is still just as much money, business, and economic boom in Bern as there is in any US capital--but the Swiss are not flashy about it. It was such a gorgeous town.

We returned to Neuchatel... this time to Jacqueline's flat. As we sat out on the terrace we sampled an Italian juice made from grapefruit. I struggled to finish it, as I found it utterly disgusting, but I did not wish to insult our hostess by leaving leftovers! Blech!

Aaaaanywho, we returned to Remi's where we discussed some composers and piano music (as extensively as we could, with my narrow knowledge of French) and waited for our call to dinner. When Jacqueline arrived with her partner, Christophe, we began walking downtown. As Christophe and I struck up a conversation, I really took a liking to him. In appearance he had a striking resemblance to Bill Weisgarber (lol!) but he was a very interesting man to talk to.

Jacqueline and Christophe insisted we try the fondue, apparently a traditional Swiss dish in which bread is dipped into boiling cheese. Two of my favorite foods: bread and cheese! Miam miam! Christophe was very helpful in instructing us in the ways of eating fondue... as mom and I were completely clueless.

We discussed tourism, Rome, obesity, humanities, and politics. I was interested to know how they felt about the upcoming US election. Being both very liberal people, Jacqueline and Christophe preferred Hillary Clinton (much to my mother's satisfaction). I was also interested to find out that the Swiss are very concerned about the rising level of obesity... in Europe! Yet I have yet to encounter ONE overweight individual. Good Lord. If Jacqueline is an example of average weight then I am MASSIVE compartively.

Apparently there is this tradition with fondue that both my mom and I were unaware of: About halfway through the dinner, the waitor brought out two glasses of what appeared to be water. Nuh-uh. NOT water. Pure alcohol. Christophe instructed us to take a piece of the bread, soak it entirely in the alcohol, and proceed with the fondue as usual. My mom took one bite and nearly passed out from the strength! I must admit it was the most potent thing I have ever experienced. On a funnier side-note, I have my mother convinced that I am a rampant alcoholic when I'm away at school. After two glasses of wine and a few pieces of spiked fondue I wasn't even buzzed. Mom was practically staggering out of the restaurant lol!! Well, at least I will blend in with the Europeans well in that regard!

After indulging in homemade tiramisu (AMAZING), we left the restaurant around 10:30. It had taken us nearly 2 1/2 hours for dinner... that's another thing I love about Europe. Here, you dine together... and dinner is a social outlet. No one is in a hurry. In fact, during our dinner mom asked Jacqueline about what our plans were for the next day. "Aaah, please do not worry about tomorrow. We are here now. Live for the moment!" What a lifestyle :)

Jacqueline explained that she and Christophe have been together for almost thirty years and have even had a child together, but have never gotten married. It was amazing, because as we walked down the road back to Remi's, Christophe had his arm around Jacqueline, giving her intermittent kisses on the forehead and holding her close to him--still--after 30 years. I will never be skeptical of an unmarried couple. They have exuded more love and affection for each other than most married couples I know. It is rare to even find married couples who can attest to 30 years of happiness together... let alone together at all.

Allow me to comment on how absolutely well kempt and finely dressed the Europeans are. I felt frumpy in jean capris, I must say. Honestly though... I swear every man was wearing a Hugo Boss suit or a dress shirt and pants. All the women were wearing heels and skirts. Hair is clean cut and styled. Absolutely NO sweat pants.

Anyway, it is late here... and I must be up early tomorrow to travel to Lucerne and see the Alps :)

All my best,
Laura