So, it’s 10h30 and I’m already drinking my first Swiss biere (and already starting to spell in French). I wouldn’t have thought of it, but when I walked into the hotel de la gare in Aigle, everybody else seemed to be drinking beer already. That’s my excuse anyway. Also, I’m hoping it will take away that weird bobbing feeling I have now that I’m not on a train or a plane.
I’ve been constantly on the move since 14h30 yesterday and that, and the altitude, are making me feel decidedly queasy. It’s all a bit much to take in: the alps, the lake, the cold, the trains, the snow… Somewhere inside me, a nine-year-old girl just woke up – although the 33-year-old woman would very much like some sleep, thanks.
On the intercity train from Zurich to Lausanne (double-decker – naturally I went upstairs) I had breakfast with a transplant doctor. We discussed the brain, the soul and the ethics of sticking one person’s head onto another person’s body. I promise I didn’t dream this. Then I had to put my sunglasses on because my eyes hurt when the sun came out over the snow. Then I had to lie down because my head started spinning. Luckily, first class had a section of couchy type things, perfect for lying down on. I wasn’t sure if I should – thought I might get told off – but there was no-one else in the carriage, so I got away with it.
In precisely 22 minutes, i will be catching a little tram-train thing to Les Diablerets, checking into a hotel, renting some skis and, with any luck, hitting the slopes – let’s hope not face first. It’s tough being a Getaway journalist sometimes. Just not today 🙂
