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When most people discuss Switzerland they boast about visits to the likes of Interlaken, Zurich, and Geneva. As a result of random selection (pointing on a map, finding accommodation and maybe a quick google image search... pretty much the way all of our plans are formed), we came up with Vevey, a very small town located on the edge of a very enormous Lake Geneva.
On the train arriving in this Montreux Riviera region, a nice man (maybe mid 60s - I had already made friends with him at the start of the train ride) asked if we had ever been here before. Obviously we had not. He was a local (I asked a few background questions, got a quick abreviated life story, as I do) and within seconds he was tossing all of his belongings across the aisle to a vacant seat and told us to hurry and sit in his former seat. "When we exit out of this tunnel you are going to see one of the most beautiful views in the world!" I knew Switzerland was a very pretty place, yet let's be honest: we have seen some amazing views and his 'in the world' comment was going to be a tough one to orove. I didn't say anything, just chuckled to myself (not out aloud, that would be rude!).
Anyhow, as we exit the tunnel and darkness had faded from our view, we were faced with the most phenomenal spectacle. Across the shimmering surface of Lake Geneva we could see a goliath mountainous rockface, and our side of the lake dropped off quickly at the edge of the train line to hundreds of little vineyards terraced down the hill. The sky was clear, blue and sunny: visibility sensational! You could see crevasses with fresh water streaming down the mountains on the French side. The lake was a sea of glimmering turquoise so enormous that even from this height and clarity we couldn't see an end in either direction. There was an abundance of sailboats, privately owned vineyards scattered everywhere, walking trails through their farms, adorable Swiss chalets stacked from the water's edge up the mountains.
I was a bit dumbfounded. He was right! I could not stop grinning. It was spectacular! I looked over to the man with sheer joy still plastered over my face only to find him with the same look. His response "It gets me every time". He came over and continued to share fun facts about the region (apparently it's a UNESCO World Heratige Site - it's like we are unintentionally chasing these bad boys) and a few personal bits including the house his mother had been born and grew up in. He was genuinely so excited to share his story, his little oasis, his beautiful patch of the world with us. Along the track (pun! Get it - we were on a train) I enjoy encountering people who are proud of where they come from and buzzing to share it with others. He was our first personal encounter in this area and remains my favourite.
That's saying a lot too. A couple of days wandering the waterfront for the perfect spot to set up our picnic and go for a dip made for some stiff competition. Add to that a day trip to the Gruyeres region for some chocolate and cheese tasting... Nope, the friendly and proud Swiss man was my favourite. I thought google images sold the area quite well, however as it turns out they did not do it justice! This little gem was magical! I'm not sure even our photos tell the true story.
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