... To The Confederation Helvetica

Ahhhhh, Switzerland.  Or the Confederation Helvetica, as it's formerly known.  Despite being landlocked in central Europe, it is a country that officially declines membership in the European Union.  It is the land of the Suisse franc, and four national languages, and of course, the Alps.  It is a land where cows wear personalized bells, in order that their farmers are able to find them when they wander from their alpine pastures.  It is a country known for perfection, and now I understand why.  It is the most placid, serene place I've ever visited.  And oh, how I  could use some serenity.

This is a gentle land of gentle people.  People who live peacefully among one another the way they have globally for generations.  Here they create and maintain meticulous systems for everything, from thwarting speeding by revoking licenses on the first offense, to providing a free note in the parking garage to assure you find your way back.  Public restrooms are everywhere and fully loaded with both toilet paper and hand soap (be still my heart).  They are also pristinely clean, tempting you to eat your $30 sandwich on the floor.    And speaking of $30 dollar sandwiches, oof.  One of  her few imperfections, the exorbitant cost.  Of everything.  That, and the radio.  If you’re lucky enough to get clear signal through the mountains, prepare yourself for cringey pop from all over the world.

Though I was not originally planning on stopping here, I was easily convinced by Zazou and her husband who relocated here earlier this year, following a world tour of their own.  In a quiet little village just outside of Lausanne, I've built myself a cozy little nest on the floor of their apartment.  I've unpacked my backpack, and stolen Pierre's hoodie, and familiarized myself with where things are in the kitchen.  I've studiously investigated the differences among their chocolate, and enjoyed a trilogy of Swiss French cheese dishes, la raclette, la fondue, and la tartiflette.  I've allowed the softness of this place to infuse my spirit and slow me down.  Quite simply, I've allowed myself to crash.

We've mastered a few killer hikes, up fiercely steep mountainsides.  We've had multiple dance parties in our socks and sweatshirts as we cook our oatmeal in the morning, and when we compare our Spotify playlists in the evening.  We've snuggled under thick blankets and watched too-intense-for-my-tender-sensibilities television shows.  In short, Switzerland has graciously shared with me her most valuable treasures: her peace, and her people.  I'm indebted to her.  I promise one day I'll gladly return to pay her back.