Euro 2008

Well the Euro 2008 has come to Switzerland and Austria, and this weekend held the opening matches.

We headed down to the big screen they had set up next to the lake in Vevey to watch the Switzerland vs. Czech Republic match. There was plenty of support from the locals, with everyone turned out in red and white to match the flag colours. It was a really nice night to be outside in any case, and we enjoyed being part of the action.

Unfortunately Switzerland lost their opening match, as did Austria the following night. The Swiss at least did not seem too disheartened by the loss - I don't think they come into the competition with great expectations - but it would be nice to see them win a game or two.

Lavaux Bike Ride

On Sunday we picked up some rental bikes at the train station, caught the train to Puidoux above Vevey and went for a bike ride through the vineyards of the Lavaux wine region that overlooks Lac Léman.

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We'd been meaning to go riding for a few weekends now, since spring has finally sprung and the vines turned green. It was a little overcast but we figured we should go when we had the chance and consider it to be an explore of the area before we try it again on a nicer day.

It was really nice to be in the hills above the lake, and the view was amazing despite the hazy weather. Although there was some steep bits that had us puffing, mainly it was a nice gentle ride and next time we go we may mix in some wine tasting in the caveaux (cellars) that open up in the towns on the route.

It was so much fun, in fact, that I began looking at the distance to ride from work to home sometimes. Not owning a bike may be a small impediment to this dream so I'm sure I'll forget about it soon enough.

Fête de Vevey-est

Last weekend was the Fête de Vevey-est, which is the eastern part of Vevey that we live in. This meant there was a whole lot more stalls in the markets along the waterfront, as well as some performances in the town.

Of particular interest was the old steam boats, some of them more than 100 years old, which put on a performance in front of the town. I guess there's only so much of a 'performance' a boat can put on, but they looped around in the lake and tooted their whistles and it was all quite fun.