These beautiful vineyards are set on the steep slopes of Lake Leman, where they benefit from lots of sunshine. This is compounded by the reflection of the the sun in the lake and the white stone walls. The vine terraces are classified as UNESCO world heritage site.
Besides the fantastic, tasty and fruitful wines, we enjoyed the famous fish filets ("filets de perche") - a local speciality. Although, it might have been that they were imported from Estonia or Poland...
We sailed on the lake of the four cantons and stepped out at Rütli. This is where quite a few "real" Swiss believe the founding moment of Switzerland took place. The representatives of three small swiss cantons would have met there to conspire against the Austrian rulers and promote the independance of Switzerland. But this is just a legend. In any case, this small meadow plays a big part in the imaginery of many swiss patriots. And it probably plays in the mind of these people that the symbol of the country should be a small meadow.
After these nice moments on the lake and on the land, it was good to be back in the town of Lucerne. Especially for my friend who is allergic to pollens! Lucerne is world famous for its wooden Chapel bridge, which was built in the 14th century. Unfortunately it was almost entirely destroyed by a fire in 1993. Apparently smoking cigarette can not only cause lung cancer, it can also destroy historic landmarks! It was restored but the wood used looked so clear and brand new. Fortunately, I think the wood aged well. Now it looks almost like in the good old days. 
After such a day filled with tradition, it is time to eat some local dish as well. Here a nice plate of "macaroni of the Alps", a mixture of pasta, potatoes, onion, cheese and cream. Quite filling I must say.
The next day, the capital was almost completely white and red, the colours of Atletico de Madrid, the second - and as a fan of Real Madrid, I emphasize this - football club of the capital. The team had just won the European Cup (against Fuhlam ... I mean: is that really an achievement??). They flew back, paraded through Madrid on a big open bus and hosted a party on one of the main square. 
The Masters tennis tournament hosted the best players, even though only two mattered. The last big preparation before Roland Garros. I must say that the vibe was not as passionate as in Paris - maybe it was because of the cold. At one stage, the whole public was shouting "Manolo, es frio. Cierra la ventana" (Manolo, it's cold. Close the window - in reference to the open rooftop. Manolo Santana is a famous ex Spanish tennis champion now the organiser of the event). Still we got to see Nadal demolish Monfils and Federer take revenge on his earlier loss against Gulbis. Some spectacular shots - these two are ready for Roland Garros. I think there is no need to organise the earlier rounds there, we all want to see Federer and Nadal in the final. Well, especially me since I have tickets.
Madrid and Spain are also famous for their great food. I mean sportspeople need to eat well. So besides the tapas and the paella, there is no best way to start a day than with "chocolate con churros".
Lastly, Spain would not be Spain and Madrid would not be Madrid without the Plaza Major. So nice, lively and colourful. Viva Espana! 
And fascinating to experience the debates and to meet with high-ranking officials. Surely you recognised the famous man on the pic. No, no, not me. But the gentleman with the blue tie in the background. Yes, it is Thimoty Geithner, the US Minister of Finance. I will certainly spend enriching times at the IMF. In two months time...
The EPFL hosts now the new Rolex learning center, a top modern library and study area for students. Great design with its gentel curves and its light wells. A total contrast to Cambridge... I wished I would go back to being a student just to spend all my time in there.
These days students have definitely no excuse for failing...
At 2pm sharp the semi-final of the maths competition started. I was going from one question to the next, leaving for later the ones that I thought were a bit tricky. All in all, I felt better than last year and after 158 minutes handed in my copy. You also want to try your luck. Well here a question for you:
I guess you can see my brain in action there...
So now, I am qualified for the SWISS FINAL taking place in May. Do not hesitate to wish me luck!
Great to walk by the beach, to play tennis on clay, to eat tapas and sea food, to speak Spanish! Such a relaxed ambiance, such an easy place.
Second, Cambridge in England. Complete change of scenery. Of course it is bitterly cold - I have to admit that even a McDonalds is a better place than the cold british streets - and the sky is so dark. And do not get me started on their sense of humour...
At least, what is nice about the old town of Cambridge is how they manage to keep things as they have been for centuries. Tradition, I guess. Sometimes, it really feels like in the Harry Potter movies.
So there you have it - the rich cultural heritage of Europe, the change in climate and the different vibes. I am definitely a European! I have to do more of these excursions and make the most of my long week-ends.
There a few pics of my snow-shoe walking tour in Les Paccots. Nice view and nice weather!
And when I do things, I do them well. So I also went skiing to Les Carroz, in France. A lot of fun. Do not get carried away: I am not going to be turning to a real swiss anytime soon. You will still hear me complain about the cold and the snow!
