Finally an end to the recent trend of postcards purchased during lunch and written in the night. Now you can see a shot of part of a city on the see, the Gent See, as it be, when you are speaking German, see?

Had a very easy day and enjoyed every minute of it. Left Bulle without visiting Gruyere or even having a fondue made from their cheese. Cycled an easy 35 km to Vevey after a scrumptious breakfast with flaky croissants and creamy butter and buttery cream (for the café crème). Found a nice spot on the lake in Vevey, in a park with a beautiful view of some vineyards on a hill jutting out into the lake. My regret for the day is that I didn't stop for wine-tasting in the stretch between Vevey and Lausanne. There were several "caves du vin" that were open, huge stone and concrete caves built like the terracing of the vineyards themselves. Oh well, maybe there will be more tomorrow.

In the lunchtime break, I let my food digest, then took a little swim in the warm lake. It was very nice.

In Lausanne, beat a hasty path to the hostel (after struggling to find the office de tourisme). Turns out Michael Jackson is in town, so the hostel is mobbed, but got a bet anyway. I had half a mind to take off and get a hotel room anyway.

Walked around town with a guy from Iowa who has been studying abroad whenever possible, ok town, hasn't quite hit me yet. Went to an organ concert in the lovely cathedral shown on front. Acoustics weren't great; selections weren't great; but it was ok anyway. Afterwards an outdoor theater was postponed because the MJ concert, way up on the hill was blaring. Caught the last 3 songs he played. Sounded ok, but really loud.

It's interesting to see how things have changed since I crossed the pass. Most of the cities this side have spoken French. The cities have been dingier, dirtier, less kept up, but the people seem much more personable in a very French way: Bonjour Monsieur, Merci Monsieur, Au Revoir Monsieur. But that may have been Bulle which has never hit the bit time (they only had 3 hotels!)

Bon soir, mes amis!