I did a bit of organizing of my stuff, filing away the papers I used and throwing out the excess. Done packing, I went downstairs and checked out. But, it was still a bit earlier then I wanted to go, so I took some time to write out some notes for myself, and send a few emails that needed sending, all while I charged my phone... cause I'm awesome at multitasking like that.
Around noon I headed out on the town. I had marked 2 places I wanted to go, where I could just walk around to see them, and so I headed to the first of those. That being, the Pantheon. This visit was suggested to me by Connor's french teacher, and my first reaction was... "isn't the Pantheon supposed to be in Rome?" I felt a bit stupid asking this but felt better when she said yes. She then explained that this is the second one, and that it is modeled after the one in Rome.
So, I walked there (from a nearby metro station) and it looked much like I would expect the Roman one to...perhaps not a huge surprise. So, I didn't go inside, but it was tall, with a lovely dome. The front had a lot of columns, and that triangle that is so common on roman buildings... sitting on the columns with a bunch of carved figures... Either way, cool, but that's about all I got...
From there I took a train to another site recommended by the same person; Hotel Des Invalides. The direct translation... I don't know, but I translate it to Napoleon's Tomb. But its definitely more than that. This place is a combination of a fort, cathedral, museum, and tomb... all in one thing. The building lies at the end of a huge road with lots of grassy strips. There is then a ravine, which at one point may have been a moat. Crossing this I entered the lawn, which had multiple paths branching out straight from the main gate, each one lined with cute little triangles of fir trees.
Down the middle path I approached the large front wall of the fort-like part of the main building. Passing through the wall led to a huge, square courtyard. The ground was lined with cannons, while the rooftop was lined with with gargoyles and carved white horses. Either side of the courtyard (through different doors) were the various museum exhibits, but I could not get to those. Through the door on the opposite end as the entrance was the room of the great golden dome, visible from much of the city. This is the cathedral of the building. Aside from my feelings that it was quite lovely and beautiful, I was surprised by how light it was. Perhaps it was a result of North Dame, but the contrast was amazing. The stone walls and columns, ceilings and floor were all white stones, and the windows weren't stained glass... just white glass, so the whole room was very bright. It was a nice change.
From there, I took a train to the station where I would be boarding my way to Geneva. I had hoped to find a crepe shop here, and have that as a snack while waiting, but I was surprised to find them absent (and disappointed). Instead, I got myself a chocolate crescent and found it... sufficient. I also hoped to inquire about a ticket from Fribourg to Rome, but could not locate the necessary desks. When I decided it time to inquire about where my train was, I found that it was back through some hidden, secret path that I never would have found. There also was the ticket counter I needed, but it was now too late.
So, I boarded my train and started my trip to Switzerland. The train ride was nicer than my previous two (at least the first ride to Geneva), mostly because I had a row to myself, so could sit in the window and watch the French countryside roll by. There are some really cute little towns on the way. That said, I did not find myself with the gorgeous views of the alps I'd built up hoping for in my mind. Sad...
But, I arrived in Geneva right on time, and went to find my second train. This was a small panic because I could not find a train to Fribourg, or the train number anywhere. But, eventually I was able to work out which train it was and board it. Again, I had a row to myself, but it was now dark and the views were...well...dark. So, just over an hour later I arrived in Fribourg, and before I left the station met up with Ellen Hertz (my mothers cousin).
She took me the quick drive to her house, where I had a warm welcome (in addition to the one she gave me herself). Her kids were there and she helped me grab some dinner of ham, potato's, applesauce and an artichoke (I think my second one ever?). Dinner was delicious! Meanwhile, I did a relatively brief recap of my trip, and got some of their travel stories as well. Also, they have 2 cats (big fan) and one of them is a purring machine! That said, I'm looking forward to tomorrow and am happy to be here, and looking forward to sleeping.
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=)sounds like a nice train ride
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