INTO THE HEART OF SWISSNESS

 
Seconds before walking out the door back onto the streets my bike tire exploded. It was Dan, my most troublesome companion, and she would have finally be replaced.

You've been a very bad girl and now you must be replaced. 

 I'd patched her twice on the road, and I looked at the patchwork fondly as I scanned the tube for the culprit hole. The problem was a huge slash at the base of the valve. I decided it wasn't worth fixing. I replaced the tube and reluctantly headed out the door into Geneva. 

The metaphor of Dan's demise is so inspiring to me. It also highlights some deep character flaws. 

OUT OF ALL the major European cites I've either sped through or stayed in, Geneva would probably be the place I could see myself living in the most. It's diverse, lively and practical. Even though it seems expensive it isn't that bad. The Swiss Franc is a little above the dollar. Going to the movies costs $18, but worse things could happen. It's beautiful and interesting. It makes me want to learn French and go into finance. I could settle for a Swiss wife. 

But I had to leave, naturally. I always leave. I'll admit I felt a lot more comfortable in France. Switzerland feels a little more conservative, or maybe rigid is the right word. I feel like if I really begged a French person to let me sleep in their front yard it would happen. I don't see that happening with the Swiss. Although I do see fondue happening in my future. 

Campsites seem sparse. I'm hoping I'll get to the wilderness fast enough to camp for free, but then again that's the wilderness. In France I was hitting a town every ten minutes, what will the wilderness do to me? For one, I'm nowhere warm enough. For two, I have limited space for food-- maybe two meals worth max. And for three I'm scared of forest beasts-- especially Yetis. 

I accomplished none of my goals this morning. I got a message saying my wallet was stolen. After not finding my wallet amongst my things, I accepted the possibility that the message wasn't a scam. The man who had it was the owner of the sketchy Internet cafe I'd visited the day before. I arrived before opening and knocked on the door. The man handed me my wallet, now empty of Euros and Francs. He said he found the wallet in front of the cafe. I half believed him. I was just happy they left me my Swiss bank credit card. 

After that I ate some catfood in a baguette and cleaned up some things. I hastily packed my bags. The whole time I was worried. I had no idea what I was doing or where I was going. I had a place to stay the night after, so tonight would have to be a leap of faith evening. I had no map. Instead of buying one I bought another book three sardine cans thick. Am I trying to ruin myself? 

Praise Christ I found an expensive campsite on the lake halfway to Pully, my next destination. Things are alright for now. 

ALONE