Smoke on the Water

Trip Start Jun 18, 2008
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Trip End Jul 03, 2008


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Flag of Switzerland  , Vaud,
Wednesday, September 10, 2008

So our first official day as tourists in Switzerland commenced with a visit to the Castle of Chillon and nearby Montreux. Now, Montreux, situated on Lake Geneva, known as the Swiss Riviera, and famous for its Jazz Festival is one of those cities you see on postcards that are too good to be true. After a trip to the Castle, once occupied by Lord Byron, we walked about a mile on a walking trail to the city. This is where the Swiss Riviera is coined from. On a clear day, the highest point in Western Europe, Mont Blanc can be seen across the lake. After walking on that path getting amazing views, We walked around looking at the stores and getting our first orientation on Swiss chocolate ice cream. We even happened upon a mall and a statue of Freddie Mercury. Montreux is also full of history. Deep Purple's "Smoke on the Water" was coined here during the Jazz Festival seeing a building burning by the lake and the smoke along the water. After a good few hours there, we made our way back to Crans-Montana for a concert, then on to bed while the bar was hopping during the Euro Cup semifinals where Spain beat Russia and people broke glasses and dragged the Russian flag through the streets. Another great day in European paradise!
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