Sunset

Preheat the Oven

Last night, Maddie and I made cookies for whoever wandered into the kitchen. We did a variation of the classic Cowboy Cookie based on the ingredients we had (and didn't have) which I think encapsulates the whole point of this recipe.

For example, we didn't use vanilla (though I think it couldn't hurt) and instead of coconut or pecans or chocolate chips, we used instant coffee and a chocolate bar.

They seemed popular...

Frolic in Neuchâtel

After visiting La Maison blanche and getting lunch at Chaux-de-fonds, Matt (student at UNIL and my home University) and I decided to spend the rest of the day in Neuchâtel before using our Voie-7's to take us back to Lausanne.

We started with a walk along the water, marveling at the natural and architectural beauty of the city.

Possibly because of the University in town, there are a lot of young people. Hence, ad hoc rollerskating rinks (above) and other evidence of their presence (below).

Neuchâtel is considered to be a very French-looking town, which I think is because of the architecture (compared to the rest of Switzerland). There's a lot of stone...
(Below) Those painted storage sheds were along the pier - cute huh?

(Above) This is the Hotel DuPeyrou built in 1770 by a close friend of Jean-Jacques Rousseau. DuPeyrou was the one who had the first compete edition of Rousseau's work published after the philosopher's death.

Speaking of things I like - the pretty building above. And the fact that so many streets are labeled as the city to which they lead, instead of to a highway.

(Below) A scale model of the city located in City Hall.

Some Statues. Above is Neuchâtel's version of the Lady Justice. Lausanne has one similar, but I have yet to find a Chinese restaurant with a Budda statue (below).

Window Shopping.

(Below) The following two photos show the Passage des Corbets and recently renovated spiral staircase

(Above) Place des Halles is the market square. While the market is only held here three days a week, there are a ton of restaurants every day.

Some great views of the city from the Collegiale et Chateau.

There was also these sort of mossy, vine covered ruin that overlooked the city.

(Above) Hi Guys!

Before heading back to the train station, Matt and I went up the Tour des Prisons.
(Below) And then back to the train station - which has some lovely murals, by the way.

Chaux-de-fonds

After touring La Maison Blanche, we spent a little time walking around Chaux-de-fonds. The story goes that Le Corbusier was inspired to become an architect because he thought his hometown was ugly. But I personally found it to be rather charming.

It is unique among other Swiss cities I've visited up to this point because it was purposefully laid out on a grid system - so you can see all the way down a street for several block.

Miles of Churches (Below) and Saints with hip shoes (Above).

(Below) Slug Bug!

Visit to the White House

No, not that one. There's a museum dedicated to the famous Swiss architect, Le Corbusier in Chaux-de-fonds (near Neuchatel). Known as La Maison blanche, the house was one of his earlier works and was designed for his parents. Other Le Corbusier buildings are a little less traditional.

The rooms were very open and airy.

Certain details were interesting, like the handle above or the tiled floors below. Also, they made us wear these weird plastic booties.

Above is a scale model of the house and below is a collected copy of his works.

Below is the rose garden - it was still rather early in the season for blooms.

So where is the best hot chocolate in Lausanne?

Popular belief is that the best hot chocolate (chocolat chaud) in Lausanne is served at the bar/cafe Le Barbare which is located at the base of the Cathedral. It would not be wrong to say that they serve an amazing cup of hot chocolate. It's thick like pudding and needs to be eaten with a spoon. In fact, I would say it's an essential Lausanne experience.

But they're not the only cuppa in town as I've recently found out when I went with a couple of friends to the Chocophile, a chocolaterie and tea shop located not too far from Le Barbare.

The atmosphere is certainly different at the chic and modern Chocophile than its much older counterpart. Le Barbare has managed to retain its 1950's charm and I would not be surprised to learn the dark but cozy interior has remained unchanged since it opened.

While there are two options at Le Barbare - with or without whipped cream - Chocophile has a host of flavorings that include honey, cinnamon, and chili pepper. You can also choose what percentage of chocolate you'd like your drink to be.

But Chocophile knows how to do presentation which is why I was unable to resist taking the above photos. And herein lies the main difference between the two choices. Le Barbare gives you a solid chocolate drink in a cup which is, as I said, like pudding. Chocophile presents a cup of steamed milk accompanied by a sort-of warm chocolate sauce (also thick like pudding), flavored as ordered, which you can add to your taste. To the left is the individual pot of whipped cream, also standard.

Both options are delicious and worth trying as they cost about the same and yet are two completely difference experiences. Either way, Lausanne knows how to do hot chocolate.

International Pop-Star

Found at the EPFL metro stop.