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A Lazy Morning in Corseaux, Switzerland

It had been a few hectic days of travel. Le Train du Chocolat had left the kids with a sugar high to last a lifetime and the journey back from Gstaad, where we had managed to book front row driver’s view seats on the train, had me jumping with excitement to the point that my hands and neck started to ache – old age – from continuously holding the camera and moving around to take photos.

As a result, my wife and I decided to treat the kids by letting them sleep till late and in doing so give ourselves a little break from our break.

For a change, we had our morning coffee together, in some peace and quiet, without the rush to get ready and get out. While she wandered around the apartment afterward, taking in the freshness that mornings like these bring, I sat by the window and looked out, at possibly the best view one could ever witness;

streets

The street outside, charmingly named Rue du Village, was quiet with only the occasional car passing through; cautious as one would be in hilly areas but confident because they’d probably been driving here for years.

This street wasn’t always so quiet, for just the night before, we had had some excitement as a police car chased a thief on a bike and caught him right outside our window. The kids had been both animated and confused on seeing a boy no older than twenty get handcuffed. I couldn’t help notice that he, despite being restrained, was more concerned about combing his hair every few minutes – In case you are wondering, those of us whose hair has long departed early on in life, often notice such “hairy” actions.

flowers-in-bloomrose

My thoughts from the previous night were interrupted as I noticed that the flowers in the garden right across from us were in full bloom. I made a mental note to go there with my daughter and take some pictures. No use asking my son. He had made clear that no photograph of his was to be taken during the entire trip. Sometimes I pray that he truly is an old soul in this selfie-obsessed world.

It had rained the previous night and nature all around was bright and colourful, clean and smiling.

Looking further below and I felt a warm fuzzy feeling as it dawned on me – once again – that I was surrounded by vineyards. A little patch lay in-between the houses on the hill, ready with grapes that were at the conception of their journey to become wine one day. How cool was that I thought, a vineyard for your neighbour and a life where your very existence would eventually result in something so beautiful and appreciated the world over.

vines

And then I looked to the right, at the castle-like structure with its pointed clock tower which stood quietly and elegantly in the distance, as if occupied by a sleeping princess dreaming about her prince.

In the real world, little princesses and princes would soon descend upon it, as that was the village school, and it would burst with youthful energy and enthusiasm within a few hours.

My daughter had only a couple of days before stated her joy over watching Swiss kids go to school in the morning when she didn’t have to. Children can sometimes derive pleasure from the simplest of observations.

the-school

Just then, I heard my son call out for his mom, checking if we – or maybe, only she – were still around. We were. My daughter, who was woken up by the noise, made a mooing sound in irritation asking no one in particular to let her sleep.

There’s a certain warmth and comfort in these morning activities, and I couldn’t help but smile as I looked out once again, my hands still comfortable by the cup of coffee that I was savouring slowly.

I spent the next few moments admiring the humongous tree outside the window to the left. Its roots, visible with age, and its height and size a confirmation that while people around it have come and gone, it has stood there, in that very spot, for decades, not yet ready to give up on the view.

I could see why it was difficult for the tree to let go. I would do the same if I could. It still wasn’t the oldest tree in the village though as we had driven past one nearby that was even bigger and older, and while I couldn’t see it right now, I knew that it too stood firm, not far away, looking out, just like I was.

the-old-tree

As the misty darkness of dawn faded away, there was a sudden transformation. With the light came the pleasure of admiring Lac Léman in all its shaded beauty. Different colours of blue blotched across this magnificent lake that is often lazily labelled Lake Geneva – although, I wouldn’t make the mistake of calling it that around a local.

On this day, it lay flat in the distance, grand, calm, parts of it still hidden in that last battalion of clouds which had been slow to retreat.

The lake has a life of its own, both under and above, but today, from my vantage point, I could only admire the latter. Just as the first boat of the day slowly chugged along leaving behind a stream, a little part of the lake at another spot turned brown from all the muddy water that had washed down from the hills, with the rain.

The rain had been a reason of concern for the locals as the vineyards weren’t getting enough sunlight – essential at this time of the year – and wine growers had been working extra hard removing leaves on vines to allow the charitable rays of the sun penetrate through to the grapes.

lac-leman

The boats on Lac Léman began to arrive and depart at regular intervals, irrespective of the changing weather, bringing locals and tourists alike to and from Vevey – that Swiss town which is famous for being the headquarters of the giant conglomerate Nestle. The company’s massive offices, also noticeable from the window where I stood, dominated the waterfront just as its products dominate the world.

I heard my wife call me to clean-up the vintage wooden table right next to me – which made for a remarkable food photography background – for our little monster was up and at two he had the kind of destructive energy a man in his mid-thirties would be extremely jealous of.

triadeI picked up the empty bottle of Triade – a beautiful and recommended local wine from Association Vinicole de Corseaux,  made with three different grapes – along with the glasses that were a reminder of the fun we had had last night, and kept them for washing. Then I set out to make breakfast – my favourite meal – as there was still time before the curtains lifted for the next act of this grand view.

I love to cook breakfast; Omelettes and fried eggs with local artisan bread, olives, and a freshly made salad with colourful leaves, feta, and bright red juicy tomatoes. Cold cuts for me and wonderful Gruyère cheese for the rest of the family.

A box of cornflakes was set out next to a bottle of milk. The table that had been empty for only a few minutes was once again teeming with delightful Swiss delicacies, the type that one could be satisfied by for an entire day.

Breakfast over, with no real hurry to bathe the kids, my daughter headed back to her room to finish the movies she had made me load up on the iPad. The little brat ran around the apartment, troubling his mother at first, only to come by the window next to me when she refused to give in to his demands – which are mostly for chocolate.

Watching me look out, he asked, “Papa, what are you looking at?”

“Son,” I said, “I am cherishing in wonderment this view, which has a beautiful tendency to transform into a completely different yet elegant vision by the slightest of weather anomalies.”

“Look” I went on, further explaining to him “the rain clouds in the farthest of the mountains weren’t here this time last year, and no one expected them to overstay their welcome, yet here they come, indifferent to the plight of many.”

He looked at me for a few seconds with a face that could only mean that his “old man” has possibly lost it, and then ran away back to his mother, without saying a word.

the-lakeside-view

For now, there is clarity in the sky and in my mind, thanks to a full tummy and the wakefulness of the morning coffee. With the absence of clouds, the scene becomes delectably dramatic as the snow-capped mountains across Lac Léman, in France, come to sight, their grandeur evident.

The sun was fighting a battle of its own today as it had failed to melt away the snow that enveloped these very mountains. Having been unsuccessful in its task so far, it seemed almost eager and hasty to get the job done as quickly as possible.

The town of Saint Gingolph, which sits on the Swiss-French border, across on the other side of the lake, was finally in sight.

I had, the day before, heard a story of how the locals had seen the town burn from their vineyards, at the end of the Second World War, as the Germans left it in ashes before withdrawing. From a distance, it seemed no different from any other town in any part of the world, and I wondered if the wounds of the past had healed over time?

If I stretched my eyes to the extreme right, I could catch a glimpse of Évian – or what I thought was Évian – a town we planned to visit soon, famous for the expensive bottled water found the world over.

clouds

And then, just like that, clouds began to descend again, as if they had used this time to regroup and make another attempt to take over the beauty they believed to be theirs alone. The sun might have won the battle for a little while, but today at least the war was in the hands of the clouds.

This to and fro between the sun and clouds is my favourite time to view this scene, and a perfect way to treasure a lazy morning in Corseaux. The clouds would continue to play hide and seek with the mountains and the lake until the very end of the day and at night give way to the twinkling lights in the faraway towns, across the lake, which made me wonder about life and if there’s someone out there looking back at me at that very moment.

AH! It seems the kids are starting to get restless now.

Too young to admire the beauty that I see before me, I must now excuse myself as I take them to the nearby Chaplin (as in Charlie Chaplin) children’s park in the adjoining village of Corsier. This will hopefully tire them – before they tire us – a little so that my wife and I can return back to this view in the afternoon, as it will inevitably alter once again, and I wouldn’t want to miss that for the world.

Ever since that lazy morning in Corseaux, I’ve had this panorama engraved in my mind; a view so spectacular, I would look at in awe and marvel and wonder, how could so much beauty exist in one single frame?

Sometimes when I think about it now, it has a soothing and calming effect that is hard to find elsewhere.

There are so many places in the world that might be as pretty as the view of Lac Léman from Corseaux, but maybe there’s something in the air, or it’s the people, perhaps just my state of mind, but somehow, nature and life in Switzerland takes on an enchanting personality of its own that simply cannot be ignored.

66 Comments

  • arv!
    Posted 22 October, 16 at 8:22 PM

    lovely set of pictures!

    Reply
  • lindahuber
    Posted 23 October, 16 at 9:13 PM

    Lovely! I live in the opposite corner of Switzerland on Lake Constance – also pretty nice!

    Reply
    • Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 24 October, 16 at 5:26 AM

      I’m sure. This time we decided to cover about half of Switzerland properly instead to hurrying past the whole country. Next time we visit, we’d love to do the other half.

      Reply
  • Ishita
    Posted 24 October, 16 at 10:19 AM

    I could live here 😛

    Reply
  • Splash of Happiness
    Posted 24 October, 16 at 6:57 PM

    Hey! Just checked out your blog, and followed because I loveeee itt! x I would really appreciate a return follow as I am on the road to 50 followers! Thank you so much! xx

    Reply
    • Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 24 October, 16 at 8:56 PM

      Already done. Cheers

      Reply
      • Splash of Happiness
        Posted 24 October, 16 at 10:37 PM

        Thank you so much!

        Reply
  • iamioana
    Posted 26 October, 16 at 3:08 PM

    Seems to be a really nice country 🙂 Hope I will get to see it.
    You live there?
    kisses

    Reply
    • Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 26 October, 16 at 3:14 PM

      Hi, no was there visiting with my wife and kids for a month this past summer. And yes, it’s really an amazing country, one that should be on everyone’s list.

      Reply
  • Manisha Shejwal
    Posted 27 October, 16 at 1:27 PM

    This is quite an engaging piece of writing. While reading your apt post I felt as if I spent yet another day at Switzerland while being in Namibia! 🙂

    Reply
    • Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 27 October, 16 at 4:43 PM

      Thank you for your kind words. And yeah, Switzerland is just so magical 😀

      Reply
  • Jure Snoj
    Posted 2 November, 16 at 8:03 PM

    Just wanted to say your writing style feels like reading a book more than a travel blog post. Ever considered tackling that? Looks like it would be right up your alley.

    Reply
    • Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 2 November, 16 at 8:28 PM

      Ha! Thanks. I have written a little – not about travel though – but my experience with publishers was so bad – after being picked up – that I gave up on that.

      Reply
  • Gareth
    Posted 2 November, 16 at 10:34 PM

    It certainly looks like a supremely picturesque part of the world and one where it would be perfect to spend a lazy morning. Your photos are fantastic but what really struck me was your style of writing, it really is wonderfully engaging. I will most certainly be looking out for future posts and look forward to reading more

    Reply
    • Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 2 November, 16 at 11:43 PM

      Thank you very much and yes the entire area is popular in Switzerland but not as much as some other places. I found the terraced vineyards and the lake and the people extremely wonderful and it has become one of my favourite places in the world. Thank you for your kind words.

      Reply
  • Jesper, The Biveros Effect
    Posted 3 November, 16 at 12:12 AM

    Really nice photos. Switzerland really has a lot to offer when it comes to the views, all the mountains and lakes create stunning scenery. That combined with all the chocolate can probably satisfy anyone. 🙂

    Reply
    • Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 3 November, 16 at 12:13 AM

      And cheese, you forgot all that cheese 😀🙏

      Reply
      • Jesper, The Biveros Effect
        Posted 3 November, 16 at 12:36 AM

        Ahh, how could I miss that? 🙂

        Reply
  • Indrani
    Posted 3 November, 16 at 1:21 PM

    Great style of writing!
    Indeed how do kids have such a lot of energy? He did run away but I tell you have sowed a seed in his mind which will take a good form later in life! Everything about the post is good including the pics.

    Reply
  • Kevin Wagar
    Posted 4 November, 16 at 10:53 PM

    What a beautiful place to just stop and breathe. While your children may not be able to appreciate the view yet, they will look back at your appreciation of it and learn from that.

    Reply
  • asoulwindow
    Posted 4 November, 16 at 11:32 PM

    Indians love Switzerland even if they have not been there personally. Thanks to the many Bollywood films shot there, it has given much boost to tourism in Switzerland. Your pictures and text does justice to a country I have grown up watching in Bollywood films.

    Reply
    • Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 4 November, 16 at 11:51 PM

      Actually I would often wonder what the big deal was until I visited that is. Thanks

      Reply
      • asoulwindow
        Posted 4 November, 16 at 11:59 PM

        Haha. I know. I am curious too.

        Reply
  • yhpchung
    Posted 5 November, 16 at 5:54 PM

    It does look like a beautiful part of the world. Sounded really nice to take a slower pace once a while 🙂

    Reply
    • Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 5 November, 16 at 7:08 PM

      Cheers and yes, taking is slow and admiring what’s around is always recommended

      Reply
  • Travelpeppy
    Posted 5 November, 16 at 7:03 PM

    Switzerland is lovely. We have just been back from there and we must say it is an amazing country. Loved your pictures

    Reply
    • Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 5 November, 16 at 7:09 PM

      That’s cool… hope you had fun and look forward to reading about your jounrey

      Reply
  • gobeyondbounds
    Posted 7 November, 16 at 7:08 PM

    I doubt if I have heard about this town of Corseaux but looks like it falls somewhere on the way to Bern and maybe we have had a glimpse of it during the several journeys we made from Geneva to Bern or Lausanne which has an abundance of vineyards. We agree Switzerland is a paradise for travellers and there is some magic in its aura.

    Reply
    • Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 7 November, 16 at 9:13 PM

      It’s actually between Montreux and Lausanne. I’m sure you’re aware of Vevey and this is just a small village adjoining it. Thanks

      Reply
  • Wanderlust Vegans
    Posted 7 November, 16 at 7:30 PM

    I love Switzerland, mind you we have only been to Basel – Though I have not seen a picture of Switzerland that wasn’t beautiful. Your pictures are stunning, and the kids will soon seen the beauty. How wonderful it is that you can share your travels with your children. We never travelled much when I was a kid, probably why I have such wanderlust now.

    Reply
    • Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 7 November, 16 at 9:14 PM

      My parents had us travelling since we were two and I’m just passing that knowledge onwards. Our kids started travelling for vacation a round 1 years and they’ve just enjoyed it and taken to it like old souls. Thanks

      Reply
  • emmaeatsandexplores
    Posted 7 November, 16 at 10:43 PM

    Wow I agree with you! That view over the lake is absolutely stunning and I love lazy days – taking time out to really enjoy a place rather than rushing around, feeling that you have see everything like a tourist!

    Reply
    • Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 7 November, 16 at 11:36 PM

      Exactly and we miss out on so much trying to cover everything quickly. Thanks

      Reply
  • sudiptode
    Posted 8 November, 16 at 11:15 AM

    I really love the way you have included your family in the post. The pictures are giving us serious Wanderlust. Did you try some of the Swiss food and chocolates??

    Reply
    • Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 8 November, 16 at 1:31 PM

      Thanks and yeah it was quite a sight. As for food and chocolates, my latest post on the blog is just about that 😀

      Reply
  • Johann Kuruvilla
    Posted 8 November, 16 at 6:55 PM

    Wow! I love the way you’ve described each and every moment. Amazing writing skills! Need I say about your photography? You’ve captured them really well. I really want to know what your son thought about when you explained to him about the rainclouds. Haha! Loved your reaction.

    Reply
    • Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 8 November, 16 at 7:28 PM

      Thanks Johann and he’s just adorable and naughty at the same time. But, Switzerland on the whole left a very positive impression on him. I hope to bring both my kids back soon.

      Reply
  • sudhagee
    Posted 23 November, 16 at 3:32 PM

    Wah, Raghav. May I begin by saying that this is perhaps the best post of yours that I have read so far?

    I loved it and felt myself relax as I read the post. Thanks for the gentle reminder that travel need not be about rushing from place to place, but also about enjoying the here and now. After all isn’t a holiday supposed to be about that?

    Reply
    • Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 23 November, 16 at 3:51 PM

      Thank you and I’m quite proud of it myself 😀 Yes, I saw everyone rushing around trying to do so much in so little time that a lot of the beauty of Switzerland was lost to them. We were lucky to not only have the view but have days we could spare. Still, it was quite rushed and would have liked to have some more “free” days.

      Reply
  • Elena Biasi
    Posted 29 December, 16 at 6:10 AM

    Nice post! I was looking for information on Switzerland as I’m going in a couple weeks, then found your blog. Thanks for the info! Nice to read about your kids as well – who doesn’t enjoy a bit of schadenfreude in seeing other people go to school while you don’t have to? 😉 good luck in your next travels!

    Reply
    • Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 29 December, 16 at 7:31 AM

      Thanks Elena. I’ve written a few more posts on Switzerland so have a look at those especially on what to eat there and also how to save money while in Switzerland.

      Reply
      • Elena Biasi
        Posted 8 January, 17 at 6:18 PM

        Will do! Thanks very much! 🙂

        Reply
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  • Loudy
    Posted 10 February, 17 at 12:38 AM

    What I like is that you described every detail, that made the post very nice to the reader because while reading it I lived the moment. This village looks very calm, and I really like the views that cloud that appeared made it even better

    Reply
  • stace16
    Posted 10 February, 17 at 1:18 AM

    Wow I am in love with those pictures. The sunset castle picture is my favorite! Lazy days are always great when travelling, it’s nice to enjoy each other’s company! Great detail here

    Reply
  • ramie1970
    Posted 10 February, 17 at 3:22 PM

    Excellent! I like reading posts that are like stories rather than lists. The bike thief, the locals watching their vineyards burn, the lovely descriptions of Switzerland, and of your family, well done!

    Reply
  • Hendrik
    Posted 10 February, 17 at 7:17 PM

    I was already amazed by your Chocolate train ride and now the journey even continues 🙂
    For me as a “new Suisse citizen” it is especially interesting to find out about new places I have not discovered yet here. Beautifully written I get a clear picture about your experiences there, I even have the smell of the roses in my nose now and can feel the taste of some great wine from these vineyards… Also maybe bit strange, but still funny experience with the bike thief as well 🙂

    Reply
  • Caroline @ The Travelling Sloth
    Posted 10 February, 17 at 9:17 PM

    I like how you’ve shared your time in Corseaux like a story. Really well written, felt like I was there for parts of it. The bread and breakfast look extremely appetising… and your photos make me want to visit Switzerland immediately! I only know of Zurich in Switzerland but if i ever visit, I’ll be sure to visit this little village 🙂 Thanks for sharing this!

    Reply
  • traveling9to5er
    Posted 10 February, 17 at 9:27 PM

    You gotta love lazy mornings and it looks like Corseaux offers everything you need to have one. Those views are breathtaking and I’d love to spend a morning just wandering around. It looks like you pulled together some of the best the town has to offer for a lazy breakfast, the bread looks particularly good!

    Reply
  • natalietanner
    Posted 11 February, 17 at 3:29 AM

    Love quiet time to ponder the loveliness…sometimes when the littles are asleep. Those moments are delicious and need to be savored! What a pretty place you found. Switzerland is gorgeous and I’d love to see more of it!

    Reply
  • onlybyland
    Posted 11 February, 17 at 1:26 PM

    As I travel with my daughter often I can understand how much you appreciated a little alone time in the morning by letting them sleep in. That must have been a really relaxing coffee and the view complemented the calm! I only have one, I see when you have two, the first one who wakes up, wakes the second one up! Lac Léman is breathtaking, you mentioned the changing weather, it had changed drastically in between the 2 photos you posted of it, it looks great whatever weather though!

    Reply
  • Janine Good
    Posted 12 February, 17 at 8:45 AM

    I love Switzerland. It is beautifully scenic and seriously has so much to offer travellers. I can imagine how incredible it was to have quiet time with your morning coffee. That must have been awesome as you gazed at the incredible views. The gardens looked gorgeous! I love all things pink.

    Reply
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  • elizabeth
    Posted 3 March, 18 at 7:33 AM

    What a lovely read, Switzerland is such a beautiful country with stunning scenery. I loved looking at your photos too. Looks like you and your family had a superb time. I love the chocolate demands bit made me laugh and the sugar high. I think I would be the same when it comes to chocolate. Will have to check out some of the places you mention in your post for my next trip to Switzerland, bookmarked.

    Reply
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  • Jimmy Maicus
    Posted 2 October, 19 at 10:01 PM

    Greetings! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a group of volunteers and starting a new project in a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us valuable information to work on. You have done a marvellous job!

    Reply
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