One Night In Lausanne After Many Wrong Turns

My life is a series of wrong turns.

Wrong degree. Wrong first marriage. A series of wrong men. Wrong career three times. And wrong instincts in cities. I swear, I can stare at the map, trace the outline of my path with one finger, and STILL go the wrong way. I finally found my hotel in Lausanne after my time in Milan. I walked a straight line to Lake and Geneva. I gazed at the skyline and ate gruyere. I have one night here before training to my residency on Monday. If gawping at the landscape inspires, I should vomit gorgeous words.

Artists and writers apply for residencies to get chunks of uninterrupted time to create. But on residency, we’re seldom alone. We share kitchen and bath facilities with strangers who (hopefully) become friends. We find places to hang out. We compare our creative processes and learn new tricks.

Here’s to feeding addictions (and my skin.)

While trying to find my Lausanne hotel, I wandered past a pharmacy. Nice Huile Prodigieuse beckoned me from the window, teasing a new formula. I don’t know how many I’ll buy, but I started with this lovely bottle. 

Previously I found Nuxe Dry Oil in Montreal and bought it on a whim. Constant heating dried out my skin, and I thought a heavier product worth a try. Of course, I became a Dry Oil addict. I squirted it all over myself with abandon and ran through my meager supply. When I tried to get more, it was sold out in the US. (Apparently, I’m not the only Dry Oil Crack Slave.)  NOTE: Nuxe didn’t pay me for this product endorsement. I mentioned it online because I love it.

I struggle with travel when I’m alone.

Exploring isn’t fun without MTM, but I try. I spent one night in Lausanne on my way from Milan to Trelex. I wandered the shores of Lake Geneva, found gruyere crepes, and used a cash machine to dispense my first Swiss francs. On my only night alone, I returned to my hotel at 6pm and fell asleep. I woke up to shower and went back to sleep at 9:00. I got up this morning at 9am and expect to fully be over lingering jet lag. I will take the train to Trelex to begin my stint as Writers Desk Resident this afternoon.

Here’s to a loud brain and nimble fingers.