Nyon, Switzerland: Ancient City With Good Coffee

Rumor has it Nyon, Switzerland was founded by Julius Caesar around 44BC, but the site has been occupied since the Neolithic. I’m staying 4 train stops from this haunted town by the lake.

I say “haunted” because it’s spaces are loud. I walked down a narrow passage and heard whispers. Touched Roman walls and lost sense to the grunts of the slaves who built them. Wandered through a castle and expected to see a knight on the circular stair or around the next corner.

I sat in Place de la Chateau and dined like a human instead of a pen intent in a cell. Ordered my first meal in French and only stumbled once. I sat in a park next to the Roman columns and watched a man read a book in the shade. Toured the Museé Romain, and went to the pharmacy and shopped for groceries. Lugged a big fan box onto the train along with my shopping.

I wanted a steak since it’s coming up on my lady time, but settled for this veal and mushroom ravioli instead. People warned me about how much things cost in Switzerland. With restaurants, they weren’t kidding!! A steak was 48 francs. My ravioli was 32 francs. First courses started at 20 francs. Service is included, because the Swiss pay their restaurant workers a living wage. Still, I won’t be dining out again soon.

When I’m home, MTM and I have coffee together every day. He FaceTimes now when he’s having his coffee, but I don’t have a way to make coffee in my cell. Worth the 3 franc train ride!

As I type, I’m sitting in my cell enjoying the first few hours of not sweltering since I got here. The only thing I forgot to pack? A swimsuit. I had no idea people swim in Lake Geneva! If you ever head this way during summer, make sure to bring your suit. Especially if Switzerland is experiencing a record-breaking heatwave!!!

Hope you enjoyed hearing about my adventures in Nyon, Switzerland, during my writing residency. I shared pics and info about the nearby town of Trelex in this post. Have you been there? What did you think of it?