On Monday Mike had the day off. He took Levi, Sarah, Dom and I out on his little boat to Lake Neuchatel , which is the largest lake contained wholly within Switzerland. Mike was wearing his Alinghi hat a lot of the time, and there were a few Team NZ jokes thrown around in jest. There was no wind out on the lake, so without anchoring we were happily jumping off the boat and swimming around. It was a really nice day to be spending in the water but eventually we had to head back in. Once we came back through the channel to the lake where he keeps the boat the wind had picked up, and we had a very exciting trip back across to the marina. Levi did most of the sail work, I handled the ropes and Mike was in charge of the whole operation. We were really getting throw about out there, but we arrived in one piece.

   That night we had dinner with Urg and Monica, the organisers of Levi, Mike, Sandra and Tom's sailing trip around the Caribbean. I saw the photos and it really looked like an idilic holiday. Again more Team NZ jokes, lucky that Alinghi was lead by two New Zealanders or I'd of had no come backs :-)

   Yesterday we went to Trümmelbach Fälle, which is a series of underground water falls. It was an awesome display of power, the carving of the rock and the thunder of the water was very impressive. In the afternoon we went to Gruyere and walked around the castle. In the middle of the medieval township there was a museum for HR Giger, the man who did the theme for Alien and Species. There was also a bar, the big boney chairs and the roof arches were like spines. One wall was covered in deformed skulls, all quite disturbing. That night most of Levi's Swiss friends gathered at Dom's house for a raclette. In this traditional local meal, small scoops with cheese on them are placed under a heating element and melted, then poured over potatoes or what ever is on your plate at the time. It was a great night, and I got to try Kirsch water for the first (and the last) time :-)

   This morning I have uploaded some photos, check out 'Day 6 already', and Tour de Mont Blanc completed' to see them. Today hasn't been decided yet, so I'll have look in the Lonely Planet Guide and see what I can come up with.

Leaping into Lake Neuchatel	One of the waterfalls at Trümmelbach Fälle
The people I have been hanging out with in Switzerland