We left the Schloss on Bodensee about 10:30 AM, planning on a 5-1/2 hour drive to our hotel near Geneva airport.
I turned on data roaming, and was able to find a place that was open for lunch above Lausanne, The Swiss Chalet, on the edge of the Sauvabelin Park, a forested area with panoramic views over the city.
Ron had parked illegally while we first went into the restaurant to be sure they were serving, and then we were seated and he forgot all about the car. Suddenly he jumped up and said, "THE CAR!" Off he went to park, which was down the hill in the lot for the Sauvabelin. When he returned he went to the bathroom, and reported to me that it was in the basement. The stairs had a chair lift, but he couldn't see how to operate it. I said I would tackle the stairs, but when I got there they were very steep, and the chair lift rail was not suitable for hanging on to. The young waiter was behind the bar and saw me hesitating, and asked if there was a problem. I told him the stairs were too steep, and he said, "Oh, I will help." I thought he was going to work the chair lift, but he said, "We have personnel toilets on this floor, I will show you." So, for the second time on this trip, I was led behind the scenes, down long halls, and through the kitchen. We ended up in a small room with lockers for employees and shoes scattered all over the floor. He pointed inside and said, "There is for ladies." Very kind of him to have helped. Unfortunately, when I went to exit the stall, I couldn't unlock the door. I was twisting the lock and pulling to no avail. I was getting to the point of panic - what embarrassment it would be to have to scream for help!! But, finally one last pull and the door opened. I came back to the table laughing, and said, "Another bathroom adventure."
Back to the subject: cheese. Although the restaurant's on-line menu included raclette, which was Ron's preference, they only served fondue. There were about seven varieties, including one with beer and Armagnac. We stuck to the plain cheese, but with a big glass of kirsch for dipping. It was good and plentiful, although I prefer a crustier bread. It was an expensive wish fulfillment. In the future we will be happy to pay $5 for a packet of fondue at Lidl!!
Drove on to the Apart Hotel in Ferney-Voltaire., France, less than 2 miles to Geneva airport. Ron had me wait in the car while he went in to check things out. The room was smaller than expected, but Ron later asked for a room with handicap walk-in shower, and they moved us to a much nicer room with an enormous walk-in closet, benches for luggage, and a great shower. It was more than adequate for our needs, and a great price, less than half of some of the chain hotels.
We brought our drinks down to the lobby area which had more comfortable seating options than the room. The only drawback was the volume of the music was too loud. We didn't feel like facing traffic and lunch had been our splurge for the day, so we stayed in. Another early evening.
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