Look Around

Nestled at the foot of the Alps, on the shores of Lake Geneva, lies the enchanting city of Montreux, Switzerland. Long celebrated for its beauty, Montreux is set against the backdrop of snow-covered mountains and the crystal clear waters of the lake locally known as Lac Leman. The mountains stretch their peaks into the heavens and the lake extends as far as the eye can see. It is this sight that leaves me breathless when I first lay eyes on the lakeside city, but I could not have imagined the beauty that awaited me along the shore.

The lakeside walkway I travel starts at the magical Chateau de Chillon, on the eastern end of Lake Geneva. Beautifully located on a rocky islet, it is one of the most well preserved castles in Switzerland. With tall stone walls and an air of mystery about it, it is the perfect start to an unforgettable afternoon. Committing this impressive image to memory, I turn my back on the magnificent castle and head north to discover all Montreux has to offer.

As the sun-warmed walkway slopes downward, I come ever closer to the waters of Lake Geneva. The lake is crystal clear and oh so inviting. With clear blue skies and the hot sun beating down on my neck, the urge to jump in the pure water fully clothed is almost irrepressible. The sounds of the water lapping and spraying at the shore add to this irrational desire. The clarity of the water is mesmerizing. Imagining the cool, inviting water on my skin is almost too much to bear. Never in my life have I known water could be so radiant and alluring.

Soon I become aware of other sounds penetrating my consciousness; the wind whispering through the palm trees, the distant growl of boat engines on the lake, the water spraying upwards from the hulls of the boats, the birds calling to one another, and the constant chatter of locals and tourists alike. I am not alone on this journey; I am joined by many people enjoying the warm summer day. There are children playing and couples relaxing in the shade, taking great pleasure in God's creation.

Yet people are not my only company on this stroll. I am joined by other life all around me. Flowers of every color line the shore: purple, red, yellow, and pink. The flowers grow in the shade of palm trees, an unexpected surprise. I never would have expected to see palm trees growing in the shadows of mountains. Along with the alluring flora, I am blessed to be accompanied by elegant swans gliding all along the shore to my left. Their feathers are as pure and white as fresh mountain snow.

At the end of my journey, I discover the bustling street market on the edge of Montreux. Although not as relaxing as my shoreline walk, the market has a beauty of its own. Vendors sell everything from brightly colored hats and scarves to fresh strawberries. Children play in the cool water to escape the summer heat as their parents peruse the various shops. Since I cannot jump in the water to escape the heat, I buy a small cup of cold Movenpick ice cream. The ice cream is better than any I have tasted before. Sweet and creamy, the lemon-lime dessert is the perfect way to end my walk along the shore of Lake Geneva.

Breathing in the floral scent and fresh air of Lake Geneva gives one a sense of being alive. Your senses become awakened like never before. You feel the cool mountain air, hear the gentle waves, smell the fresh strawberries, taste the purest water, and see one of God's most glorious creations, all at once.

Trapped in my own little corner of the earth for so long, I never realized just how big and wondrous the world is. It had never crossed my mind that you could see all the way to the bottom of a lake or that palm trees and mountains could co-exist in the same environment. My eyes were opened to how little I knew of the outside world.

Before my journey along the shore of Lac Leman, I was woefully ignorant of what the world had to offer. St. Augustine once said, “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” My experience in Montreux added another page to my book, but there are so many more pages to fill. It would be foolish to assume that one has seen all one can see. The world is vast and limitless, with endless possibilities. God did not create this boundless beauty for naught. It was created for us to discover, savor, and cherish.