touring around Switzerland!

Well we have left Annecy and now are doing some touring around Switzerland trying to get famliar with our new home.  We stayed a night in Lausanne which is also on the shores of Lake Geneva.  The cathedral there was completed in the 1200's!  Our definition of "old" has certainly changed since we arrived here.  We had our first experience as a family staying at a hostel in Lausanne.  When I was travelling as a student we stayed in many youth hostels and although some things have changed (people travel with computers and there are computers available for public use) much has not.They remain a wonderful way of meeting people and learning about their travel experiences  Our hostel was very clean and friendly, although quite basic (shared bathrooms and cooking facilities).  We got a room to ourselves with bunk beds! While in Lausanne we visited one of Switzerlands most famour chateaus; the Chateau de Chillon. It is just past Montreaux (site of one the worlds most famous jazz festivals) and is  at the end of Lake Geneva.  Construction of the chateau first began in the 11th century and was completed in the 13th century. Over the centuries it underwent a number of changes, but the basic structure has changed little in the last 800 years. Very careful restoration has taken place.  We were fascinated by it. When one thinks of ancient castles, the Chateau de Chillon is what we picture. Byron was also fascinated by it and wrote a poem entitled "The Prisoner of Chillon".  He carved his name into a pillar in the prison/dungeon.  The place was frigid!  Makes one appreciate the modern conveniences.  From there we made our way to Interlaken and are currently in a very friendly Bed and Breakfast.  Tomorrow we plan on going sledging in the mountains.  Our hosts are great people and are acting as our travel advisors..  Next week the work begins but for now, we are enjoying ourselves.  Hopefully we will have some pictures to share of the sledging.  This part of Switzerland is what one thinks about while reading Heidi.  The Swiss seem to have it right:  wine,chocolate, cheese and great winter sports!
Heather