Thermal Pool at Yverdon : October 2015

I don't know when Eve and I started talking about it nor what got us thinking about it but one of the five days I had with Eve in Pontarlier, we decided to go to a thermal pool. I do remember, however, talking about the day I took her son to one of the water spas in the Philippines during his visit in 2014. I also remember telling her that it would be nice to have a massage or a dip in warm water one of those days.

One morning, she handed me a brochure about the thermal pool in Yverdon-les-bains, Switzerland and she had me choose among three bathing suits she had. I wish I could take home the swimsuit I chose because it was really pretty but she didn't offer so I gave it back after use.

The drive to Switzerland was calm. We were chasing the sunset and while we were at it, I get to enjoy the view through the long way Eve decided to take so I could appreciate the landscape. I sure did.

We got to Yverdon late in the afternoon. I didn't even notice we crossed the border ! But when we transacted with the receptionist at the center, I noticed her accent (and appreciate it because she spoke French clearly and slowly) and that was when I realized that yes, we have finally reached Switzerland! Also, we had to pay upon entry and the amount was no longer in Euros but in Swiss Francs. Speaking about entry fee, oh my was it expensive. For 30 EUR, we both have access to (super high-tech) individual lockers that locks and unlocks by the wrist band type of key (sobrang elibs!) you can refer to in the featured image of this post, the shower and two thermal outdoor pools for four hours and that was about it.

I honestly prefer Ace Water Spa over that of the thermal pool in Yverdon. For one, the water spa in the Philippines is way cheaper yet offers more facilities. In Yverdon, it's thrice more expensive. Furthermore, in order to get access to other amenities, you need to additional fees.

We left at about seven in the evening and it was already dark outside. Eve decided to take the expressway back to France but instead of taking the route to Neuchâtel, we were heading for Laussane, which was on the opposite direction. I noticed this when she pointed out that the colors of the road signs are inversed in Switzerland than what they had in France. I saw we were headed for Laussane but did not mention a word since I trust she knows where she was heading. I should've followed my instincts. Fortunately, a man she met at the gasoline station was kind enough to lead us to the correct direction and in no time, we were back in French soil.

A long drive chasing the sunset along a magnificent landscape, a dip on warm water, and getting lost in the dark - yes, this was how I spent my first time in Switzerland.