Friday, May 22nd: Olympic Museum & Special Occasion!

Today marked our fourth day in the beautiful country of Switzerland. Coming off of a much needed day set a side for R&R, the group was ready to get back on track. Another light breakfast greeted us in the morning accompanied by an outstanding view of the French Alps across the lake. The day was much more uplifting than the previous three, mainly due to the sunny weather and pleasant temperature. For the few days before we were subjected to dreary fog, periodic showers, and cold that rivaled even Syracuse. However, Friday was the first day in Lausanne that we were able to break out our shorts. 

After assembling around 9:30 am, we ventured down the sidewalks of the scenic lakefront parkway towards the Olympic Museum, which was conveniently located about half a mile from our hotel. We had already experienced the outdoor park on Wednesday from our introduction to the Olympic Research Center that was right next door, but this did not spoil the experience. From the bottom of the hill visitors are encouraged to walk up steps showcasing the names of the individuals who lit the Olympic Flame from each of the Olympics over the past seventy years. Of course there were many, which provided me with flashbacks, not necessarily pleasant ones, of the trek up to my freshman dorm that I endured all year. At the top were numerous sculptures and athletic representations. For example, a rather exquisitely colored pair of human figures playing soccer (futbol) adorned the front lawn, Pierre de Coubertin stood examining the courtyard framed by the Alps in the background, and an exceedingly muscular spinning torso proved that the IOC was intent on providing visitors with an image of athletic prowess in physical form. There was also a sample 100 meter track and a high jump bar to provide a sense of what athletes in the Olympics must overcome to attain glory. 

Once we entered the doors a lovely tour guide named Patricia stood awaiting our arrival. We ventured up the winding ramp to the first exhibit and began our fully guided tour. The museum was divided into three phases: The inception of both the Ancient and Modern Olympics, the evolution of the Modern Olympics, and the Olympic Spirit. To start, we witnessed a representation of what ancient Olympia looked like over 3,000 years ago both in animation and model form. This held special significance as we now have a map in the back of our minds for when we visit the actual site on Monday. From there we saw artifacts and the actual belongings of Pierre de Coubertin, who founded the International Olympic Committee in 1894. The second leg of the museum displayed both artifacts of clothing and equipment used by athletes throughout the course of the Modern Olympics, combined with interactive displays that gave more information on each individual Olympics in terms of location and important facts. From there the Olympic Spirit portion added a personal touch to the Olympic experience as recordings of athletes speaking in their native languages showcased the multicultural blending and education that the Olympics provides. Not only that but healthy eating quizzes, Olympic truce pillars with athlete signatures, and interactive sports simulations decorated the room, and kept our group busy for a good twenty minutes or so.

The Museum to me was the most important Olympic element we had experienced so far. In terms of the class and content we are learning, it provided that all important tie in to real life experience. While it is amazing and essential to visit locations where events took place in the past, it is also important to visualize those events to help cement key lessons, whether it be moral, emotional, or educational. Don't get me wrong, I loved visiting the Court of Arbitration for Sport, the IOC headquarters, and the Olympic Research center, but the Museum helped me most in terms of the class itself. 

Now, I have saved the best for last. Ask any person who has traveled anywhere that the most important part of any trip is the people you share the experiences with. When it comes to this trip, the cornerstone and major personality is without a doubt Professor Ryan. Not only does he dip in to his eight year pool of experience to give us advice on transportation, dining, you name it, but he also makes us laugh with numerous stories and jokes or educates us with important information on sites we visit. It is only fitting that we provide him the same courtesy he gives to us on his birthday, which happened to be today. He provided the restaurant and we treated him to revelry and good times. This seems a strange place to have American food, but it was quite close to American barbecue in fact. Our group all pitched in to buy him a birthday cake and a card signed by all twelve members. We cannot thank P-Ry enough for all that he has done for us. He has made this trip the experience of a lifetime, and I cannot wait for future classes and reunions. 

My next blog will be from Athens, Greece. Until next time.