Switzerland 3 Sept
Wednesday morning, we decide to stay in Geneva to get spare water pump in case it was damaged when hammering fan flange on in Paris suburbs. The water pump is making a slight squeaking noise in protest at the treatment. While at the Merc dealer we got replacement brake shoes as well. Visited American Express and took my watch in for repair.
The day started well, but late afternoon we heard a rumbling of thunder while changing brake shoes. That was a hell of a job – the old ones were held in by many layers of rust. There was speculation that the storm might miss us, but no! The rain started just as I'd finished on the car. So two bizarrely clad soggy people wander to the shelter with lighted stove and evening meal still cooking. Brian dressed in shorts and Shell mac, me in only long trousers. Most of the people in the shelter appear to be English.
Later two other Poms appear dressed in a very smart line in polythene bags. Rain lashes down, camp site turns into a fast-flowing river. More bedraggled people appear, then, after we've eaten, we repacked the stove and I put on my oilskin top. There was a move to the boozer. We squelch in – proprietor seems unmoved. We have several "Eau de Vie" and, when it stops raining, retire to bed.
Miraculously the tent has survived, and everything remained dry. We sleep well despite continuous light rain during the night.
On waking and rising we find right hand (passenger) quarter light of car open and passenger door unlocked. Car has been broken into in Geneva! £13 stolen out of wallets and $US10, 10 Swiss francs, 5 DM from wallet at the end of my bed. Brian's wallet was hidden in the wiring behind the car's dashboard. They found it! We go off to Geneva Police to report theft for insurance. Then fill up with reasonably priced Swiss petrol, return old brake shoes and away we go. We manage to buy no petrol in either France or Italy where it was a lot more expensive.
We leave Geneva about midday and drive along north shore of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman according to the French). We spot ladies of the church (nuns) hitch-hiking – God will provide. Near the eastern end of the lake we pass Chateau de Chillon.
