I have travelled to Laussane few days ago and have to say, I was reluctant to go there again.
While being confused and didn't know how to find directions for the place I wanted to go, and on top of that I didn't know French
Though , I had made an effort to learn some basic words to be able to communicate with natives, I could speak very little French and therefore I was really lost there. So I approached a woman near me in front of a lift in Gare Laussane and just right after saying 'Excuse moa' politely, the woman immediately said in English 'NO! Do not come closer. You stay away from beside me' and she signaled the area around her to confirm that I was not allowed to come closer to her. Oh before that, she did check upon me from head to toe...
Seriously, I have never been humiliated like this while travelling before. I wish I could swear at her but not knowing what of me which made her rude like that, I didn't want to say anything as anything said might confirm her thoughts about me. Yet, it was so frustrating and ruined my whole day. I know people here could stare at you and whatever, but I was shocked that they could be that rude. Wonder if they discriminate as well, for I am not like them...
Anyway, what's wrong with people in Laussane?
And I assumed people there are more open-minded because the major universities are there and it is said to be full of young people...
That's a hat one needs for the Christopher street day. What's the link with the wacko the OP met at the station? Perhaps you didn't refer to the gay rainbow colors, just the silliness as such. Maybe.
On topic: I have no empathy with a person who generalize by victimization based on a one time wacko encounter. Sorry.
No - in my experience here they can be helpful & indifferent too. How do you know she is Swiss ? Maybe she is a foreigner and on hearing your "excuse moi" thought you were Swiss.
That's true for saying generalization. I guess it's just me who can't move on. I am back to UK now anyway, so never mind after all,...whatever )
besides, despite Laussane experience, I love Geneva. Sorry for the post's title which is made on a whim to try attracting sympathies from you guys ) surely when going on my next trips, I will meet more wackos and who knows, I will then see that Lausanne woman had actually been super-nice and polite to me already )
That must take the record for the fastest conversion to Swiss-lovin' furrner, ever ...
... although that won't endear you to the Swiss, neither for suggesting that Lausanne is part of Geneva, nor for saying that you love Geneva (which of course is not Swiss).
All americans are more than rude and nasty. In California an old man swore at me and called me names because I was standing in his way when he wanted to get on a bus.
I once was looking for someone in Lausanne, and asked possibly the same woman for directions, in French. She instantly replied in English and was very helpful.
Busby, not all Americans. How did you find the time to meet all Americans I'm quite friendly and polite, and so are my friends and family. Sorry you had a bad experience in California, go to NY/NJ next time.
I've been in the Lausanne area for six months and have never run into this kind of person, or this kind of problem. I think you are the victim of bad timing and someone else's bad mood. I do think you did the right thing by trying to speak in French. While my French is not good yet, I try every day. Most of the time, people are very patient with me when I make mistakes (which is all the time), and even if I don't say something perfectly, they understand and are helpful in giving directions, handing me a sandwich, helping me find something in a store, whatever it is. So as one of the other posters said earlier, give Lausanne another try. It has a lot going on and is worth another visit so you can how friendly everyone can be.