For T: One of the days we hiked to the top of a big mountain, and found a big castle on the top. At the top of the castle, were the horse stables that were specially reserved for the knights. These knights used to have big swords and javelins. And they used to fight "hiyaa" just like you like to do.
For R: Yesterday, in Avignon (where the famous bridge that people dance on is), we saw the "Pope's Palace." In front of the Pope's Palace is a gigantic courtyard. That's kind of like a park, but no grass--it's all bricks under your feet. And in front of the courtyard were several tall old buildings. Probably about 1600 years old. The building right in the middle of the whole row of buildings that face the courtyard is a music conservatory. A music conservatory is a school and also a store for music and musicians. I kept thinking of you while we waited in that plaza (courtyard) because you will start playing the piano in the fall. Maybe one day you will study in a music conservatory.
For S: Yesterday after we left the Pope's Palace and after we danced under the bridge of Avignon. (Originally, the song was about dancing under the bridge, not on it.) (By the way, look at the pictures and see if you can pick out the Bridge of Avignon. It is the one that only goes half-way across the river.) Anyway, after we danced under the bridge, we drove to a wonderful old ruin called the "Pont du Gard." This is an aqueduct (ask Ar what that is) that was built by the Romans. It was built during the time of Caesar Augustus when Jesus was about 19 years old. This aqueduct is the tallest surviving Roman structure in the world! It is amazing. When I saw the aqueduct, and how amazing it is, I thought of you because you can figure things out (like the Romans). You would have thought it was pretty neat. Also, you would have gone swimming in the super cold river below the bridge. There is a picture of Aunt Ashley and Uncle Matt swimming in that river. Only certain very cool people are able to swim in very cold water. (Anna is also one of those kinds of people.)
For An: Today (May 23), I had dinner with about 7 friends of Papa Duck. These are people that he met 40 years ago when he was a missionary here in France. He has kept writing to them, and has stayed friends with them all these years. When we walked in the door, they gave us kisses and hugs, and then fed us 6 courses (3 hours) of yummy food. You would have loved meeting them. They told jokes and stories and laughed and talked! And the food was so delicious! You would have loved it!
For Ar: While the bikers were out riding up a hard mountain, Daddy and I went shopping at the market with Gma Suzi. At first, we didn't expect a very good market because our guide-book says there is a better one. But when we got there it was so quaint and fun! The first thing we saw was a vendor of olive oil. Then a bread vendor. Then a cheese vendor. Then a meat (sausage) vendor.Then someone selling table linens, then clothes, then jewelry, etc. At one of the shops, I bought some olive oil that tasted so fresh I was sure it had just been pressed that day. At another, I bought some fig jam and some "real" nutella. This stuff is the real deal! It has pop rocks in it! Of course, I didn't buy it just for you--we all have to share, but I know you will love it!! I wish we could have a constant supply of pop rock nutella!!!
For Aunt Dusty and fam: After we left the market, we drove by an old abbey. It was around the corner and down in a valley. At first we didn't recognize what they were growing all around the valley. But up close, we saw that it was fields and fields of lavender. I can imagine how beautiful it smells in June and July when the flowers are in bloom. I'll bet people get better just from breathing the air there at that time of year. Anyway, this is what's called a Cistercian Abbey. (You probably know more about Cistercian than I do.) Driving down from the hill, it was a very impressive sight with it's large grounds and nestled in the hills like it was.
Showing posts with label Elisse. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Elisse. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Paris second night (Elisse)
Paris is a late town. We were out on the Eiffel Tower until 12:30 in the night before we realized how late it was. At that late hour, we bought crepes from a street vendor. (But that isn't this story--that was the previous day, our first night in Paris.)
Our second day in Paris was a whirlwind of museums. We bought a comprehensive museum pass and wanted to get the most out of it.
Our first museum was the Notre Dame Cathedral. Its flying buttresses and rose windows were so beautiful. And I got a picture of a gargoyle looking directly at me. It was a strange mix of worship and tourism there because it is still a functioning church.
The second museum was the Pompidou museum of modern art. This famous museum houses a large collection of Picasso paintings as well as other modern artists. One piece of art was a two-room piano studio lined with large rolls of felt.
The third museum was the Louvre. This one-time-palace of the king now houses every greek statue, every famous and non-famous painting--basically every piece of art created anywhere in the world at any time. It is huge. We hurried through, saw the Venus de Milo, Mona Lia and Michaelangelo's statues. In the process of going to those three places, we saw 5000 other beautiful paintings and statues.
Our fourth museum was our favorite. The museum of music. Before we finally found the large plaza and the obviously marked location on our map, we explored a Parisian suburb with a similarly named street. It took us about an hour wandering around apartment houses and parochial schools before we found someone who corrected our error and set us in the right direction.
Enfin, we almost missed out on this fabulous museum. We arrived just minutes before they cut off admissions for the day. Then we spent so much time listening to the music and admiring the instruments of a past era (1500's, I think) that we only got o enjoy half of the museum. But we truly did enjoy it. Matt, Ashley and Garry are all musicians at heart, so every note and every instrument were magical time machines for them. And I appreciate music and beauty, so I loved it as well. We were eventually ushered out at 15 minutes before closing time because (evidently--we didn't know, but it was evident to the workers) the guests were required to leave far enough before closing time that the workers could then actually leave at closing time. (If not such a worker-friendly environment, I am sure they would have been on strike and we would have missed the museum altogether.)
Foot-sore and art-exhausted, we still had one more stop before turning in for the night. The Paris Opera House. (Think: Phantom of the Opera.) Although it was too late in the day for an interior tour, we admired the architecture from the outside. For dinner, we ate sausage and chicken sandwiches on baguette that we picked up from a street vendor outside the Music Museum.
Paris Must-do check-list for this day:
1- See famous art -- check, check, check
2- Get lost in Paris -- check
3- Eat street vendor food -- check (not very yummy, but perfectly timed and not very expensive)
4- Party in our hotel room until late -- check (It was fun to compare notes with the rest of the group at the end of the day. We did many of the same sites at different times of the day and had totally different experiences.)
Our second day in Paris was a whirlwind of museums. We bought a comprehensive museum pass and wanted to get the most out of it.
Our first museum was the Notre Dame Cathedral. Its flying buttresses and rose windows were so beautiful. And I got a picture of a gargoyle looking directly at me. It was a strange mix of worship and tourism there because it is still a functioning church.
The second museum was the Pompidou museum of modern art. This famous museum houses a large collection of Picasso paintings as well as other modern artists. One piece of art was a two-room piano studio lined with large rolls of felt.
The third museum was the Louvre. This one-time-palace of the king now houses every greek statue, every famous and non-famous painting--basically every piece of art created anywhere in the world at any time. It is huge. We hurried through, saw the Venus de Milo, Mona Lia and Michaelangelo's statues. In the process of going to those three places, we saw 5000 other beautiful paintings and statues.
Our fourth museum was our favorite. The museum of music. Before we finally found the large plaza and the obviously marked location on our map, we explored a Parisian suburb with a similarly named street. It took us about an hour wandering around apartment houses and parochial schools before we found someone who corrected our error and set us in the right direction.
Enfin, we almost missed out on this fabulous museum. We arrived just minutes before they cut off admissions for the day. Then we spent so much time listening to the music and admiring the instruments of a past era (1500's, I think) that we only got o enjoy half of the museum. But we truly did enjoy it. Matt, Ashley and Garry are all musicians at heart, so every note and every instrument were magical time machines for them. And I appreciate music and beauty, so I loved it as well. We were eventually ushered out at 15 minutes before closing time because (evidently--we didn't know, but it was evident to the workers) the guests were required to leave far enough before closing time that the workers could then actually leave at closing time. (If not such a worker-friendly environment, I am sure they would have been on strike and we would have missed the museum altogether.)
Foot-sore and art-exhausted, we still had one more stop before turning in for the night. The Paris Opera House. (Think: Phantom of the Opera.) Although it was too late in the day for an interior tour, we admired the architecture from the outside. For dinner, we ate sausage and chicken sandwiches on baguette that we picked up from a street vendor outside the Music Museum.
Paris Must-do check-list for this day:
1- See famous art -- check, check, check
2- Get lost in Paris -- check
3- Eat street vendor food -- check (not very yummy, but perfectly timed and not very expensive)
4- Party in our hotel room until late -- check (It was fun to compare notes with the rest of the group at the end of the day. We did many of the same sites at different times of the day and had totally different experiences.)
Paris first night (Elisse)
We were treated to a family-style breakfast at the castle before heading north toward Paris this morning. Sliced meats, cheeses, hot cocoa, juice and breads were the fare. We loved it. It was very congenial to chat, plan and start the day in such a pleasant way.
For the first time today, we got to ride in the car with Aaron and Nan. Now we finally feel like we are on the same vacation. <smile>
Our first tourist stop was Chambord. Chambord was spectacular. I think it has some 700 or so rooms and 500 or so chimneys. It also has loads of strange towers. This great big castle was the little hunting retreat for the king in its hey day.
Our second stop was at the grocery store to get lunch and gas. Then we drove like crazy to be able to get to Versailles early enough to enjoy it.
Versailles is a multi-palace compound. It is a must-see site for Paris. It is very extravagent. We walked about 1.5 miles to the game room (it is actually a castle the size of about 10 of my houses put together) of the king. In doing so, we passed the most vast and amazing garden I think I have ever seen. Then we toured the queen's house (i.e. castle almost as big as the king's game room). Also back in that part of the grounds was the queen's play area. Her play area is a little village of thatch-roofed and be-flowered houses (all regular size) where she would go to pretend to be a peasant.
From Versailles, we drove 10-15 minutes into the heart of Paris. I hope to never have another Paris driving experience if I can help it. They drive crazy in this town.
After arriving in Paris, we started checking off the "must see/ do" events.
1- Try to go to a site, but find out that the workers are all on strike. (The Arc de Triomphe) -- Check
2- Hear a street performer begging for money in the metro. -- Check (The violinist loved our patronage. Unlike everyone else on the Metro who was actively ignoring him, we took pictures and gave him money.)
3- See the eiffel tower by night (all lit up) and climb up it. (So many steps to the top of the tower. Huff and puff. But it was worth it.)
4- Eat crepes. (Bought at half-past midnight at the base of the Eiffel tower. The town was very much still humming with activity at that time of night.)
For the first time today, we got to ride in the car with Aaron and Nan. Now we finally feel like we are on the same vacation. <smile>
Our first tourist stop was Chambord. Chambord was spectacular. I think it has some 700 or so rooms and 500 or so chimneys. It also has loads of strange towers. This great big castle was the little hunting retreat for the king in its hey day.
Our second stop was at the grocery store to get lunch and gas. Then we drove like crazy to be able to get to Versailles early enough to enjoy it.
Versailles is a multi-palace compound. It is a must-see site for Paris. It is very extravagent. We walked about 1.5 miles to the game room (it is actually a castle the size of about 10 of my houses put together) of the king. In doing so, we passed the most vast and amazing garden I think I have ever seen. Then we toured the queen's house (i.e. castle almost as big as the king's game room). Also back in that part of the grounds was the queen's play area. Her play area is a little village of thatch-roofed and be-flowered houses (all regular size) where she would go to pretend to be a peasant.
From Versailles, we drove 10-15 minutes into the heart of Paris. I hope to never have another Paris driving experience if I can help it. They drive crazy in this town.
After arriving in Paris, we started checking off the "must see/ do" events.
1- Try to go to a site, but find out that the workers are all on strike. (The Arc de Triomphe) -- Check
2- Hear a street performer begging for money in the metro. -- Check (The violinist loved our patronage. Unlike everyone else on the Metro who was actively ignoring him, we took pictures and gave him money.)
3- See the eiffel tower by night (all lit up) and climb up it. (So many steps to the top of the tower. Huff and puff. But it was worth it.)
4- Eat crepes. (Bought at half-past midnight at the base of the Eiffel tower. The town was very much still humming with activity at that time of night.)
Friday, May 27, 2011
Chateau de Bois Robert (Elisse)
The first site this morning was the cliffside village of Rocamadour (Roc). The castle and chruch (not to mention the pubs and houses) seems to hang off the side of the mountain, while the fortress at the top of the cliff seemed to watch over the entire.
The main visit for the day was the quaint rejeuvenated village calle something Rouge (red). This sleepy town offered us the rest of the souvenirs we wanted. And best of all, we shared a picnic lunch with Valerie Allal, her husband and Lahouarie (sp?) adn daughter-in-law, Alison. Garry tried pate for the first time (me too). It was really good (strong, but pretty good). Especially yummy was Valerie's tabouleh (couscous salad).
All the walls and stones and bricks in the town are red. And there were tons of flowers in bloom in all varieties--and young grapes.
We got lost again this evening tryin gto find the "castle" we are sleeping in. But once here, we met back up with the bikers (who had gone to ride the Tourmalet).
This "castle" where we are sleeping tonight is actually a rickety old mansion from the 1800's. The rooms are nice. The grounds are big. But I wouldn't call it a castle. Even though it is "just" a country manor, it is still pretty great!
Garry played catch with the golden lab dog for a while. He really loves dogs like this one: big, friendly, fun. Who knew? (Not me.)
The main visit for the day was the quaint rejeuvenated village calle something Rouge (red). This sleepy town offered us the rest of the souvenirs we wanted. And best of all, we shared a picnic lunch with Valerie Allal, her husband and Lahouarie (sp?) adn daughter-in-law, Alison. Garry tried pate for the first time (me too). It was really good (strong, but pretty good). Especially yummy was Valerie's tabouleh (couscous salad).
All the walls and stones and bricks in the town are red. And there were tons of flowers in bloom in all varieties--and young grapes.
We got lost again this evening tryin gto find the "castle" we are sleeping in. But once here, we met back up with the bikers (who had gone to ride the Tourmalet).
This "castle" where we are sleeping tonight is actually a rickety old mansion from the 1800's. The rooms are nice. The grounds are big. But I wouldn't call it a castle. Even though it is "just" a country manor, it is still pretty great!
Garry played catch with the golden lab dog for a while. He really loves dogs like this one: big, friendly, fun. Who knew? (Not me.)
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Carcassone France (Elisse)
This morning in Arles, we saw a Roman theater, a Roman colusseum and an obelisk--all still (or again) in use for their original purpose. Well, I don't know the original purpose of the obelisk--it is a fountain now.
In Perpignan, we lunched with Dad's friends. Marie Therese (our hostess) served first, a unique lemon, apple sprite with herbs, also melon balls on toothpicks. That was just the first course. The second course was roasted vegetables, salad, and bruschetta. We thought it was a nice light summer lunch. And it was delicious at that!! Not so--there was more: 3rd course came out after a polite amount of talking. Meatballs on white beans and potatoes. (Huge meatballs! in mushroom sauce.) It was delicious! We began to feel full.
Then... 4th course of cheese and bread was served. After that, we all stretched our legs, then decided to take dessert outside in the garden. But before dessert, we ate our 5th course which was fruit salad topped with cream.
More talking. Then, out with the 6th course: dessert of currant and blackberry tart. It was a very agreeable way to spend an afternoon!
Well-fed in both spirit and body, we then looked at two local Moor-ish castles. Then away to Carcassonne where we washed laundry, ate pizza and admired the walled city lighted to show off its charm and beauty.
In Perpignan, we lunched with Dad's friends. Marie Therese (our hostess) served first, a unique lemon, apple sprite with herbs, also melon balls on toothpicks. That was just the first course. The second course was roasted vegetables, salad, and bruschetta. We thought it was a nice light summer lunch. And it was delicious at that!! Not so--there was more: 3rd course came out after a polite amount of talking. Meatballs on white beans and potatoes. (Huge meatballs! in mushroom sauce.) It was delicious! We began to feel full.
Then... 4th course of cheese and bread was served. After that, we all stretched our legs, then decided to take dessert outside in the garden. But before dessert, we ate our 5th course which was fruit salad topped with cream.
More talking. Then, out with the 6th course: dessert of currant and blackberry tart. It was a very agreeable way to spend an afternoon!
Well-fed in both spirit and body, we then looked at two local Moor-ish castles. Then away to Carcassonne where we washed laundry, ate pizza and admired the walled city lighted to show off its charm and beauty.
French Initiative in Montpelier France (Elisse)
[Dad needs to make a call to his friend in Perpignan to explain that we've had congested traffic and will be a little late to our lunch appointment. So he stops to use the phone at a gas station along the way.]
Dad: Why won't this telephone take my credit card? I'll go ask the clerk.
Dad: Can someone help me make the telephone work?
Clerk: Hey, manager, can you help this guy make the phone work?
Manager: Oh, I see the problem--your credit card isn't right. It has this long magnetic strip on the back and instead, it needs to have a little magnetic square on the end here.
Dad: Do you have any other phones around here that will take my card?
Manager: No. I don't.
Dad: Do you think there are any other rest stops along this road that will take my card?
Manager: I don't know. Maybe.
[Manager walks away. Dad shakes his head. Garry suggests we see if they sell a phone card.]
Dad: Manager, do you sell a card that will work in that phone?
Manager: Oh yes! Clerk, help this man.
Dad: Clerk, do you sell a card that will work in that phone?
Clerk: Oh yes! No problem. Here you go.
[Dad shakes his head at their lack of initiative and makes his phone call.]
Dad: Why won't this telephone take my credit card? I'll go ask the clerk.
Dad: Can someone help me make the telephone work?
Clerk: Hey, manager, can you help this guy make the phone work?
Manager: Oh, I see the problem--your credit card isn't right. It has this long magnetic strip on the back and instead, it needs to have a little magnetic square on the end here.
Dad: Do you have any other phones around here that will take my card?
Manager: No. I don't.
Dad: Do you think there are any other rest stops along this road that will take my card?
Manager: I don't know. Maybe.
[Manager walks away. Dad shakes his head. Garry suggests we see if they sell a phone card.]
Dad: Manager, do you sell a card that will work in that phone?
Manager: Oh yes! Clerk, help this man.
Dad: Clerk, do you sell a card that will work in that phone?
Clerk: Oh yes! No problem. Here you go.
[Dad shakes his head at their lack of initiative and makes his phone call.]
Arles, France (Elisse)
This morning we went to the outdoor market in Gordes. On the way, we saw an unmarked (and unexpected) Roman aquaduct or highway bridge, a spring of water that runs down to Isle sur la Sorgue and a lavendar museum/ store. The final approach to the city of Gordes surprised us with an absolutely stunning view. We were interested to notice, as we rounded the last bend, a large group of Japanese people coming out of a bush carrying their cameras. Then, around the bend, we saw what they had been shooting: a cliffside mediterranean village above a lush valley. It was breathtakingly beautiful! The pictures don't capture our surprise or the charm of the place.
At the market, we bought clothes, jams, spices, cheese and bread. Many local foods and handicrafts were available. It was very orderly and a fun experience not to mention a good place to pick up some souvenirs. Near there, we saw a Cistercian Abbey. (Cistercian are a kind of monk who worship in a very simple reverent way and value books & reading.)
One of the things people do in this part of France is get lost. So we did that once or twice (even with help from the GPS).
Later in the day we saw the Pope's Palace and the famous bridge in Avignon. (We danced under the bridge.) We also saw the massive & impressive "Pont du Gard" -- a roman aqueduct from 19 AD. Wow! The engineering that went into the triple-arch-height aqueduct is mind-boggling. So is the fig tree growing half-way up.
At the market, we bought clothes, jams, spices, cheese and bread. Many local foods and handicrafts were available. It was very orderly and a fun experience not to mention a good place to pick up some souvenirs. Near there, we saw a Cistercian Abbey. (Cistercian are a kind of monk who worship in a very simple reverent way and value books & reading.)
One of the things people do in this part of France is get lost. So we did that once or twice (even with help from the GPS).
Later in the day we saw the Pope's Palace and the famous bridge in Avignon. (We danced under the bridge.) We also saw the massive & impressive "Pont du Gard" -- a roman aqueduct from 19 AD. Wow! The engineering that went into the triple-arch-height aqueduct is mind-boggling. So is the fig tree growing half-way up.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Isle sur la Sorgue, France (Elisse)
Our morning run turned into a hike that lasted 2 hours. We originally set off to jog down to town-center Grenoble, find a boulangerie (croissants) then ride the "telepherique" (gondola) to the bastille fort on the top of the mountain. Unfortunately, we werent' hungry when we arrived ath the boulangerie because we had eaten power bars before leaving the hotel. Then, when we arrived at the telepherique, we found that it didn't upen until 11am (the check out time for the hotel and the meter expiration time for the car). So we decided to hike to the top. The steep grade and the 500 x 500 x 500 stairs made the 1.6 km (1 mile) hike take about an hour. At the top, we found an ancient fort as well as some WWII defense caves.
Finally at 11:30, we ate breakfast of croissants & mini-quiches. Yum! Especially the chocolate croissants.
The alps around that area are very tall and steep. We drove up the Alpe D'Huez because that's where the bikers were. It was stunning! So high, so many switchbacks, such fresh air & picturesque views!
We ended our ramblings this evening in a canal-towne in Provence. Isle sur la Sorgue is a romantique but somewhat dilapidated town. With very low elevation, the temperature is higher than it was in the alps, but not uncomfortable. The "island" part of the town is pretty small (took only 1.5 hours to walk all thru and around it). The "river" part of the town is only knee-deep, but its current is fast enough to power several water wheels.
Finally at 11:30, we ate breakfast of croissants & mini-quiches. Yum! Especially the chocolate croissants.
The alps around that area are very tall and steep. We drove up the Alpe D'Huez because that's where the bikers were. It was stunning! So high, so many switchbacks, such fresh air & picturesque views!
We ended our ramblings this evening in a canal-towne in Provence. Isle sur la Sorgue is a romantique but somewhat dilapidated town. With very low elevation, the temperature is higher than it was in the alps, but not uncomfortable. The "island" part of the town is pretty small (took only 1.5 hours to walk all thru and around it). The "river" part of the town is only knee-deep, but its current is fast enough to power several water wheels.
Grenoble France (Elisse)
Garry & I took a nice walk in the morning. Followed by breakfast chez Dubrez. Fresh-tasting yogurt and Tresse bread with homemade jam were the fare. Then, since we were all dressed up and ready to go out, we drove to the hotel in Geneva for stake conference. Three women sang a version of "O Divine Redeemer" that brought us to tears. Such a beautiful and worshipful song really added to our Sunday meeting!
With our hearts still tender from the service, we went to visit the "Wall of the Reformers." It is a magnificent memorial to the great protestant reformers (Calvin, Knox, Roger Williams, Cromwell and others). Their larger than life statues in relief on the wall are a bold reminder of their bravery and accomplishments.
After a quick picture in the rain at the double home in Chambesy where the Geneva mission is headquartered and where it was headquartered in 1967-1970 when Dad served as assistant to the president, we returned to the Dubrez home for lunch and farewells.
In the evening, we arrived in France. Checked in to the hotel, we scouted out the town center, looked at our first French Cathedral, then took a satisfying dinner at a local pub. Several of us ordered savory crepes. Mine was filled with a mushroom cream sauce and topped with Swiss (Emantaler) cheese. Garry had a bacon and potato and cheese crepe.
The brief downpour before dinner didn't bother us in the least. And it was a cool clear saunter of about a mile and a half back to the hotel after dinner.
With our hearts still tender from the service, we went to visit the "Wall of the Reformers." It is a magnificent memorial to the great protestant reformers (Calvin, Knox, Roger Williams, Cromwell and others). Their larger than life statues in relief on the wall are a bold reminder of their bravery and accomplishments.
After a quick picture in the rain at the double home in Chambesy where the Geneva mission is headquartered and where it was headquartered in 1967-1970 when Dad served as assistant to the president, we returned to the Dubrez home for lunch and farewells.
In the evening, we arrived in France. Checked in to the hotel, we scouted out the town center, looked at our first French Cathedral, then took a satisfying dinner at a local pub. Several of us ordered savory crepes. Mine was filled with a mushroom cream sauce and topped with Swiss (Emantaler) cheese. Garry had a bacon and potato and cheese crepe.
The brief downpour before dinner didn't bother us in the least. And it was a cool clear saunter of about a mile and a half back to the hotel after dinner.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Arrival in Switzerland May 21 (Elisse)
May 20. We left Dallas at 9:55am when Garry finished his last project in the office. Then, since he was operating on about 2 hours of sleep, and I had slept 5, I drove to Houston. There we left the kids with Dusty and hurried to the airport for our London-bound flight.
The flight from Houston to London took 8 1/2 hours. I was fortunate to be able to sleep for about 6 hours. Garry only slept for 1 1/2 due to wiggly neighbors. May 21: In London, we met the Ashleys and the Aarons adn flew together to Geneva. And in Geneva, we connected with Mom & Dad and Giselle Dubrez (our friend and hostess in Switzerland).
After a little detour (we got lost), we found ourselves safely on the road to Nyon (Giselle's home--a suburb of Geneva).
Giselle was the perfect hostess! She took us by the chateau (where she had gotten married), through the city garden and down to the seaboard. There she bought me some postcards. And then, feeling very European, we walked back to her flat (i.e. her apartment).
Aaron, Nan and Ashley had gone running and ended their run when they met us down by the castle. Once back at the flat, we met Philippe Dubrez (Giselle's husband and also our friend) and chatted with him and Giselle as we laughed and ate his homemade pizza for dinner. Then their daughter Christine came for a minute before we all headed to bed. (Christine made a few trips to the states to stay with our family when she was younger.)
The flight from Houston to London took 8 1/2 hours. I was fortunate to be able to sleep for about 6 hours. Garry only slept for 1 1/2 due to wiggly neighbors. May 21: In London, we met the Ashleys and the Aarons adn flew together to Geneva. And in Geneva, we connected with Mom & Dad and Giselle Dubrez (our friend and hostess in Switzerland).
After a little detour (we got lost), we found ourselves safely on the road to Nyon (Giselle's home--a suburb of Geneva).
Giselle was the perfect hostess! She took us by the chateau (where she had gotten married), through the city garden and down to the seaboard. There she bought me some postcards. And then, feeling very European, we walked back to her flat (i.e. her apartment).
Aaron, Nan and Ashley had gone running and ended their run when they met us down by the castle. Once back at the flat, we met Philippe Dubrez (Giselle's husband and also our friend) and chatted with him and Giselle as we laughed and ate his homemade pizza for dinner. Then their daughter Christine came for a minute before we all headed to bed. (Christine made a few trips to the states to stay with our family when she was younger.)
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