Yeah, I could sleep like a stone.
Another big week.
To succeed at the highest level, after everything that this man has been through, is incredible. I am inspired by his struggle, and by his decade long persistence.
Apart from taking a mid-term on Wednesday, this week was all fun with the fam. We saw the sights, ate the food, and learned some French.
Being a tourist is a lot of work though. This week (according to Lauren's iPhone), we have walked a total of 52 miles.
We visited CERN, of course, because it's a cool place to visit, even if you aren't into particle physics.
I took these fools into one of the most renowned places of science in the world and this is what they did.
We walked around, observed the physicists in their natural habitat, looked at the museum exhibits, and ate lunch at R1 (restaurant 1).
Lauren really embraced the European wear whatever you want to style. She wore this sheep most days, and loved to pose in front of stuff like the Jet d'eau.
She looked pretty good up there, so I thought I would give it a try.
Not as good.
We got cheese fondue on Wednesday, and man did it smell terrible. I don't think I'll ever get over the Gruyère stench.
On Thursday we decided to climb Mont Salève, which is right outside of Geneva.
We got lost a couple times -- the trail marking was poor to say the least. I'm no navigator, but this sign says go both ways ⇨ ⇦ to the cable car. Oh and also there is some white and red somewhere.
Against all odds, we made it to the top.
You may be interested to know that the 200 Swiss franc has the right hand rule on the front, and a particle detector on the back, which sends a vastly different message than Andrew Jackson's head.
And Euro coins are also good looking, especially if you stack them like this.
Chamonix
We got on the road early Friday morning to head to Chamonix, France.
Chamonix has some of the best skiing in the whole world, so we thought we should try it. Somehow we fit 5 pairs of skis, 5 pairs of boots, and 5 people into a tiny 2 door Mini Cooper.
Luckily it was only a 15 minute drive from the ski rental to the mountain.
It was Lauren and Graeme's first time skiing, so for a long time we stayed on the bunny hills to practice. Eventually they felt confident enough to go up and see the rest of the mountains.
The slopes are rated from easiest to most difficult by colors. It goes from green to blue to red to black.
I went with Lauren to go as high up as we could. We did it, but consequently we had to take a red on the way down. I told her it was a blue.
She had no idea.
After skiing we went into Chamonix to relax and find some food.
Last time I was here everything was covered in snow. In the Spring Chamonix definitely has a more lively, immersive vibe.
"Yeah, I could sleep like a stone." is a direct quote from Graeme.
This kid has eaten pain au chocolate every day for 5 days.
Annecy
On Saturday we woke up, admired the mountains while drinking our coffee, and then drove about an hour to Annecy, France.
Annecy reminded me a lot of Venice, with it's narrow streets and the river flowing right through town.
The lake is shallow and sandy, and it was so tempting to jump in.
In Annecy it was H O T. You better believe that I will be swimming real soon.
It's Spring, and that means it's pollen season, so we've all been sneezing like crazy.
We had only good days this week, and I am very sad to see my family go.
I am, however, very happy to see all of my friends this week in Davidson for frolics!!!
