Holidays once again… Lovin’ my job! So, with two weeks at my disposal, I made my way to Lucerne, Switzerland to visit David. I arrived just as the Carnival festivities were kicking off. What a treat!
The weekend was great—we spent time wandering around the city, checking out all of the costumes, and escaping the low clouds that hang over Lucerne and finding the sun atop Mount Titlis. The view
up there was magical… I’ll let the photos do the talking:
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| The old bridge of Lucerne |
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| Carnival train |
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| Carnival Tree of Life |
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| A good time was had by all |
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| Love the costumes! |
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| On the way up Mt. Titlis--what a grey world |
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| Seeing the light! |
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| Hello--I'm in heaven! |
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| David and me |
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| Europe's highest igloo bar!!! |
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| Ice Warriors! |
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| Sipping on warm apple wine cider |
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| Sledding down half of the mountain-- SO FUN! |
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| Ovomaltine warmie, bitte! |
I’ll admit, I am not a huge Facebook user, but it does have its benefits… My status stated that I was in Switzerland and this was seen by a friend of mine from high school who happened to be living only 30 minutes away… Quite the small world! So, that evening, dolled up in our makeshift costumes, we made our way to the small town of Goldau where we met up with Anthony.
Despite a language barrier for the both of us, David and I had a very nice time with our old and new friends…
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| Me and Anthony, the Banana! High school reunion! |
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| David as a perfect Swiss gentleman! |
Finally, the time came when I met up with Teta Karen and Paul! I was so excited to see them! We hugged and kissed then set off to find the sun…
The gondola rising slowing, building anticipation. From the grey, somber day we passed through the thick clouds and entered into a world that knew no darkness, only yellow sun and joy. The view was breathtaking…
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| Family! |
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| View from Mt. Pilatus |
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| Catching a bit of sun! |
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| Back under the blanket, there lives an ice forest |
After catching a bit of sun, we went back down under the clouds and into the city to watch the huge parade put on by the city. We were joined by 40,000 tourists to watch as masked bands, colorful costumes and a giant Moses with his iPhone made their way through the streets of the
historical city.
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| Moses and his iPhone 4, naturally |
That evening, the festivities continued as we dined in a very Swiss restaurant… surrounded by men dressed as Pippi Longstocking and women as Marie Antoinette, we ate a lovely meal with the great company of one another. Our week was off with a BANG!
Our time in lovely Lucerne came to an end and we made our way to amazing Annecy. We arrived in the evening, so we checked in and were right back out the door to take in as much of the city as possible. We started working on what would become our nightly routine… check every restaurant before we made our choice. We stumbled upon an unassuming restaurant that was very delicious! The lack of English on the menu is usually a good sign… but hard on my brain!
The following morning, with the few hours we had before the train to our next destination, we tackled breakfast. Decisions, decisions. But, man did we make the right one! In a sunny café, we nibbled on the most incredible croissants, tarte aux apricots, et pain aux raison. We skipped our way to the next lovely adventure: biking ridding along the lake! With the evening chill still in the air, we zipped past postcard images. An hour and a half later, famished and with sore bums, we dropped off our bikes and made our way into an adorable tea house for quiche and mille feuille (That one was for you, Mom!). Yum!
Hello Clermont Ferrand! Finally, I welcomed Karen and Paul to my home-town. A quick spin around the city then time for drinks at Place de la Victoire overlooking the cathedral. Brighy and early the following day, we went to Royatonic—the best pool/spa in the world! After a long soak in the warm baths, starving and very pruny, we walked back into the city gathering delicious picnic foods along the way. With three different kinds of cheese, salami, pate, pears, apples, and baguette, we feasted in the sunshine, happily devouring every delicious crumb! We were so hungry, we didn't even manage to take a picture... Dommage!
We waved goodbye to my lovely Clermont and went East to Lyon. There we met with Hayley, the daughter of one of Karen’s dear friends, and Chris and Jacinta, Paul’s niece and nephew. Quite the reunion! Together, we had gourmet meals, epic evenings out dancing until the sun came out, steep walks up to holy places, tepid (hot) chocolates, great market food, and an all around good time…
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| Here we are exhausted from the night before and the steep hike! |
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| After a fantastic, very French meal! Fois gras, wine, cheese... oh my! |
And that was my holiday with people I love very much. Thank you for everything! XO
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