The journey was quite an adventure, laden as I was with my backpack, my day-bag, and a huge, flimsy box of gallette (not to mention the book for on-Métro entertainment). I had a transfer and a hike through the Gare before finding the others.
Gallette. It is delicious!
The train trip itself was quite nice. The TGV is a fantastic system with some beautiful trains, and I traveled in comfort, tucked into nice seats and surrounded by stimulating conversation and, of course, a good book. Then, of course, there were the views. Magnificent landscapes, dotted with small towns as far as the eye can see. Mountains. Then Switzerland.
Yes, Geneva was quite nice. Abbreviated as our stay was, I benefitted from many Swiss encounters, including flags, knives, geysers, and mountain air. And, of course, rigorous cleanliness. Genève appeared to be a wonderful city to which I would gladly return if I could afford the knives (otherwise, every other store window is torment!).
Welcome to Génève.
Visual evidence that I was there.
More proof.
Proof and clouds.
Even the Swiss have lines.
Cool trees, too.
The spray travels far.
This is just sitting there in the street.
Buoys. Oh, wait, a swan. And a buoy.
I am in Switzerland.
We took a boat along the lake towards the French town of Yvoire, and were well fed en route. No worries, food pictures forthcoming. For now, just believe me that the food existed, that it was abundant, that there was coffee, and that none of that lived up to the outstanding views that I could not capture on camera because the windows were foggy. I do, however, have several images that will appear Sunday night or Monday.
Half the cold selections. Smoked salmon. Ham and melon. Salads.
The other half of the cold selections (pâté included)
Bread. No, on second thought, that is too obvious. Pretend they are miniature boats.
Main course! (plus melons and artichokes from appetizer because they are delicious)
The samosas were the best part
Except the dessert, which was ACTUALLY the best part.
This is Switzerland. From a boat.
This is France. I think?
Let's face it, I have no idea what country this is.
This is not Germany
Definitely not the United states. Somewhere on Lac Génève/Lac Léman (depending on if you are swiss or french).
Then they gave us coffee!
On arriving at Yvoire, photographs were in order. The picturesque village is propped on a hilly bank of the lake with a château perched on a venturous limb of land that protrudes out into the water. We marched through town with our bags to deposit them on the bus that awaited us on the outskirts (the village is car-free), and then had a free half-hour or so to wander the village at will. We visited the church and the lake, adventured around, and returned. My camera died, but, fortunately, I remembered last second that I had an extra, fresh battery.
Landed at Yvoire. From Pier, the lake.
Château in Yvoire. What a view!
Let's face it: the real reason I like Yvoire. In January. I promise.
I found a yellow tree.
This place was made for me.
Even here...
Suspicious donkey?
This style clock-tower bulb is very common here.
Inside the church. Jesus walks on water in the back.
View of the lake. This is France. I promise.
The town form a way's out on the pier.
We took the bus to Château Ripaille, the historic home of the Comte de Savoie. This, too, was a delightful property that will (I hope) turn out excellently in my photos, once they appear. We were given an excellent historic tour, which concluded with a wine tasting (since the property is also home to some unique vineyards). It was a bit fruity for my taste, but, I could tell, would work excellently with the savoyard meats and fishes in all their saltiness.
Moat. Someone forgot the water and the alligators. Pity.
The Château in all its glory. It used to have 7 towers.
The vineyard is owned by a family from Chicago. They own these trees, which produce silk.
This tower was the original château for the family of Savoyard nobles. This is also the first picture I have given you that, once sideways, I have managed to rotate. Thus commences a new era.
The cave.
The wine was a white, a bit fruitier than I prefer. To be consumed with cheese.
After the Château, we headed to Evian, home of the popular water bottle (which, I am sure, you expect I adore). We have come to one of the most unique and interesting hotels I have ever frequented, and the images will be helpful but cannot do justices to the cozy interiors, to the soft scent of spices and incense wafting down the hallway, to the scattered dishes of candies and chocolates or dried flowers, to the deep-tinted wall hangings, to the old-fashioned carpeting, and to the depth of character tucked into the historic building amidst the ample luxury. My room, which adjoins another as the sole triplet, is yacht-themed. It's perfect.
We arrived in the snow
Immediately, I loved the room.
Note the yacht club pillow
This room was made for me.
After settling in and appreciating the many virtues of our lodging, my two roommates and I decided to go on an adventure. It was snowing, the type with large flakes that sweep up and down in the wind, but it was not too cold along the lakefront. It was around 7pm, and dark, and our walk was fantastic. We explored the town to a certain extent, climbed up a park, headed partway down several sketchy paths (and then, of course, turned back like the sensible women we are), and took numerous photos.
Empty staircase...
And suddenly there's a woman with an umbrella! Ghost?
Because I was in Evian. They came with the room. The irony, for me to spend time in a city built on the bottled water industry.
We got back well in time for dinner in the hotel restaurant. There was a four-course meal that was delightful, and the conversation was even better. Then, we returned to our room, where we spent even more time conversing as we grappled with the most stubborn wifi I have ever tried (and failed repeatedly) to use. It may or may not be working right now; I guess we'll find out when I post!
Le pain. The light was no good.
Le plat principale. This was great fish.
Most importantly, dessert. And a strawberry!
