Short Journey to Geneva and London: 8/26 and 8/27 2018

Wasn’t sure I was going to write a blog for this trip because it is so family-oriented and probably of less interest to you than the usual travels to more exotic places. But alas, I figured if I get out of practice I may never be able to start up again. So, before beginning, I should alert you to the fact that most of the 300+ posts regarding travel over the past 12 years can be found at https://fernstravelnotes.wordpress.com … I’m gradually finding time to post the photos for each entry (and while I’m short a few entries, it’s coming along).

Anyway, we flew to Geneva on Sunday to visit Mike’s nieces, spouses, grand nephew (now 8-months old) and Mike’s sister-in-law. In addition to seeing everyone, we had planned to scatter Mike’s brother’s ashes. When we were here in December we attempted to do this, but the cover of the urn was pressed in so tightly that we couldn’t open it and decided to wait until summer, (now).

Arrived via London and after settling in our hotel room at the Hotel Tiffany — a 19th century building located in what Geneva calls its Arts district; more specifically, it’s at the edge of the Old Town and has an Art Nouveau style. Staff are friendly and accommodations are good.), we set out to meet everyone at Elizabeth’s house in Carouge. Carouge is a small town within Geneva – it was modeled after Nice and has a Mediterranean flair. Carouge is referred to as the “Greenwich Village of Geneva” — probably because it is home to an assortment of boutiques and art studios and cafes and jazz bars. They prepared a mixed grill barbecue… discussion was lively, especially about the American political situation.

Then we headed back to our hotel…

On Monday morning, we all met up at about 11 am and head to the small village of Bourg-en-Lavaux on the opposite end of the lake (Lac Leman) from Geneva.. I believe it is on the northeast edge of the lake. Anyway, the setting is spectacular, with vineyards as far as the eye can see and also the majestic snow capped alps. Julien (Julia’s partner) had arranged for a private wine tasting.. mostly chasselas (a unique white wine of the region). The vineyards were planted and tended for centuries by monks. After the tastings (about 5 different wines I believe, but I began to lose track), we went to the little Auberge du Raisin for a birthday lunch for Julia. Wonderful food, leisurely, and lots more wine and champagne later we headed to a small beach along the lake and then back to Geneva through Lausanne.

Everyone else had swimsuits except Mike and me… But we enjoyed the peacefulness and the beauty of the area.

Way too full, and with a bit too much wine, we opted for simple salads for dinner.

Tomorrow (Tuesday) will be hectic and emotional as we scatter the ashes of Mike’s brother in the Seleve just over the Swiss border into France.

Best –  Fern (and regards from Louis)