It's pleasant at Lake Geneva this time of year

Nyon on Lake Genenva

Day 1

We arrive at the Geneva airport and are greeted with below freezing temperatures, snowy ground, and a sharp wind that blasts right through my clothes.  I keep having to dash back into the airport to warm up while we wait for Sheyda to arrive.  Eventually Andrew and I both move back inside permanently.  Sheyda finds us huddled against a window, peering out expectantly.  She sneaks up behind us and gives us a big hug.

On the way to Gex, Sheyda stops by the local bakery and we have our first French croissant (a huge improvement over the airplane´s version).  I am surprised that it is so crusty and light.  I hate croissants in the states because they are so greasy.

For lunch, Sheyda melts each of us a small (6 in.) wheel of cheese and we eat it with bread and apples.  We pick up Fiona (the girl she au pairs for) from school and go back to the house.  Fiona introduces us to all of her toys and stuffed animals before Sheyda drives her to a friend´s house for the afternoon.  Andrew and I fall asleep during the car ride.

Afterwards, Seheyda takes us to see the fastest city in Switzerland - Nyon.  We walk along Lake Geneva; the spray from the lake has frozen into sheets over the railing, lamp posts, trees, stairs, even cars are covered with thick layers of ice.  We wander around the city, exploring the dead gardens and slippery cobblestone streets until we are cold enough to find a cafe where we enjoy hot drinks and Sheyda teaches us some French words and phrases.  Then we head back to Gex for a delicious dinner with Sheyda´s host family and before collapsing exhausted into bed.

With Andrew on Lake Geneva

Day 2

Andrew and I slept.  It was refreshing.  We wake up, have breakfast and then sit down and finally start booking bus trips and hostel stays.  Finally...now that we are in Europe...I guess it is time to start thinking about these sorts of things.

For lunch, Sheyda drives us up the mountain she lives on to a small restaurant for fondue.  Amazing.  Huge.  Filling.  Andrew was sad that he could not scrape the caramelized layer of cheese off the bottom of the pot.  He says it is the best part.

For dinner, Sheyda´s host family surprised us with Raclette.  Oh my gosh, so much cheese.  But once more, delicious.  Sheyda, Andrew and I stay up late trying to figure out where we are going tomorrow and how we are getting there.  Sheyda is going to London for the weekend; we are headed to Prague.  We also take a midnight walk through Gex.  It was wonderful working off all the cheese.  Sheyda shows us the spot where she would lie and look at the stars at night during the summer.

To bed to dream of more adventures!