Tuesday 19 May
After breakfast with Ruth in Buchrain, we spent the day with Jane's godfather, Albert, & his wife, Anna.
The older son, Peter, took us all out for lunch at a typical Swiss pub just up the road, then we went for a walk in the Swiss countryside (unfortunately in the rain, but we still got the sights & smells). We had a lovely evening with the family.
Wednesday
Drove to Lucerne, the nearest city, to play Foxtrail which was like a "treasure hunt". It's a brilliant way of exploring a town because they send you, through the clues, to all the key tourist attractions, like museums, bridges etc, & the ticket includes entry fees & local public transport necessary to get to the attractions.
We had another lovely traditional Swiss dinner & a "tip top" evening with the family, which included several schnapps & "Chernobyls".
Thursday
Went for a run in the rain in the nearby forest on one of the many trails. Ian & Margaret drove up & we all had lunch at Albert's favourite local pub. Ian & Margaret then took us back to their lovely chalet in the ski resort of Villars.
Friday
Went to a wonderful chalet style restaurant made of wood in Chatel in France for an amazing fondue lunch.
Photo taken by Ian in Chatel, France.
When we got back, we relaxed in the steam room & swam in the indoor pool. We eventually figured out how to use the laundry machines, but fifty socks were still wet!
Saturday
Hired a MTB & caught train up to Bretaye with Jane & Ian. It took 20 minutes to get to the top.
Jane & Ian walked down the mountain while I was supposed to follow a trail that would take about 3 hours. Unfortunately, with it being so early in the season, the MTB trail signs had not yet been put up, so I could not find Ensex & ended up going straight down the mountain over some very muddy sections where the snow had recently melted. I tried to negotiate 2 consecutive ramps but my front wheel dug into the mud between the ramps & I carried on over the handle bars.
After the ride, we had a sauna & a swim in the indoor pool, then In the evening we had a very enjoyable & entertaining game of tenpin bowling with Ian & Margaret.
Sunday
View from the Sargeants'timeshare in Villars.
Going into the museum, you go under the high jump bar set at the record's height (2.45m).
Our last dinner at Villars (sadly!!!) was delicious Swiss raclette.
We then went to Gruyere for a tasty charbonnade (hot rock) with very tender steak.
A group was playing Alpine horns & flag throwing in the town centre, which was a real treat.
Gruyere is a beautiful Medieval town with cobblestones and an impressive castle.
We visited the Nestle Chocolate Factory for dessert, then came back on the magnificent scenic route over Les Diablerets.
Monday
Went for a drive right around Lake Geneva to Lake Annecy in France for lunch & a very scenic boat ride around the lake.
Lunch at a restaurant on one of the canals in Annecy
Boat ride on Lake Annecy
Tuesday
Went to Montreaux & had a lovely walk along the lake front, then went to Grandvaux, where we had a great lunch at a Thai restaurant (Singha beer again!!!) with the most magnificent view imaginable.
Great panoramic photo taken by Ian with 270 degree view.
The walk to the top of Les Pleiades took us through gorgeous fields of narcissus.
Hot chocolate with Ian & Margaret at the top of Les Pleiades with another spectacular view of Lake Geneva.
Wednesday
Drive to Lausanne to catch the TGV to Paris.
Special thanks to Ian & Margaret Sargeant and the Rechsteiners for their wonderful & generous hospitality.
I can see you guys are having the time of your life. Well done guys!! You must have done a huge amount of planning to manage to do everything that you are doing and seems such a short while. Can't believe it is June already though. Enjoy your travels and the blogs. You will have to teach me how you did this when you get back.
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