Fortresses, Grottes and Dams, Oh My!

Yesterday, we took a trip with friends to see the Fortress Saint-Maurice, the Grottes aux Fees, and then the Grande Dixence Dam. It was a really long day, but very interesting, to say the least. The majority of the time was spent underground in very cold temperatures. I brought my hat and gloves and two light jackets and they were all used. Yikes, nothing like feeling like Christmas in July! Where is the eggnog?

Nicholas was chosen as the volunteer to help get the cannon in the right position.

view from inside fortress

This seemed important- maps, and such. 

Off to the Grottes!

There was a waterfall at the end! It was gorgeous! 

Then, when we got outside and over to the Dam, there was snow!! 

Hey America, can you spread the summer love this way, please? 

The boys in front of dam

I Dag Er Vi Alle Norske

Sad day for our Norwegian friends and the world.

Today we are all Norwegian. 

Shipster has arrived!

After quite a long delay (poor Ships) she finally arrived to GVA Sunday afternoon. I amused myself for a few hours by enjoying these sounds :

Unfortunately, Sunday was all rain and grey and the normally amazing luggage storage at the train station was full/broken/unavailable. So we had to roll her bag for a quick "tour" of the town. By town, I mean, a walk to the lake and back after an obligatory shot of the water fountain :)

We came back to sunny Lausanne and hung out, walked the town at night and rested up for a busy day of sightseeing here in the L. Today we head to Z for a couple of days before she heads back to the States.

So great to have her here! Welcome!!

Month at the Museum, Part Deux

So... remember my earlier post about how I thought a couple of my friends would be a perfect fit for the Month at the Museum in Chicago? Well, one of them decided to go for it!!

Stacey and I on Lake Geneva from her visit last year :) 

Stacey applied to live at the Museum for a month and has submitted her application, along with her video. Now, the museum is going to take it to the public for a vote, but in the meantime, we are trying to get her video as many views/likes/comments as possible! If you have a second, check out the video here and if you feel so inclined, like/comment on it and/or pass it along! (just no Facebook at this point.)

I do not know anyone who would be a better fit for this type of role. Stacey is extraordinarily personable, curious and positive. She has a zest for life and is open to trying and learning all sorts of new things. Not only that, but selfishly, I know we all will learn something from her if she gets this chance, because she is soo good at sharing!!

For fun, check out her great video and if you love it, share it :)



If you live in Chicago, think how cool it will be when you visit the Museum of Science and Industry in October and get to see our friend. Because, as Stacey says, strangers are just friends we haven't met yet!

Montreux Jazz Festival

We finally made it! Despite the forecast for rain and cold, we headed to Montreux for the final night of the '11 festival. We had some good food, listened to Shoestring Trio perform in the street and then to the Music in the Park performance of 77 Bombay St. It only rain for about 5 minutes and the rest of the time the night was simply perfect!

stormy skies with lake/mountains in background

Shoestring Trio one of their many songs

why so serious? :) 

sound check

77 Bombay St- such great performers! 

Inside the hall

Inside the hall

Art for not a lot

Came across a cool art website 20x200. The idea is to make art more accessible: Great artists. Affordable prices. New prints each week.

A couple pieces that I really like

by Mike Monteiro

by Joseph O. Holmes

by Craig Damrauer

by Shaun Sundholm

by Hollis Brown Thornton

Dinner with a view...

We broke in our new table last night and ate on the terrace and enjoyed our view ;)

Cranes in background 

We have discussed what a pity it is that when they built the apt they did not put the terrace on the other side with a view of the beautiful cathedral. Instead we get to watch the very slow process of construction here in Switzerland. C'est la vie. We were so lucky last year with a lake and mountain view and at least here we are able to enjoy the beautiful, mild summer weather!