Morning
I was up with Julia around 6:22, then Sara soon after. After breakfast we went to the play area here at the apartment. Around 9:30 Dan got up, then we went across the street to get breakfast at a top-floor cafe together.
We hadn't been there before, and when we got there I wondered why we didn't pop over for breakfast every day. But when 2 coffees, and 3 pastry breads were 16 SF, we knew why eating breakfast out was a treat. We did enjoy it. Sara and Julia were eager eaters, waiting impatiently while we filled their white plates with some tasty breakfast food. Then they were off to play in the play area (inside the restaurant!) and Dan and I got to dine in peace.
For our last day here (we got to Zurich tomorrow) we decided to head to the waterfront. That meant walking down, down, down hill, which we are used to by now. Even Sara and Julia are surely used to the downward tilt of the stroller as we guide it one step at a time down the hill.
The waterfront is calm. Lake Geneva is unspoiled. There are boats that make crossings to the other side, but for the most part the water is clear except for ducks paddling around. Today it was clear enough to see the mountains rising up on the other side. We went through the outside of the Olympic Musuem to enjoy their sculptures (and inside to use their bathrooms) and made our way to the shore side path.
Lake shore fun
Sara and Julia rocketed themselves out of the stroller when we got to the rocky beach. They wanted to play on the shore. They picked a spot and began playing with the rocks. Throwing some, piling some, and showing some pretty ones to me. I found an old jewelry case that shook when I rattled it. What would be inside? An old jewel? We opened it to find a rock. Oh well, our real treasures are Sara and Julia.
While I sat with the girls and played with the rocks on the shores of the lake Dan sat near by. At one point he climbed on some rocks, and Sara joined him. Then it was back to play time before the wind picked up and we got Sara and Julia back into the stroller for the next stop.
We went to a playarea. It was made of wood. Julia went straight for the swings, Sara went for the climbing area. After time of the swings ("weeeee, whooo-hoo!") Julia took me over to the wooden bridge for her to walk across. For the first 3 passes she required to hold my hand ("hand" she says) while I walked with her. Then she did it herself at least 5 times. It was fun to watch her progression of wanting to do it with me, then doing it by herself. She said, "I did it!" in her cute voice to Dan when he saw her do it.
A storm was brewing. We were down by the waterfront when the world grew gray. Remembering our first day (when it rained and hailed) we didn't want to be out in a storm. We walked all the way back up to the apartment, with both kids falling asleep under the nice warm blanket we use to cover them with. (I bought the blanket before Sara was born.)
Lunch/Dinner
Dan made pasta and tomato sauce for Sara and Julia while I caught a quick nap. In the afternoon we watched the rain fall diagonally while we were cozy inside. Then we went to the market to grab some dinner (beef and vegetables). I had to fold the stroller to get it through the check out lane. It is big, but it is helpful for navigating two kids around town.
The evening was simple. Some coloring, some iPad time, and some packing.
Quotes of the day
(after her bath) Julia: "I'm clean!"
--
(at breakfast, Sara hugged me and whispered) Sara: "I wish I could always be with you."
--
(at lunch) Sara: "In the summer we will come back to Switzerland only for one day, go someplace you and Dad have never been, then we will fly back home."
--
END.
Friday, February 28, 2014
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Thursday - Kids? Go here. Animal pond area
Day Plan
When we first got here to Lausanne and I asked what we should do with our kids, the tourist information lady suggested we take bus #16 to a pond area with animals. That's all we knew. It seemed like a worthy adventure so we set out to do it today.
Catching the bus
Figuring out a city's bus system can be daunting. Where do you catch the bus? Which bus? Which stop? How do you get a ticket? Which ticket zone? What time does the bus come? Thankfully, it wasn't very hard. Most buses stop in front of St. Francsis, which is easy to find. At first we waited for bus 16 in the wrong direction. Once we crossed the street we were good to go. Naturally, taking the bus meant 100 questions from Sara. Sort of like the questions I put above. She likes to know what is going on. It makes it hard for us to think since we are always answering her questions.
The bus was clean and nice. Julia wanted to sit on my lap, and was yelling 'till she got there. Once she was on my lap, she sat perfectly and quietly. Well almost quietly. She said, "yeah! whooo-hooo! weeee!" like the bus ride was a ride at Disney. She liked each turn, each time we climbed a hill, and she held onto my arm just to make sure she was safe. Even riding a bus is exciting if you are 1 year old. Or if you are 5 years old. They treated the bus ride like it was an adventure - which I guess it was. We went up higher and higher, into the forest.
When we got off we saw the pond/animal thing. There were a few other parents there with their kids. It was basically a small pond with ducks, pigs, chickens, a cow, goats, and paths connecting all of them. Sara said "this is great! I'm so glad we came here!" and Julia didn't stop walking on the paths - well she did stop, to poke the ground with a stick. They were pals and often walked together.
After the animals and paths (where we were trying to keep everyone as clean as possible) we took the bus back to the center of town and to a restaurant. It was our least-best choice of the trip - a pizza and pasta was 43 SF, and it wasn't that wonderful. But I guess of a 5 week trip you are allowed one bum meal, and it was okay just not that great. (It pays to look at the menu first before you sit down, just to make sure you know what you are getting into. We didn't do that this time.)
Afternoon/Dinner
After lunch we napped. Even Sara! She really needed it. After that we were able to take a dinner break (Dan included) where we went to Manor department store for some crepes (ham/cheese) and then we got a whole lot of fruit in the market below. (Sara had requested fruit salad for dinner so we made sure we had a lot of fruit to give her.)
I spent some time packing, as we leave Saturday.
At bedtime I drew with colored pencils with Sara as a quiet activity, then it was off to bed. And I'm heading that way too soon.
Quote of the day:
Sara: "Mom, this year, when we go to camp home, we are taking an airplane. It takes to long to get there when we take our car."
END
When we first got here to Lausanne and I asked what we should do with our kids, the tourist information lady suggested we take bus #16 to a pond area with animals. That's all we knew. It seemed like a worthy adventure so we set out to do it today.
Catching the bus
Figuring out a city's bus system can be daunting. Where do you catch the bus? Which bus? Which stop? How do you get a ticket? Which ticket zone? What time does the bus come? Thankfully, it wasn't very hard. Most buses stop in front of St. Francsis, which is easy to find. At first we waited for bus 16 in the wrong direction. Once we crossed the street we were good to go. Naturally, taking the bus meant 100 questions from Sara. Sort of like the questions I put above. She likes to know what is going on. It makes it hard for us to think since we are always answering her questions.
The bus was clean and nice. Julia wanted to sit on my lap, and was yelling 'till she got there. Once she was on my lap, she sat perfectly and quietly. Well almost quietly. She said, "yeah! whooo-hooo! weeee!" like the bus ride was a ride at Disney. She liked each turn, each time we climbed a hill, and she held onto my arm just to make sure she was safe. Even riding a bus is exciting if you are 1 year old. Or if you are 5 years old. They treated the bus ride like it was an adventure - which I guess it was. We went up higher and higher, into the forest.
When we got off we saw the pond/animal thing. There were a few other parents there with their kids. It was basically a small pond with ducks, pigs, chickens, a cow, goats, and paths connecting all of them. Sara said "this is great! I'm so glad we came here!" and Julia didn't stop walking on the paths - well she did stop, to poke the ground with a stick. They were pals and often walked together.
After the animals and paths (where we were trying to keep everyone as clean as possible) we took the bus back to the center of town and to a restaurant. It was our least-best choice of the trip - a pizza and pasta was 43 SF, and it wasn't that wonderful. But I guess of a 5 week trip you are allowed one bum meal, and it was okay just not that great. (It pays to look at the menu first before you sit down, just to make sure you know what you are getting into. We didn't do that this time.)
Afternoon/Dinner
After lunch we napped. Even Sara! She really needed it. After that we were able to take a dinner break (Dan included) where we went to Manor department store for some crepes (ham/cheese) and then we got a whole lot of fruit in the market below. (Sara had requested fruit salad for dinner so we made sure we had a lot of fruit to give her.)
I spent some time packing, as we leave Saturday.
At bedtime I drew with colored pencils with Sara as a quiet activity, then it was off to bed. And I'm heading that way too soon.
Quote of the day:
Sara: "Mom, this year, when we go to camp home, we are taking an airplane. It takes to long to get there when we take our car."
END
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Wednesday - Market day; Great Lunch; Easy Evening
Morning
We kept the morning easy, I was up at 6:10, Dan got up around 10. Went to the market lining the streets - didn't buy anything. We aren't in buying mode since we are leaving on Saturday. It is just as much fun to look, just stroll, and Sara found it just as much fun to skip between market vendors with the energy provided by her breakfast and her young self. Julia looked around at everything, clutching her favorite minnie mouse doll - and eating pieces of bread. She isn't happy unless she has two pieces of bread, one for each hand.
Lunch
Ever on the look-out for a place to eat, we found several good candidates today. Ended up at a place with "the best pizza in Lausanne." I went in at 11:00 to see if they have a high chair (a necessity for a successful meal) and they did. I asked what time they started serving pizza and she told me 11:45. No language barrier when you gesture and smile.
With about 45 minutes to wander around we found a different part of the market. There are such great cheese stalls here - with more cheese varieties than I can count. I wish I knew more about what to ask for since certainly there are some unique and special cheeses here - if you know what you are buying.
I went into a toy shop (I rarely go into a shop, but I wanted to and Dan toured around a square with the kids - ending up with Sara up on his shoulders). I got the kids a tube with colored pencils inside. It had a built in pencil sharpener. My thought was it would remind us of the trip since so many restaurants gave them colored pencils to draw with while we ate.
Back at the restaurant, they remembered us, gave us a table, a high chair, some kid books, kid forks, kid spoons, kid plates, and it was the most kid friendly meal. We did get pizza. One plain and one had a corn meal crust. Certainly totally home made in then fired in the wood oven. The meal was tasty, friendly, and happy. They have many other things besides pizza. One lady got a quarter pineapple served with a large salad on the side. Looked unique. We may even go back there, just to try something else and have another nice meal together.
Afternoon/Evening
We took it easy. After our day trips and a lot of recent walking we used today to recharge our batteries We went in an arcaded mall, went past St. Francis, and got back here in time to avoid some rain.
Had pork chops, beans, and rice for dinner. Did some play doh. Then went out with Sara and Julia to buy some ice cream. I could not pay 12 SF for a pint, so ended up buying a nice ice cream cake for 5.20 - and it was more fun!
Julia went to sleep in two seconds at bedtime (6:00 PM) and Sara and I did Physics for a while before time for her to sleep. She has been quiet too - we are wearing them out!
Quote of the day
Sara: "Mom, when Grandpa comes to visit, I leave pictures of jet planes around so he will find them and like them."
(I thought that was an interesting thing for her to say!)
--
Sara: "Mom, I love Julia more than I love dandelions."
---
END
Happy Birthday! ;)
We kept the morning easy, I was up at 6:10, Dan got up around 10. Went to the market lining the streets - didn't buy anything. We aren't in buying mode since we are leaving on Saturday. It is just as much fun to look, just stroll, and Sara found it just as much fun to skip between market vendors with the energy provided by her breakfast and her young self. Julia looked around at everything, clutching her favorite minnie mouse doll - and eating pieces of bread. She isn't happy unless she has two pieces of bread, one for each hand.
Lunch
Ever on the look-out for a place to eat, we found several good candidates today. Ended up at a place with "the best pizza in Lausanne." I went in at 11:00 to see if they have a high chair (a necessity for a successful meal) and they did. I asked what time they started serving pizza and she told me 11:45. No language barrier when you gesture and smile.
With about 45 minutes to wander around we found a different part of the market. There are such great cheese stalls here - with more cheese varieties than I can count. I wish I knew more about what to ask for since certainly there are some unique and special cheeses here - if you know what you are buying.
I went into a toy shop (I rarely go into a shop, but I wanted to and Dan toured around a square with the kids - ending up with Sara up on his shoulders). I got the kids a tube with colored pencils inside. It had a built in pencil sharpener. My thought was it would remind us of the trip since so many restaurants gave them colored pencils to draw with while we ate.
Back at the restaurant, they remembered us, gave us a table, a high chair, some kid books, kid forks, kid spoons, kid plates, and it was the most kid friendly meal. We did get pizza. One plain and one had a corn meal crust. Certainly totally home made in then fired in the wood oven. The meal was tasty, friendly, and happy. They have many other things besides pizza. One lady got a quarter pineapple served with a large salad on the side. Looked unique. We may even go back there, just to try something else and have another nice meal together.
Afternoon/Evening
We took it easy. After our day trips and a lot of recent walking we used today to recharge our batteries We went in an arcaded mall, went past St. Francis, and got back here in time to avoid some rain.
Had pork chops, beans, and rice for dinner. Did some play doh. Then went out with Sara and Julia to buy some ice cream. I could not pay 12 SF for a pint, so ended up buying a nice ice cream cake for 5.20 - and it was more fun!
Julia went to sleep in two seconds at bedtime (6:00 PM) and Sara and I did Physics for a while before time for her to sleep. She has been quiet too - we are wearing them out!
Quote of the day
Sara: "Mom, when Grandpa comes to visit, I leave pictures of jet planes around so he will find them and like them."
(I thought that was an interesting thing for her to say!)
--
Sara: "Mom, I love Julia more than I love dandelions."
---
END
Happy Birthday! ;)
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Tuesday - Botanical Garden; Awesome Playground; Olympic Museum
Morning
I got up with Julia at 7:09. Sara soon after that. We went to the grocery store and back before Dan got up around 10. Sara and Julia were great at the store, with Sara telling me how to get there. "Mom, it is up this street, turn left, up an elevator, then floor 4."
It was a sunny day, perfect for heading to the botanical gardens. We saw them on the map - down towards the lake - and finding them was easy. After climbing to the top of a hill inside the garden complex we could see forever - across the lake, and even up into the hills of Lausanne. It was neat to be able to see both the cityscape and the lake at the same time. Sara and Julia liked playing in an amphitheater that was up there. They put on a show, which involved lots of running around and singing. (Sara always is putting on shows.)
After climbing up high we returned to the entrance area and discovered the most awesome play area. It had a tree fort, an interactive water area, an interactive dirt area, a self propelled merry go round, swings, and a massage beam-based climbing pyramid. It is beyond discription - all the things were unique - and fostered creativity. Julia said, "wow" "wow" "wooooow" for the whole first minute. Sara didn't wait around to say wow, she started climbing right away. By the time we left an hour or so later, we had dug, climbed, splashed, and had a great family time together.
I had packed a picnic so we grabed a table and ate. Pasta, strawberries, green beans. We ate it all. I sat on one side of the table and Sara, Dan, and Julia were on the other side. At one point they climbed onto his lap together. It was cute.
Gardens
After the play ground we discovered the actual gardens. They had nice paths, nice spring flowers, and were peaceful in the warm sun.
Olympic Museum
The Olympic committee is based here. They call this the Olympic capitol. So the museum is a big deal. It is 18 SF a person to get in (that is expensive for a museum) but I showed our expired "Swiss Pass" and the guy let us all in free, a 36 SF value. Nice. We toured the museum, seeing gold/silver/bronze metals from all the olympics (in a big glass case) and also all the torches they have used. It was neat to see all the different styles. Julia was a bit fussy having not napped, but Sara enjoyed the museum, even if she did get lost from us for a while. When I found her she was watching a movie dipiction of the first games in Greece.
We left the museum around 4 so Dan could get to work. After that the evening went fast. We had beef for dinner, bathtime, then time for bed. Julia didn't want to go to bed, but when I put her in her crib she looked like she was asleep in 1 second. Sara played her Physics game (and she is such a good reader, she reads words I wouldn't guess she'd know) and she is working on getting to sleep now though she has a cough keeping her awake a bit.
Fun day - nearly all outdoors!
Quote of the day
Sara: "Mom, I'm going to wear your clothes one day, so be sure to keep them nice for me."
(I think she said that since I told her Julia will wear her clothes so Sara must assume one day she herself will wear my clothes.)
END
I got up with Julia at 7:09. Sara soon after that. We went to the grocery store and back before Dan got up around 10. Sara and Julia were great at the store, with Sara telling me how to get there. "Mom, it is up this street, turn left, up an elevator, then floor 4."
It was a sunny day, perfect for heading to the botanical gardens. We saw them on the map - down towards the lake - and finding them was easy. After climbing to the top of a hill inside the garden complex we could see forever - across the lake, and even up into the hills of Lausanne. It was neat to be able to see both the cityscape and the lake at the same time. Sara and Julia liked playing in an amphitheater that was up there. They put on a show, which involved lots of running around and singing. (Sara always is putting on shows.)
After climbing up high we returned to the entrance area and discovered the most awesome play area. It had a tree fort, an interactive water area, an interactive dirt area, a self propelled merry go round, swings, and a massage beam-based climbing pyramid. It is beyond discription - all the things were unique - and fostered creativity. Julia said, "wow" "wow" "wooooow" for the whole first minute. Sara didn't wait around to say wow, she started climbing right away. By the time we left an hour or so later, we had dug, climbed, splashed, and had a great family time together.
I had packed a picnic so we grabed a table and ate. Pasta, strawberries, green beans. We ate it all. I sat on one side of the table and Sara, Dan, and Julia were on the other side. At one point they climbed onto his lap together. It was cute.
Gardens
After the play ground we discovered the actual gardens. They had nice paths, nice spring flowers, and were peaceful in the warm sun.
Olympic Museum
The Olympic committee is based here. They call this the Olympic capitol. So the museum is a big deal. It is 18 SF a person to get in (that is expensive for a museum) but I showed our expired "Swiss Pass" and the guy let us all in free, a 36 SF value. Nice. We toured the museum, seeing gold/silver/bronze metals from all the olympics (in a big glass case) and also all the torches they have used. It was neat to see all the different styles. Julia was a bit fussy having not napped, but Sara enjoyed the museum, even if she did get lost from us for a while. When I found her she was watching a movie dipiction of the first games in Greece.
We left the museum around 4 so Dan could get to work. After that the evening went fast. We had beef for dinner, bathtime, then time for bed. Julia didn't want to go to bed, but when I put her in her crib she looked like she was asleep in 1 second. Sara played her Physics game (and she is such a good reader, she reads words I wouldn't guess she'd know) and she is working on getting to sleep now though she has a cough keeping her awake a bit.
Fun day - nearly all outdoors!
Quote of the day
Sara: "Mom, I'm going to wear your clothes one day, so be sure to keep them nice for me."
(I think she said that since I told her Julia will wear her clothes so Sara must assume one day she herself will wear my clothes.)
END
Monday, February 24, 2014
Monday - to Geneva!
Morning
Train station by 9:00 and Geneva by 10:00!
It was the last day our Swiss Pass was valid, so any travel we did today (and museums) were free. We decided to go around the lake to Geneva.
We did zero research, and didn't even have a map, but we went. The train ride was easy. Sara and Julia sit and look out the window like train experts. Three of us fit on two seats, so it usually goes: window, Sara, Julia, then me. Dan sits opposite us on his own seats. If Sara mistakenly sits next to me, she will announce, "I want to sit next to Julia," and she will make me move. I think it is cute.
Stepping into the Geneva train station made us realize that it is a big city. People were every where. And they were walking fast, like people in a city do - since they have places to go. We walked through the dashing people to get outside, then followed the signs to tourist information.
The nice lady gave me a perfect map and some ideas.
We headed across the water (Geneva is on Lake Geneva just like Lausanne is on Lake Geneva) and into the "old" part of town.
Just as the other places we've visited, there was a old, characteristic, strollable part of town. Thankfully, it wasn't as hilly as we are used to. Our stroll lead us to a square by the Palace of Justice, where we found the restaurant recommended to me by the young lady at the tourist office.
Lunch
The restaurant was empty. We usually eat early (like 11:30) so we are kind of used to that. Plus with all the choices in a city like Geneva we didn't expect it to be full of customers. We got the (and I do mean 'the') table by the window (which was great!) and we ordered, got our food, and had a great meal. Minutes after we were seated (I'd say within 10 minutes) the whole restaurant was full. I don't know how it happened that fast. We were glad we got there when we did. It was a long narrow place and being by the window was really desireable.
They specialized in roast chicken. Sara got the chicken kids meal, Dan got the chicken adult meal, and I got the chicken soup. They had fancy names for those things, but that is my own description. It was all good. We ate every last bite. They had colored pencils for the girls to use on their place mats and they even gave us tap water in a carafe for 1 SF. (That isn't much to pay for a liter of water.)
We joked around at the meal and had a nice time together. The sun was shining, and we could see people waiting for a table outside. Imagine that?! I guess we picked a hot-spot and we were glad it was good. It was 38 SF total.
Under Geneva
After eating Julia walked, walked, walked, around a square and up a cobblestone hill. We found a cathedral. We've seen a lot of European cathedrals, but this one had a little sign that said, "archeological dig" with an arrow pointing down. I checked it out. The man at the front desk deep under ground was nice, and it was free with our "Swiss Pass" I went back up to Dan/Sara/Julia and said we should all visit the archeological thing under the cathedral.
It turned out to be one of the best (most interesting) things about our time in Geneva! In brief, they found reminants of buildings and so forth going back to BC (so more than 2,000 years old) and you could walk amongst the old stone walls, see the old wells, and keep in mind that all the while you are actually under an actual cathedral! It was mind blowing really to witness it. We've seen old stuff before, but there was just so much to explore and spanning many centuries. They had to color code it - so yellow was Before Christ, and red was the 13th century and so forth. So you could glance at a stone wall and see the layers of time stacked right up on top of each other! There was a fire in one of the centuries, so in one cross-section you could see charred wood! There was also a skeleton of some ancient chief guy. I didn't think to much about it - but it was a tomb - and even a Roman tomb site also. The area of that church was used for so much! And the church/cathedral was built on top of it all! Imagine finding all that stuff, and then making it so tourists like us could go see it. The girls just liked running around it (we were the only ones in there so it was ok.)
Back into the real world after that archeological dig we strolled the main "shopping" street (with Rolex, Cartier, etc.), then headed for the water front. We were going to take a boat across the water but Julia was sleeping and didn't want to wake her, so we just walked across the water on the bridge and got back to the train station. From there, we took the train back here. The train ride was nice. Sara and Julia sat in their seats eating pretzels and French bread.
I left out a lot of details about today, but bascially we toured Geneva for a few hours. It was a bright sunny day. We were all happy - and had a nice time.
Quote of the day:
(we had just saw an old leather purse from 50 BC with 210 coins in it that I found interesting, Sara, on the other hand looked at it and said:)
Sara: "Mom, that's nice. Let's go look at some other old stuff. This way."
(she liked exploring the metal pathways of the archeological dig more than she liked looking at the displays)
END :)
Train station by 9:00 and Geneva by 10:00!
It was the last day our Swiss Pass was valid, so any travel we did today (and museums) were free. We decided to go around the lake to Geneva.
We did zero research, and didn't even have a map, but we went. The train ride was easy. Sara and Julia sit and look out the window like train experts. Three of us fit on two seats, so it usually goes: window, Sara, Julia, then me. Dan sits opposite us on his own seats. If Sara mistakenly sits next to me, she will announce, "I want to sit next to Julia," and she will make me move. I think it is cute.
Stepping into the Geneva train station made us realize that it is a big city. People were every where. And they were walking fast, like people in a city do - since they have places to go. We walked through the dashing people to get outside, then followed the signs to tourist information.
The nice lady gave me a perfect map and some ideas.
We headed across the water (Geneva is on Lake Geneva just like Lausanne is on Lake Geneva) and into the "old" part of town.
Just as the other places we've visited, there was a old, characteristic, strollable part of town. Thankfully, it wasn't as hilly as we are used to. Our stroll lead us to a square by the Palace of Justice, where we found the restaurant recommended to me by the young lady at the tourist office.
Lunch
The restaurant was empty. We usually eat early (like 11:30) so we are kind of used to that. Plus with all the choices in a city like Geneva we didn't expect it to be full of customers. We got the (and I do mean 'the') table by the window (which was great!) and we ordered, got our food, and had a great meal. Minutes after we were seated (I'd say within 10 minutes) the whole restaurant was full. I don't know how it happened that fast. We were glad we got there when we did. It was a long narrow place and being by the window was really desireable.
They specialized in roast chicken. Sara got the chicken kids meal, Dan got the chicken adult meal, and I got the chicken soup. They had fancy names for those things, but that is my own description. It was all good. We ate every last bite. They had colored pencils for the girls to use on their place mats and they even gave us tap water in a carafe for 1 SF. (That isn't much to pay for a liter of water.)
We joked around at the meal and had a nice time together. The sun was shining, and we could see people waiting for a table outside. Imagine that?! I guess we picked a hot-spot and we were glad it was good. It was 38 SF total.
Under Geneva
After eating Julia walked, walked, walked, around a square and up a cobblestone hill. We found a cathedral. We've seen a lot of European cathedrals, but this one had a little sign that said, "archeological dig" with an arrow pointing down. I checked it out. The man at the front desk deep under ground was nice, and it was free with our "Swiss Pass" I went back up to Dan/Sara/Julia and said we should all visit the archeological thing under the cathedral.
It turned out to be one of the best (most interesting) things about our time in Geneva! In brief, they found reminants of buildings and so forth going back to BC (so more than 2,000 years old) and you could walk amongst the old stone walls, see the old wells, and keep in mind that all the while you are actually under an actual cathedral! It was mind blowing really to witness it. We've seen old stuff before, but there was just so much to explore and spanning many centuries. They had to color code it - so yellow was Before Christ, and red was the 13th century and so forth. So you could glance at a stone wall and see the layers of time stacked right up on top of each other! There was a fire in one of the centuries, so in one cross-section you could see charred wood! There was also a skeleton of some ancient chief guy. I didn't think to much about it - but it was a tomb - and even a Roman tomb site also. The area of that church was used for so much! And the church/cathedral was built on top of it all! Imagine finding all that stuff, and then making it so tourists like us could go see it. The girls just liked running around it (we were the only ones in there so it was ok.)
Back into the real world after that archeological dig we strolled the main "shopping" street (with Rolex, Cartier, etc.), then headed for the water front. We were going to take a boat across the water but Julia was sleeping and didn't want to wake her, so we just walked across the water on the bridge and got back to the train station. From there, we took the train back here. The train ride was nice. Sara and Julia sat in their seats eating pretzels and French bread.
I left out a lot of details about today, but bascially we toured Geneva for a few hours. It was a bright sunny day. We were all happy - and had a nice time.
Quote of the day:
(we had just saw an old leather purse from 50 BC with 210 coins in it that I found interesting, Sara, on the other hand looked at it and said:)
Sara: "Mom, that's nice. Let's go look at some other old stuff. This way."
(she liked exploring the metal pathways of the archeological dig more than she liked looking at the displays)
END :)
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Sunday - Day trip to "Neuchatel"
Morning
I got to sleep in while Dan got up with the kids! It is bliss to wake up and hear their morning noises and realize everyone is up, happy, and I wasn't up at the crack of dawn. (SAra is sitting next to me reading this out loud! She is to smart for her own good. She just read that too! She is reading each word as I type it. Even that! She is looking at me and is very proud of her self.)
Our "Swiss Card" expires tomorrow. It has 2 days of travel and is a "half fare" card while it is valid. So we went on a day trip today to use our last day of "half fare" prices and also since it is Sunday we didn't have to get home at any particular time for Dan to start working. (Sara is literally sitting next to me reading this outloud word for word as I type.)
Trip to Neuchatel
Dan took the kids to our apartment buildings play ground while I packed up my backpack. Then I took the bob-double-stroller and a very full backpack outside to meet them. Sara and Julia said, "Mom!" and came running to me with open arms. Sara reached me first and nearly knocked me over with a hug. Julia reached me next, her hug was softer and she wrapped her arms all the way around me. What a greeting! (After 10 minutes of being away from me too!)
The train ride was easy. About 45 minutes. Sara and Julia sat together on one bench seat of a family travel seat (that means two benches facing each other with a table in between). They ate pretzels, muffins, and drank water -- all while looking out the window at the scenery every once in a while. They are such good train travelers that Dan and I could relax and just look out the window too!
What now?
Arriving in a new place on Sunday, knowing nothing about it, can make you ask "what now?" We headed down hill towards the lake. A twisty route, past stone buildings and several trees.
When we got to the lake (not our lake, which is Lake Geneva, but Lake Neuchatel) it was pretty, but kind of grey. Even the sky was grey. We saw some play grounds, though we didn't stop. Not knowing what direction to walk, we wandered to the right.
Good choice. We found the old town of Neuchatel. Lovely.
The tourist office was closed (Sunday) and all the shops were closed (Sunday) but there were one or two restaurants open. (I do mean one or two.) Even though things were closed you could tell it must normally be bustling, since there were many strollable streets with shops. There weren't cars - it was a nice pedestrian area.
Our eyes guided us. We saw a large clock up on a tower and walked to get a closer look. It was up a cobblestone street (everything is cobblestone here). Then, once we were close to the tower, we saw a set of stairs to a church, so we went to get a closer look at that. And wow! That brought us to the top of town!
At the top we could see forever - and we found the castle connected to the church!
http://www.swisscastles.ch/Neuchatel/neuchatel.html
We stayed to explore that area once we found it. Sara and I went into the church. (A huge cathedral.) It was a huge, heavy, door. As the door banged shut behind us we found ourselves void of light. It was dim. The only light that greeted our eyes was the light filtering in from the stained glass windows. We were quiet. Not knowing what we were getting ourselves in to. Was there a sermon in session? Was the church closed? And what was that music? Organ music filled the light-less air with sound. It was creepy. Sara and I didn't talk; we stayed close.
Sara walked forward into the church. She sat in a pew. I was thankful she did that. She seemed to sense that we should be quiet. We sat together listening to the man play the pipe organ. We were getting a private concert! It was no longer creepy. Once we sat for a while we felt at home. The sounds filled the air with enough fodder for the mind to make its own light, and we settled into the wooden pew in the stone cathedral.
Turns out there was one man in the church other than the organist. The organ was massive, huge pipes up to the soaring domed roof of the church/cathedral. Sara sat for longer than I thought her 5 year old self would, then we walked around the church to admire it, then we left out the same huge door.
Back outside it was sunny. The grey day was gone. Sun! It made you want to dance. And being up on the top of the world magnified that feeling! Oh, and how cool that around the corner was an actual castle. We took some time to explore, catching up with Julia and Dan.
I let Julia out of the stroller (upon her fervent demand) and we went walking together. She, Sara and I went to a stone doorway and went through it. Where would it lead? Well, Dan went first and he took us up some narrow stone steps that went straight up to some awesome stone ramparts - that the girls ran around. It was magnificant! A castle just for us to explore! I love traveling in February, this treasure was ours to see and discover -- it was magical. Add the sunny day to the picture and it was just plain grand. We did take a few family pictures - to remember just how fun it was.
We continued walking around the church/cathedral/castle complex. Not only was the place itself cool, but the view of the lake was a silver shimmery molten smear that lasted for miles. I took Julia into the church, twice, she liked it so much the first time that she pulled on my arm 'till I took her in again. She listened to the music just like Sara did and she liked walking in the aisle. They are good kids.
Reluctenly we left our perch. We were glad that we found it on our own - with no map - we just found the castle complex by following our eyes. It made it more exciting. For lunch we stopped at the only open restaurant on the main square.
Lunch
Dan got the kids situated at a table while I stayed outside to fold up the stroller then I joined them. They looked so sweet, coloring with colored pencils on the placemat they provided.
By mistake we ordered 2 kid pizzas. It was fine, they ate them both. I had a hamburger (I know sounds boring, but it is what I wanted), and Dan had a calzone. It was 60 SF, so our most expensive meal of the trip, but it filled us up with even a bit of left overs - and the server and spot were nice.
Julia hit naptime. She is such a good kid, but when it is her naptime she is *really*ready for sleep. I walked around on the lake side promenade (a happening, bustleing, wonderful place on a sunny Sunday afternoon) with her and Sara 'till Julia slept, then Dan played with Sara in some pastel play areas while I kept sleeping Julia company in the shade of a tree.
We wanted to take the 4:35 train back. It was easy to catch it, we went up hill. Up, up, up, up, hill so steep that my heart was pounding with the effort. (My pedometer says I went up 45 flights of stairs today, and took 17,727 steps or 7.78 miles)
Train home
Sara and Julia were perfect on the train ride back here. Sara snuggled with Dan and Julia sat on my lap. It was the Norman Rockwell version of how family train trips should be. They could have taken our picture and used it for a brocure. Sara was gazing out the window while resting on her Dad's shoulder, and Julia's little 1 year old self was perfectly cupped into my arms. It even lasted the whole journey. Amazing.
Dinner
I gave Sara and Julia play-doh and some Disney dolls to play with and they were entertained for 45 mintues while we took care of making dinner and a few things around the apartment. Then we ate our meatballs, broccoli, and rice. The sun set. It turned the sky pink. Then the twinkling lights came out across the lake. Time for bed. It took 1 minute to get Julia to bed (no fuss) and about 10 minutes to get Sara to bed (a bit more fuss, but she is a good kid).
Quote of the day
(on the train) Sara: "Look Dad! Five airplanes making trails in the sky!"
---
(after lunch we got a receipt that was all curled up)
Sara: "What did you do with the receipt?"
Me: "I tossed it."
Sara: "I was going to use that as a telescope to explore space with Julia."
--
END. Great day trip.
I got to sleep in while Dan got up with the kids! It is bliss to wake up and hear their morning noises and realize everyone is up, happy, and I wasn't up at the crack of dawn. (SAra is sitting next to me reading this out loud! She is to smart for her own good. She just read that too! She is reading each word as I type it. Even that! She is looking at me and is very proud of her self.)
Our "Swiss Card" expires tomorrow. It has 2 days of travel and is a "half fare" card while it is valid. So we went on a day trip today to use our last day of "half fare" prices and also since it is Sunday we didn't have to get home at any particular time for Dan to start working. (Sara is literally sitting next to me reading this outloud word for word as I type.)
Trip to Neuchatel
Dan took the kids to our apartment buildings play ground while I packed up my backpack. Then I took the bob-double-stroller and a very full backpack outside to meet them. Sara and Julia said, "Mom!" and came running to me with open arms. Sara reached me first and nearly knocked me over with a hug. Julia reached me next, her hug was softer and she wrapped her arms all the way around me. What a greeting! (After 10 minutes of being away from me too!)
The train ride was easy. About 45 minutes. Sara and Julia sat together on one bench seat of a family travel seat (that means two benches facing each other with a table in between). They ate pretzels, muffins, and drank water -- all while looking out the window at the scenery every once in a while. They are such good train travelers that Dan and I could relax and just look out the window too!
What now?
Arriving in a new place on Sunday, knowing nothing about it, can make you ask "what now?" We headed down hill towards the lake. A twisty route, past stone buildings and several trees.
When we got to the lake (not our lake, which is Lake Geneva, but Lake Neuchatel) it was pretty, but kind of grey. Even the sky was grey. We saw some play grounds, though we didn't stop. Not knowing what direction to walk, we wandered to the right.
Good choice. We found the old town of Neuchatel. Lovely.
The tourist office was closed (Sunday) and all the shops were closed (Sunday) but there were one or two restaurants open. (I do mean one or two.) Even though things were closed you could tell it must normally be bustling, since there were many strollable streets with shops. There weren't cars - it was a nice pedestrian area.
Our eyes guided us. We saw a large clock up on a tower and walked to get a closer look. It was up a cobblestone street (everything is cobblestone here). Then, once we were close to the tower, we saw a set of stairs to a church, so we went to get a closer look at that. And wow! That brought us to the top of town!
At the top we could see forever - and we found the castle connected to the church!
http://www.swisscastles.ch/Neuchatel/neuchatel.html
We stayed to explore that area once we found it. Sara and I went into the church. (A huge cathedral.) It was a huge, heavy, door. As the door banged shut behind us we found ourselves void of light. It was dim. The only light that greeted our eyes was the light filtering in from the stained glass windows. We were quiet. Not knowing what we were getting ourselves in to. Was there a sermon in session? Was the church closed? And what was that music? Organ music filled the light-less air with sound. It was creepy. Sara and I didn't talk; we stayed close.
Sara walked forward into the church. She sat in a pew. I was thankful she did that. She seemed to sense that we should be quiet. We sat together listening to the man play the pipe organ. We were getting a private concert! It was no longer creepy. Once we sat for a while we felt at home. The sounds filled the air with enough fodder for the mind to make its own light, and we settled into the wooden pew in the stone cathedral.
Turns out there was one man in the church other than the organist. The organ was massive, huge pipes up to the soaring domed roof of the church/cathedral. Sara sat for longer than I thought her 5 year old self would, then we walked around the church to admire it, then we left out the same huge door.
Back outside it was sunny. The grey day was gone. Sun! It made you want to dance. And being up on the top of the world magnified that feeling! Oh, and how cool that around the corner was an actual castle. We took some time to explore, catching up with Julia and Dan.
I let Julia out of the stroller (upon her fervent demand) and we went walking together. She, Sara and I went to a stone doorway and went through it. Where would it lead? Well, Dan went first and he took us up some narrow stone steps that went straight up to some awesome stone ramparts - that the girls ran around. It was magnificant! A castle just for us to explore! I love traveling in February, this treasure was ours to see and discover -- it was magical. Add the sunny day to the picture and it was just plain grand. We did take a few family pictures - to remember just how fun it was.
We continued walking around the church/cathedral/castle complex. Not only was the place itself cool, but the view of the lake was a silver shimmery molten smear that lasted for miles. I took Julia into the church, twice, she liked it so much the first time that she pulled on my arm 'till I took her in again. She listened to the music just like Sara did and she liked walking in the aisle. They are good kids.
Reluctenly we left our perch. We were glad that we found it on our own - with no map - we just found the castle complex by following our eyes. It made it more exciting. For lunch we stopped at the only open restaurant on the main square.
Lunch
Dan got the kids situated at a table while I stayed outside to fold up the stroller then I joined them. They looked so sweet, coloring with colored pencils on the placemat they provided.
By mistake we ordered 2 kid pizzas. It was fine, they ate them both. I had a hamburger (I know sounds boring, but it is what I wanted), and Dan had a calzone. It was 60 SF, so our most expensive meal of the trip, but it filled us up with even a bit of left overs - and the server and spot were nice.
Julia hit naptime. She is such a good kid, but when it is her naptime she is *really*ready for sleep. I walked around on the lake side promenade (a happening, bustleing, wonderful place on a sunny Sunday afternoon) with her and Sara 'till Julia slept, then Dan played with Sara in some pastel play areas while I kept sleeping Julia company in the shade of a tree.
We wanted to take the 4:35 train back. It was easy to catch it, we went up hill. Up, up, up, up, hill so steep that my heart was pounding with the effort. (My pedometer says I went up 45 flights of stairs today, and took 17,727 steps or 7.78 miles)
Train home
Sara and Julia were perfect on the train ride back here. Sara snuggled with Dan and Julia sat on my lap. It was the Norman Rockwell version of how family train trips should be. They could have taken our picture and used it for a brocure. Sara was gazing out the window while resting on her Dad's shoulder, and Julia's little 1 year old self was perfectly cupped into my arms. It even lasted the whole journey. Amazing.
Dinner
I gave Sara and Julia play-doh and some Disney dolls to play with and they were entertained for 45 mintues while we took care of making dinner and a few things around the apartment. Then we ate our meatballs, broccoli, and rice. The sun set. It turned the sky pink. Then the twinkling lights came out across the lake. Time for bed. It took 1 minute to get Julia to bed (no fuss) and about 10 minutes to get Sara to bed (a bit more fuss, but she is a good kid).
Quote of the day
(on the train) Sara: "Look Dad! Five airplanes making trails in the sky!"
---
(after lunch we got a receipt that was all curled up)
Sara: "What did you do with the receipt?"
Me: "I tossed it."
Sara: "I was going to use that as a telescope to explore space with Julia."
--
END. Great day trip.
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Saturday: All better; Market Day; Explore
Morning
When I cracked my eyes open in the morning I felt fine. Unlike the day prior where I felt like glue dumped out of a bottle, I was able to get up, hug my little daughter, smile at my big daughter, and greet the day.
It was still dim over Lake Geneva. Our windows provide a panoramic view across to the other side, up to the mountains, and into the clouds.
As we ate breakfast of eggs, cereal, and berries the sky grew bright, the sun came out, and I felt strong. I was thankful for that.
I took a much needed shower. The clothes I wore when I was sick walked themselves to the clothes-washer for a much needed washing. Sara took care of Julia while I showered (about 10 feet away) and one time Julia called for something, I said, "I'll be right there honey" and Sara said, "that's okay Mom, you can do it after you finish your shower." That sounded so mature of Sara. And I appreciated her giving me the time to become me again.
Market Day (Saturday)
Today's market was similar to Wednesdays, but more crowded. On Wednesday we could stroll along the market. Today, when Sara leaped out of the double-stroller to walk, she got swallowed into the crowd. Not to worry. She looked over her shoulder to keep an eye on us. She picked out many things to buy. Including radishes.
We also bought some pink primroses. Buying things at market is a dance. First you look, bending over the display to study the item you are contemplating. Then you show interest, enough to draw the market proprietor over to you. Finally, you smile and point, while digging into your pocket for the right coins to buy the item. These days Sara does these steps like a pro - leaving us to watch her and enjoying seeing her be so grown up.
Strolling, Buying, Eating
The architecture here leaves me wishing I knew more about the cupola shaped spires, slate roofs, gothic arches, and medieval hodge-podge. That's my favorite: the crooked lanes with houses slapped around like someone 400 years ago had fun with timber and brick. They aren't uniform, they aren't tall, they are like something you'd see in a story book. And here in Lausanne, old-stuff mingles with sleek modern bridges, glass shopping centers, and museums. Very cool for walking around!
Lunch
We got one pizza and a huge plate of asian food at a top floor restaurant. It was reasonable at 27 SF total, even enough to have left overs.
After lunch we found a new park with the Palace of Justice, a big green open space, and an elevated sweeping view of the Lake. Sara and Julia focused on a mud puddle in the middle of it all. "Mom, how about we make it shaped like Antarctica?" Sara said, beginning to shape the mud puddle into Antarctica with her foot. Julia decided to step in the puddle and walk in circles. Sara dropped her Antarctica idea, and joined Julia in making circles with the muddy water. They gleefully ran around and around together 'till the muddy puddle was transformed to a muddy puzzle of foot prints. All the while they laughed, held hands, and sang songs with lyrics only they understand.
While Julia and Sara played (the 'mud puddle' was actually in a dry fountain) I sat on a rock seat to watch. They were having so much fun I relaxed, closing my eyes and lifting my head up to enjoy the sun, breathing deep the clean air, and letting my eyes take their time looking at the lake and mountain view. Dan wandered around the grounds, exploring a bit.
Then, Sara ran like lightning slipped and fell. She didn't yell. Thankfully. I'm glad that she can fall and not yell these days. She fell hard. She was cold and wet. Julia busied herself going up and down stone steps while I got Sara into dry clothes. Dan returned from his explorations and we soon decided it was time to leave the park - Julia had other ideas. While Sara climbed into the stroller ready for a break, Julia took off towards another area. (We were in a park, so it was okay.) I stayed with her, jogging a bit to keep up with her. She lead us to a building that is in the tourist guidebook, so it was nice we got to see it, even though Julia didn't look at the building, she just sat down to play with the stones surrounding it. She yelled when I put her in the stroller, then she was quiet after a minute. That is common with her. She'll yell in complaint about being put in the stroller (who can blame her) but then she has fun looking around and accepts her seat. We let her walk as much as possible, but it isn't practical time-wise or safety-wise to have her out sometimes.
Afternoon/Evening
At 4:00 we were in one of the main squares in town. It is where several of the pedestrian streets converge. There is a fountain there (dry now in Winter) and there is a clock that is animated on the hour. We watched it at noon today and now also at 4:00. When we watched it at noon it was during the market (markets are only in the morning 'till about 1:00 or so) and Sara and Julia watched with many other kids sitting on a stone step. Actually it was cute. At noon, Sara sat with a whole line of kids on a stone step and I was holding Julia. Julia wiggled out of my arms, went over to Sara, poked Sara, and Sara said, "this is my little sister Julia" and then Sara gave Julia her seat on the stone step. (I was so proud.) Then Sara sat right on the step below, and I knelt down to be by Julia. Julia reached up to me, took my hand, and held my hand while the clock did its animation. Now that it was 4:00 Sara and Julia were the only kids on the step. They looked up at the clock with fixated eyes, and enjoyed the mini-show.
Time for a treat. We stopped in a "tea room" which is basically a bakery/confectionary that serves hot/cold drinks. (They are all over town and are kind of like our Starbucks but totally different. But they are a place you can relax, stay as long as you want, and chat. They have table service for the drink, and you get your bakery/confectionary stuff at the glass counter.) Dan got the treats while I went to the bathroom. He got 4! We each had our own treat, wow. I guess Sara picked out one for Julia. He had a beer and I had a coffee. We ate our treats. I had Julia on my lap (no high chairs were around) and our girls were a hit with two ladies sitting near by who kept watching them and smiling.
Soon it was time to go, so we walked back to the apartment (I have 12,000 steps on my pedometer, 5.24 miles, 23 flights of steps), stopping first at the store to buy diapers and a few other things (most stores are closed Sunday so we planned a head) and Dan made dinner while I gave SAra and Julia a bath.
At 6:00 Julia was in dreamland after a quick dance on my shoulder to a lullaby. By 6:30 Sara was in dreamland after I went into Julia's room, swiped her doll, and gave it to Sara who said she wanted a doll.
Quote of the day
(at the market) Sara: "Let's get radishes for our feast!"
Me: "Are you going to eat them?"
Sara: "No, they are for you and Papa to share."
----
(at the park) Sara: "Mom, how about we name bouncy things. I'll start: Pogo-stick."
----
(at the park) Sara: "Julia is fine Mom. I'm taking care of her."
----
END of a beautiful day.
When I cracked my eyes open in the morning I felt fine. Unlike the day prior where I felt like glue dumped out of a bottle, I was able to get up, hug my little daughter, smile at my big daughter, and greet the day.
It was still dim over Lake Geneva. Our windows provide a panoramic view across to the other side, up to the mountains, and into the clouds.
As we ate breakfast of eggs, cereal, and berries the sky grew bright, the sun came out, and I felt strong. I was thankful for that.
I took a much needed shower. The clothes I wore when I was sick walked themselves to the clothes-washer for a much needed washing. Sara took care of Julia while I showered (about 10 feet away) and one time Julia called for something, I said, "I'll be right there honey" and Sara said, "that's okay Mom, you can do it after you finish your shower." That sounded so mature of Sara. And I appreciated her giving me the time to become me again.
Market Day (Saturday)
Today's market was similar to Wednesdays, but more crowded. On Wednesday we could stroll along the market. Today, when Sara leaped out of the double-stroller to walk, she got swallowed into the crowd. Not to worry. She looked over her shoulder to keep an eye on us. She picked out many things to buy. Including radishes.
We also bought some pink primroses. Buying things at market is a dance. First you look, bending over the display to study the item you are contemplating. Then you show interest, enough to draw the market proprietor over to you. Finally, you smile and point, while digging into your pocket for the right coins to buy the item. These days Sara does these steps like a pro - leaving us to watch her and enjoying seeing her be so grown up.
Strolling, Buying, Eating
The architecture here leaves me wishing I knew more about the cupola shaped spires, slate roofs, gothic arches, and medieval hodge-podge. That's my favorite: the crooked lanes with houses slapped around like someone 400 years ago had fun with timber and brick. They aren't uniform, they aren't tall, they are like something you'd see in a story book. And here in Lausanne, old-stuff mingles with sleek modern bridges, glass shopping centers, and museums. Very cool for walking around!
Lunch
We got one pizza and a huge plate of asian food at a top floor restaurant. It was reasonable at 27 SF total, even enough to have left overs.
After lunch we found a new park with the Palace of Justice, a big green open space, and an elevated sweeping view of the Lake. Sara and Julia focused on a mud puddle in the middle of it all. "Mom, how about we make it shaped like Antarctica?" Sara said, beginning to shape the mud puddle into Antarctica with her foot. Julia decided to step in the puddle and walk in circles. Sara dropped her Antarctica idea, and joined Julia in making circles with the muddy water. They gleefully ran around and around together 'till the muddy puddle was transformed to a muddy puzzle of foot prints. All the while they laughed, held hands, and sang songs with lyrics only they understand.
While Julia and Sara played (the 'mud puddle' was actually in a dry fountain) I sat on a rock seat to watch. They were having so much fun I relaxed, closing my eyes and lifting my head up to enjoy the sun, breathing deep the clean air, and letting my eyes take their time looking at the lake and mountain view. Dan wandered around the grounds, exploring a bit.
Then, Sara ran like lightning slipped and fell. She didn't yell. Thankfully. I'm glad that she can fall and not yell these days. She fell hard. She was cold and wet. Julia busied herself going up and down stone steps while I got Sara into dry clothes. Dan returned from his explorations and we soon decided it was time to leave the park - Julia had other ideas. While Sara climbed into the stroller ready for a break, Julia took off towards another area. (We were in a park, so it was okay.) I stayed with her, jogging a bit to keep up with her. She lead us to a building that is in the tourist guidebook, so it was nice we got to see it, even though Julia didn't look at the building, she just sat down to play with the stones surrounding it. She yelled when I put her in the stroller, then she was quiet after a minute. That is common with her. She'll yell in complaint about being put in the stroller (who can blame her) but then she has fun looking around and accepts her seat. We let her walk as much as possible, but it isn't practical time-wise or safety-wise to have her out sometimes.
Afternoon/Evening
At 4:00 we were in one of the main squares in town. It is where several of the pedestrian streets converge. There is a fountain there (dry now in Winter) and there is a clock that is animated on the hour. We watched it at noon today and now also at 4:00. When we watched it at noon it was during the market (markets are only in the morning 'till about 1:00 or so) and Sara and Julia watched with many other kids sitting on a stone step. Actually it was cute. At noon, Sara sat with a whole line of kids on a stone step and I was holding Julia. Julia wiggled out of my arms, went over to Sara, poked Sara, and Sara said, "this is my little sister Julia" and then Sara gave Julia her seat on the stone step. (I was so proud.) Then Sara sat right on the step below, and I knelt down to be by Julia. Julia reached up to me, took my hand, and held my hand while the clock did its animation. Now that it was 4:00 Sara and Julia were the only kids on the step. They looked up at the clock with fixated eyes, and enjoyed the mini-show.
Time for a treat. We stopped in a "tea room" which is basically a bakery/confectionary that serves hot/cold drinks. (They are all over town and are kind of like our Starbucks but totally different. But they are a place you can relax, stay as long as you want, and chat. They have table service for the drink, and you get your bakery/confectionary stuff at the glass counter.) Dan got the treats while I went to the bathroom. He got 4! We each had our own treat, wow. I guess Sara picked out one for Julia. He had a beer and I had a coffee. We ate our treats. I had Julia on my lap (no high chairs were around) and our girls were a hit with two ladies sitting near by who kept watching them and smiling.
Soon it was time to go, so we walked back to the apartment (I have 12,000 steps on my pedometer, 5.24 miles, 23 flights of steps), stopping first at the store to buy diapers and a few other things (most stores are closed Sunday so we planned a head) and Dan made dinner while I gave SAra and Julia a bath.
At 6:00 Julia was in dreamland after a quick dance on my shoulder to a lullaby. By 6:30 Sara was in dreamland after I went into Julia's room, swiped her doll, and gave it to Sara who said she wanted a doll.
Quote of the day
(at the market) Sara: "Let's get radishes for our feast!"
Me: "Are you going to eat them?"
Sara: "No, they are for you and Papa to share."
----
(at the park) Sara: "Mom, how about we name bouncy things. I'll start: Pogo-stick."
----
(at the park) Sara: "Julia is fine Mom. I'm taking care of her."
----
END of a beautiful day.
Friday - Sick
I woke up sick, spent the day sick, and went to bed feeling better but still sick.
My body preferred being horizontal. Vertical-ness made me feel weak. I had chills, a cough, and my head hurt.
It was raining.
We didn't have plans for the day, so we kept things low key. I slept on and off.
I can't remember the last time I was feeling so ill I could not do anything. Maybe it was sometime twenty or so years ago. Usually even if I don't feel well I can charge ahead. But my body put its foot down. Rest was needed.
Sara was thoughtful, but listened when Dan said "Mama needs to rest." Julia bee-bopped over to me, tore off my covers, grabbed my hand and pulled me up. I did get up when she did that, but I couldn't stay up as much as I wanted to. My body overruled my brain and my feet took me back to lay down.
Needing a lot of rest during the day is very strange for me.
I couldn't cook, eat, or stand. I joined in the family meals, but more as a statue.
Julia was my buddy. Though she did often pull off my covers, sometimes she pulled herself up on the couch near me and put her hand on my arm. I fed off her warm touch; it counteracted my full-body chills. At one point she leaned over and kissed my cheek. With a huge smile on her face. "ummmmMA" she said, giving her kiss a sound effect. I looked up at her sweet face, curtained by her curly hair and her blue eyes looking right into my hazel eyes. I appreciated her reaching out to me in her own way. It did help; I loved it.
After dinner I felt more human. I went to bed at really early (right after Sara). In the night I woke up lined in sweat. I thought maybe we had put the blanket in the laundry and it was still wet. But I had soaked it. My chills, then my sweat may have been fighting a fever. I flipped over my blanket and kept sleeping. I slept 'till 6:50 when Julia said "Mom?!"
On Saturday morning (which is now) I could stand, walk, and even talk and think! My day of rest had helped. The kids are eating breakfast that I made, and I've been able to eat also.
I don't usually have 15 minutes of down-time let alone a whole day. But my body demanded it. I don't know what today has in store for us, but I've packed our map, some water, and some food in the stroller, so when Dan gets up (it is 9:42 AM so it may be soon?) we can go out and have some fun.
END
My body preferred being horizontal. Vertical-ness made me feel weak. I had chills, a cough, and my head hurt.
It was raining.
We didn't have plans for the day, so we kept things low key. I slept on and off.
I can't remember the last time I was feeling so ill I could not do anything. Maybe it was sometime twenty or so years ago. Usually even if I don't feel well I can charge ahead. But my body put its foot down. Rest was needed.
Sara was thoughtful, but listened when Dan said "Mama needs to rest." Julia bee-bopped over to me, tore off my covers, grabbed my hand and pulled me up. I did get up when she did that, but I couldn't stay up as much as I wanted to. My body overruled my brain and my feet took me back to lay down.
Needing a lot of rest during the day is very strange for me.
I couldn't cook, eat, or stand. I joined in the family meals, but more as a statue.
Julia was my buddy. Though she did often pull off my covers, sometimes she pulled herself up on the couch near me and put her hand on my arm. I fed off her warm touch; it counteracted my full-body chills. At one point she leaned over and kissed my cheek. With a huge smile on her face. "ummmmMA" she said, giving her kiss a sound effect. I looked up at her sweet face, curtained by her curly hair and her blue eyes looking right into my hazel eyes. I appreciated her reaching out to me in her own way. It did help; I loved it.
After dinner I felt more human. I went to bed at really early (right after Sara). In the night I woke up lined in sweat. I thought maybe we had put the blanket in the laundry and it was still wet. But I had soaked it. My chills, then my sweat may have been fighting a fever. I flipped over my blanket and kept sleeping. I slept 'till 6:50 when Julia said "Mom?!"
On Saturday morning (which is now) I could stand, walk, and even talk and think! My day of rest had helped. The kids are eating breakfast that I made, and I've been able to eat also.
I don't usually have 15 minutes of down-time let alone a whole day. But my body demanded it. I don't know what today has in store for us, but I've packed our map, some water, and some food in the stroller, so when Dan gets up (it is 9:42 AM so it may be soon?) we can go out and have some fun.
END
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Thursday: Gothic Statuary; 13th century stained glass; 2014 dirt
Morning
I got up with Julia at 6:09. It is easy to remember the exact time. Checking my iphone for the time is the first thing I do to see if it is 1:00 AM, 3:00 AM, 5:30 AM or actually morning. Anything after 6AM is morning; if it is earlier we try our best to get Julia back to sleep.
There was no getting her back to sleep at 6:09, she was talking, jumping, swooshing, and ready to fly out of her crib.
We had a quiet morning 'till Sara entered the dining room to join us. Then Dan woke a bit after 8:00.
Dan showered and got ready right away, which is a good trick. If who ever gets to "sleep in" joins in breakfast right away that person has to break away again to get ready. Once he was showered and dressed I asked him to watch Julia so I could do the same thing. At this point I'd been up for over two hours.
"I'd have to put her in a football hold, and I'd rather not do that first thing in the morning." That was his way of saying that she surely wanted to be with me and would spaz if he tried to keep her away from me (so I could shower). Though I think he underestimated his abilities to entertain our little daughter I was flexible, and decided to take Julia to the shower with me.
We sat in the tub and I washed her hair and did my own too. She had gotten yogurt all over her so it was a decent thing to go ahead and give her a bath. She looked at me quizzically when I got into the tub with her. She is used to Sara doing it, but not me. After we played "drop the bottle into the water" with the shampoo and conditioner bottles, she was laughing, giggling, and her eyes were beaming with this new found fun-time with Mom. It only took about 10 minutes before we emerged clean and ready for the day.
When I put Julia's sunscreen on, I first did her two cheeks, then she pointed to her nose, to remind me to do that too.
I put a pink dress on her, then she reached for a flowered dress so I'd put that on her too. Though I do sometimes humor her, I decided one dress was enough for today's outfit.
Our Rick Steves book has a walking tour of Lausanne, so we finally did it today. We had already walked to many of the sites, but he puts in details that our eyes can not tell us. Things like when buildings were made, and city history.
The walk brought us to Lausanne's castle, up on a perch over looking the city. Sara and Julia asked to play in the stony courtyard so we let them.
Then we continued the walk and ended up at the Cathedral. We have seen many European churches, but this one didn't blend in with the rest.
It had gothic statuary (in a nave, and protected by glass). Sara and Julia stepped into the gothic statuary's nave over and over again. Surely the couldn't know the history that surrounded them (it is from the middle ages) but Dan and I did, and we stared at the amazing scene and enjoyed seeing our girls sitting on the rock seats below it all - having a great time. They loved exploring the church. We were the only ones there, so they went up and down the long church (it is the largest church in Switzerland). The stained glass windows made patches of color on the cathedral's floor so sometimes as Sara and Julia walked around together they were shades of pink, green, and blue. I was glad no one else was there, it let us explore and take it all in on our own terms and pace.
The rose window was 13th century glass. It is neat to look up at it and marvel at the stories they were trying to tell with glass that long ago. The whole cathedral was a wow.
At one point I was walking with Sara and Julia (they tend to stick with me while Dan wanders around looking at things - and I keep track of Sara and Julia and wander around where they do) and they saw Dan and they ran up to him and hugged him. Then Julia ran back to me and hugged me too. It was a nice moment.
After the cathedral we gave the kids more to eat (we are feeding them constantly, even Dan has noted how much they eat in the morning hours, and I know that since I deal with it everyday on travel or at home) we found our way to a great restaurant.
Lunch
It was self-service, which we like for the ease of ordering, and the ability to leave when we want and not be dependent on a server. Plus the price is better. I had a fish dish, with vegetables that was warm, well-seasoned, and feed all of us for 16.90 SF. They had free tap water (glasses by a fountain). That is good since drinks are pricy, it is 3.40 for a small (2dl) soda (like 4 ounces I think) and we don't drink soda anyway, but those prices are crazy. There was a small play area in the restaurant and the girls played in a play house while Dan and I ate (a nice thing).
After lunch it was nap time. I was the only one that napped (45 minutes total), but we all had a break in the apartment which was welcome after our full morning of touring on foot.
Afternoon
Every night I look at information from the tourist office and our tour book for ideas of things to do. One of them was the "Parc Mon-Repos" that said it was an English garden with a large specimen of trees, aviary with tropical birds, orangery and an old tower. It also houses the Swiss version of our supreme court.
Armed with our map the four of us set out to find it (the park). It didn't take long. It was up a hill (naturally) and down a street. When we found it we didn't know what to do first, but when we went inside (just free, no gate or anything) we rounded a lush, green, bend and saw a play area. It had everything. A dirt pit with a full-sized dirt mover for the kids to scoop and re-position dirt (a big deal), a climbing tower/jungle gym, swings, and some cool wooden things to jump on that were hooked up to air pipes and made music sounds! We stayed at that park for an hour. Sara and Julia were on top of the world. They enjoy touring and seeing sights, but when they hit a playground they feel freedom and instantly are joyous. Dan and I love it too. He stayed with Sara who liked the jungle gym and I stayed with Julia who liked the dirt pit.
Julia and the Dirt pit
Our one year old just loved playing in the dirt. It wasn't dirt actually, sort of like gravel and close to beach sand. Julia stood at a dirt play table and moved it around, playing with shapes, and she didn't even look up to check on me, she was just having a ball just like she does on the beach. Dan said, "I don't know what is going on in that head of hers, but it is something."
There was one shovel in the dirt pit. Julia had it. One kid took it away from her. She waved her hands, stood up for herself, and the kid gave it back to Julia. (No French language required!) A while later another kid took the shovel from her, and she let that kid have the shovel, and began playing and scooping with just her hands. (I was so proud of her ability to adapt.) Still one more time a boy came over and snatched the shovel, she looked at him as if to say "that wasn't nice" and then she turned a green plastic lid into a digging toy. All in all, she was such a good kid, played perfectly with the other kids, and I was so proud (and entertained) watching my young daughter do so well out in the world.
Dinner
We were sad to leave the park, but it was 3:30 and Dan needed to get to work at 4:00 (which is 10:00 EST) so we went back to the apartment. Plus, my stomach was so empty and rumbling for food that it was about to leave my body and go find food on its own.
Dan cooked the tenderloin beef from Argentina (I'm not alowed to cook steak since I over cook it) and we also had a pizza we baked in our oven. Add to that some green snap peas, some fruit salad, and soon all our bellies were happy.
Bedtime
Julia was jumping around at bedtime. Literally using both legs to bounce into the air like a cartoon character. I worried a bit about her ability to settle down and sleep, but when I put her PJs on she didn't resist (if she doesn't want to sleep she well take off her PJs while I'm putting them on, so I have to hold her down with my legs while I put them on her) but this time she just let me put them on. I put her in her crib, said good night and closed the door. A while later she called me in, so I gave her a back rub, then snuck out and closed her door. Good night.
I did a new Mickey Mouse app with Sara before her bed, then she went to sleep too. And even though it is 7:50, I'm heading that way too!
Quotes of the day
(on our walk) Sara: "Hey Dad, did you know mountains turn into volcanos when their ice caps fall off."
-----
(at a play ground, Sara took a header fall off a teeter-totter and stayed where she landed in stunned silence. I waited for her to either cry or get back up, when I asked:)
Me: "Sara, are you okay?"
Sara: "I'm fine Mama. I was just testing how hard the ground is. The only way to test how hard the ground is, is to fall on it."
-----
END of a great day.
I got up with Julia at 6:09. It is easy to remember the exact time. Checking my iphone for the time is the first thing I do to see if it is 1:00 AM, 3:00 AM, 5:30 AM or actually morning. Anything after 6AM is morning; if it is earlier we try our best to get Julia back to sleep.
There was no getting her back to sleep at 6:09, she was talking, jumping, swooshing, and ready to fly out of her crib.
We had a quiet morning 'till Sara entered the dining room to join us. Then Dan woke a bit after 8:00.
Dan showered and got ready right away, which is a good trick. If who ever gets to "sleep in" joins in breakfast right away that person has to break away again to get ready. Once he was showered and dressed I asked him to watch Julia so I could do the same thing. At this point I'd been up for over two hours.
"I'd have to put her in a football hold, and I'd rather not do that first thing in the morning." That was his way of saying that she surely wanted to be with me and would spaz if he tried to keep her away from me (so I could shower). Though I think he underestimated his abilities to entertain our little daughter I was flexible, and decided to take Julia to the shower with me.
We sat in the tub and I washed her hair and did my own too. She had gotten yogurt all over her so it was a decent thing to go ahead and give her a bath. She looked at me quizzically when I got into the tub with her. She is used to Sara doing it, but not me. After we played "drop the bottle into the water" with the shampoo and conditioner bottles, she was laughing, giggling, and her eyes were beaming with this new found fun-time with Mom. It only took about 10 minutes before we emerged clean and ready for the day.
When I put Julia's sunscreen on, I first did her two cheeks, then she pointed to her nose, to remind me to do that too.
I put a pink dress on her, then she reached for a flowered dress so I'd put that on her too. Though I do sometimes humor her, I decided one dress was enough for today's outfit.
Our Rick Steves book has a walking tour of Lausanne, so we finally did it today. We had already walked to many of the sites, but he puts in details that our eyes can not tell us. Things like when buildings were made, and city history.
The walk brought us to Lausanne's castle, up on a perch over looking the city. Sara and Julia asked to play in the stony courtyard so we let them.
Then we continued the walk and ended up at the Cathedral. We have seen many European churches, but this one didn't blend in with the rest.
It had gothic statuary (in a nave, and protected by glass). Sara and Julia stepped into the gothic statuary's nave over and over again. Surely the couldn't know the history that surrounded them (it is from the middle ages) but Dan and I did, and we stared at the amazing scene and enjoyed seeing our girls sitting on the rock seats below it all - having a great time. They loved exploring the church. We were the only ones there, so they went up and down the long church (it is the largest church in Switzerland). The stained glass windows made patches of color on the cathedral's floor so sometimes as Sara and Julia walked around together they were shades of pink, green, and blue. I was glad no one else was there, it let us explore and take it all in on our own terms and pace.
The rose window was 13th century glass. It is neat to look up at it and marvel at the stories they were trying to tell with glass that long ago. The whole cathedral was a wow.
At one point I was walking with Sara and Julia (they tend to stick with me while Dan wanders around looking at things - and I keep track of Sara and Julia and wander around where they do) and they saw Dan and they ran up to him and hugged him. Then Julia ran back to me and hugged me too. It was a nice moment.
After the cathedral we gave the kids more to eat (we are feeding them constantly, even Dan has noted how much they eat in the morning hours, and I know that since I deal with it everyday on travel or at home) we found our way to a great restaurant.
Lunch
It was self-service, which we like for the ease of ordering, and the ability to leave when we want and not be dependent on a server. Plus the price is better. I had a fish dish, with vegetables that was warm, well-seasoned, and feed all of us for 16.90 SF. They had free tap water (glasses by a fountain). That is good since drinks are pricy, it is 3.40 for a small (2dl) soda (like 4 ounces I think) and we don't drink soda anyway, but those prices are crazy. There was a small play area in the restaurant and the girls played in a play house while Dan and I ate (a nice thing).
After lunch it was nap time. I was the only one that napped (45 minutes total), but we all had a break in the apartment which was welcome after our full morning of touring on foot.
Afternoon
Every night I look at information from the tourist office and our tour book for ideas of things to do. One of them was the "Parc Mon-Repos" that said it was an English garden with a large specimen of trees, aviary with tropical birds, orangery and an old tower. It also houses the Swiss version of our supreme court.
Armed with our map the four of us set out to find it (the park). It didn't take long. It was up a hill (naturally) and down a street. When we found it we didn't know what to do first, but when we went inside (just free, no gate or anything) we rounded a lush, green, bend and saw a play area. It had everything. A dirt pit with a full-sized dirt mover for the kids to scoop and re-position dirt (a big deal), a climbing tower/jungle gym, swings, and some cool wooden things to jump on that were hooked up to air pipes and made music sounds! We stayed at that park for an hour. Sara and Julia were on top of the world. They enjoy touring and seeing sights, but when they hit a playground they feel freedom and instantly are joyous. Dan and I love it too. He stayed with Sara who liked the jungle gym and I stayed with Julia who liked the dirt pit.
Julia and the Dirt pit
Our one year old just loved playing in the dirt. It wasn't dirt actually, sort of like gravel and close to beach sand. Julia stood at a dirt play table and moved it around, playing with shapes, and she didn't even look up to check on me, she was just having a ball just like she does on the beach. Dan said, "I don't know what is going on in that head of hers, but it is something."
There was one shovel in the dirt pit. Julia had it. One kid took it away from her. She waved her hands, stood up for herself, and the kid gave it back to Julia. (No French language required!) A while later another kid took the shovel from her, and she let that kid have the shovel, and began playing and scooping with just her hands. (I was so proud of her ability to adapt.) Still one more time a boy came over and snatched the shovel, she looked at him as if to say "that wasn't nice" and then she turned a green plastic lid into a digging toy. All in all, she was such a good kid, played perfectly with the other kids, and I was so proud (and entertained) watching my young daughter do so well out in the world.
Dinner
We were sad to leave the park, but it was 3:30 and Dan needed to get to work at 4:00 (which is 10:00 EST) so we went back to the apartment. Plus, my stomach was so empty and rumbling for food that it was about to leave my body and go find food on its own.
Dan cooked the tenderloin beef from Argentina (I'm not alowed to cook steak since I over cook it) and we also had a pizza we baked in our oven. Add to that some green snap peas, some fruit salad, and soon all our bellies were happy.
Bedtime
Julia was jumping around at bedtime. Literally using both legs to bounce into the air like a cartoon character. I worried a bit about her ability to settle down and sleep, but when I put her PJs on she didn't resist (if she doesn't want to sleep she well take off her PJs while I'm putting them on, so I have to hold her down with my legs while I put them on her) but this time she just let me put them on. I put her in her crib, said good night and closed the door. A while later she called me in, so I gave her a back rub, then snuck out and closed her door. Good night.
I did a new Mickey Mouse app with Sara before her bed, then she went to sleep too. And even though it is 7:50, I'm heading that way too!
Quotes of the day
(on our walk) Sara: "Hey Dad, did you know mountains turn into volcanos when their ice caps fall off."
-----
(at a play ground, Sara took a header fall off a teeter-totter and stayed where she landed in stunned silence. I waited for her to either cry or get back up, when I asked:)
Me: "Sara, are you okay?"
Sara: "I'm fine Mama. I was just testing how hard the ground is. The only way to test how hard the ground is, is to fall on it."
-----
END of a great day.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Wednesday - Market day
Morning
Even though we eat breakfast here in the apartment, the first thing we do when we head out for the day is seek food. The girls seem to get hungry as soon as they hit fresh air.
Today it was easy - it was market day. Food was everywhere out on the street.
The first part of the market we saw was up the hill from St. Francis. It was only a few market umbrellas so we assumed it was a small market. Then we saw that the market stretched down the hill, around the corner and along the streets like the spokes of a wheel. When you can't see a whole street (since they aren't straight) it is hard to know what is around the next bend. And in today's case, around the next bend was more market!
The market was large temporary set-ups (a few feet apart from each other), covered by large white umbrellas. (Though the set-up is up to the individual and no two market offerings look a like.) For the vegetable stands the vegetables are on a table in large wicker baskets or in large wooden boxes. You can see everything, and it looks fresh and pretty. We saw probably 30 vegeable stands in the street today, a few olive stands, 12 or so bakery stands, and then there was a flea market in one area.
For the most part the market was edible, so Sara was very excited to gather what we needed for a "feast" (her word). She picked out carrots, celery, lettuce, radishes, and a pine apple. I guess that is a feast in her mind!
To buy each thing the market keeper would weigh things, tell us the price (in French) then Sara would hand over the money and take the bag. She took this interaction very seriously and was a good buyer for us. She even got a free carrot and a free piece of chocolate!
Lunch
After seeing miles of market our feet were ready for a sit-down break. We went to a roof top restaurant, which had a slide for kids. Sara and Julia went down the slide time after time, again and again, with huge grins on their faces. They never went down alone, Sara would climb to the top, wait for Julia, put her arm around her, then they would go down the slide together. I heard Sara tell Julia "I love you Julia" and I saw her give her a hug with her (Sara's) eyes shut. Sara does love her sister. Julia returns the love, as only a 1 year old can. :)
We got Julia back to her crib quickly after lunch. We wanted to give her a nap here instead of outside in the stroller. It worked sort of. We did get her into her crib quickly, but she pooped twice (two fresh diapers) and then we heard a key in her lock. She had taken her mobile crib apart and was trying to use the key to open her bedroom door!
Dan and I used dental floss to prevent our crib-jail-breaker from escaping again. She tested it immediatly, and she was foiled. Good. No more crib escapes for now.
Afternoon
We went to the grocery store, which meant playing with the toys next to the groceries. Sara did a great job helping in the grocery store, and even helped me pack them into our 2 reusable bags. We bought mainly light things, knowing that we'd have to carry our groceries back to the apartment. I splurged on some tenderloin beef from Argentina. It was 21 SF, but looked good and that really isn't bad for feeding a family of 4 (and believe me the kids can eat a lot!).
Late Afternoon
We went back out (except for Dan) to play at a play ground, play at a toy store, and enjoy the evening scene. Everyone is very nice. When they see me with the stroller they help me with doors (which is pratically a necessity so I'm thankful for the help), and many people talk to Sara and Julia. They smile and wave back.
Quotes of the day
(at the lunch slide) Julia: "Hand. Up. Go!" (Julia was offering her hand to a smaller kid who was trying to climb up the slide's ladder. She even provided further instructional help - 'up' to remind the kid that he was supposed to go up. And, 'go' to get the kid moving! It was funny to see her communicate with another kid like that.
(at bedtime, Sara started to cry a little)
Me: "Sara, why are you crying?"
Sara: "I'm not Mom. My eyes just had extra water and I had to let them drip. They are just dripping Mom. My body makes water for my eyes and I had to let some of it out."
(it was just funny how she explained that to me, she has said 'dripping' for crying in the past, I think she was just tired - she'll get a good night's sleep for sure!)
END.
Even though we eat breakfast here in the apartment, the first thing we do when we head out for the day is seek food. The girls seem to get hungry as soon as they hit fresh air.
Today it was easy - it was market day. Food was everywhere out on the street.
The first part of the market we saw was up the hill from St. Francis. It was only a few market umbrellas so we assumed it was a small market. Then we saw that the market stretched down the hill, around the corner and along the streets like the spokes of a wheel. When you can't see a whole street (since they aren't straight) it is hard to know what is around the next bend. And in today's case, around the next bend was more market!
The market was large temporary set-ups (a few feet apart from each other), covered by large white umbrellas. (Though the set-up is up to the individual and no two market offerings look a like.) For the vegetable stands the vegetables are on a table in large wicker baskets or in large wooden boxes. You can see everything, and it looks fresh and pretty. We saw probably 30 vegeable stands in the street today, a few olive stands, 12 or so bakery stands, and then there was a flea market in one area.
For the most part the market was edible, so Sara was very excited to gather what we needed for a "feast" (her word). She picked out carrots, celery, lettuce, radishes, and a pine apple. I guess that is a feast in her mind!
To buy each thing the market keeper would weigh things, tell us the price (in French) then Sara would hand over the money and take the bag. She took this interaction very seriously and was a good buyer for us. She even got a free carrot and a free piece of chocolate!
Lunch
After seeing miles of market our feet were ready for a sit-down break. We went to a roof top restaurant, which had a slide for kids. Sara and Julia went down the slide time after time, again and again, with huge grins on their faces. They never went down alone, Sara would climb to the top, wait for Julia, put her arm around her, then they would go down the slide together. I heard Sara tell Julia "I love you Julia" and I saw her give her a hug with her (Sara's) eyes shut. Sara does love her sister. Julia returns the love, as only a 1 year old can. :)
We got Julia back to her crib quickly after lunch. We wanted to give her a nap here instead of outside in the stroller. It worked sort of. We did get her into her crib quickly, but she pooped twice (two fresh diapers) and then we heard a key in her lock. She had taken her mobile crib apart and was trying to use the key to open her bedroom door!
Dan and I used dental floss to prevent our crib-jail-breaker from escaping again. She tested it immediatly, and she was foiled. Good. No more crib escapes for now.
Afternoon
We went to the grocery store, which meant playing with the toys next to the groceries. Sara did a great job helping in the grocery store, and even helped me pack them into our 2 reusable bags. We bought mainly light things, knowing that we'd have to carry our groceries back to the apartment. I splurged on some tenderloin beef from Argentina. It was 21 SF, but looked good and that really isn't bad for feeding a family of 4 (and believe me the kids can eat a lot!).
Late Afternoon
We went back out (except for Dan) to play at a play ground, play at a toy store, and enjoy the evening scene. Everyone is very nice. When they see me with the stroller they help me with doors (which is pratically a necessity so I'm thankful for the help), and many people talk to Sara and Julia. They smile and wave back.
Quotes of the day
(at the lunch slide) Julia: "Hand. Up. Go!" (Julia was offering her hand to a smaller kid who was trying to climb up the slide's ladder. She even provided further instructional help - 'up' to remind the kid that he was supposed to go up. And, 'go' to get the kid moving! It was funny to see her communicate with another kid like that.
(at bedtime, Sara started to cry a little)
Me: "Sara, why are you crying?"
Sara: "I'm not Mom. My eyes just had extra water and I had to let them drip. They are just dripping Mom. My body makes water for my eyes and I had to let some of it out."
(it was just funny how she explained that to me, she has said 'dripping' for crying in the past, I think she was just tired - she'll get a good night's sleep for sure!)
END.
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Tuesday - Walk along Lake Geneva
Morning
I got to sleep in 'till 8:00 AM! I didn't even realize everyone was up 'till I heard Sara talking to Julia as they ate breakfast with Dan.
After feuling up with breakfast we decided to head down to the water front to explore the area. There is a long promenade down there, and it goes to the left and right. Yesterday we went to the left and today we went to the right.
Julia loves to walk. Soon after leaving the apartment Dan put Sara in a time out for "bothering Julia" in the stroller. While Sara sat up on a rock wall and said, "don't leave me here!" with agony tears in her eyes, Julia was excited to keep going on our walk. So Dan stayed with Sara (appropriate since he put her in timeout) and I got Julia out of the stroller (she grabbed my hand, directed it to the realese button, and said, "down") and then she was off like a rocket. I held her hand as we walked down the hill - as fast as her legs could take her, which was amplified by the downward slope. I loved crusing along with my little Jewel, and we had some fun mother-daughter time. We walked a mile before Dan and Sara caught up to us (I wear a pedometer so I know) and Julia reluctantly went back into the stroller, for one second, then I got her back out and we walked together hand in hand next to Dan and Sara in the stroller (it is isn't that Sara doesn't like to walk, but she likes to look around and enjoy the ride too.)
We got down to the water front. This is about 1/2 hour after breakfast. "Can we have something to eat? Can we have pizza at a restaurant?" both of them were hungry. And admitedly I was hungry too. Dan shook his head and we went to a grocery store right there by the water. Dan picked out bread and a sliced meat tray for sandwhiches, and I picked out a pre-made chicken pasta dish with red/green peppers, corn, and brocoli. I also picked out a fruit salad.
Now that we had our picnic stuff, where to picnic? "How about right here mom? We could just sit on the sidewalk?" Sara suggested. Thinking there had to be a better place, we told her to wait a little and we'd eat soon.
Sure enough, by a boat house (there is a lot of marine equiptment and boats here due to the lake and there is always a white masted sail boat out cruising with the white swans) we found a set of picnic tables. The girls ran to find a seat. I put Julia next to me on my right and Sara sat to my left. I speedily doled out the food with Dan's help. The girls ate as if they were starving. Julia ate piece after piece of fruit (she really liked the honeydo melon) and she also ate the pasta and vegetables. Sara ate some bread and a ton of fruit. I was glad the picnic food was a hit, since we never really know if food we buy will be a hit or a miss (they are good eaters but they do have preferences). So we were glad that our picnic by the lake went well. They ate with perfect manners, swinging their feet off the picnic table's seat as they ate with forks and used napkins. Julia is fun to watch when she uses a fork (which is all the time) she does it with extreme precision and is distraught when she drops food (which isn't often). She is such a good kid; Sara is too.
Once full we continued our walk. We walked along the lake with large stones to bear the brunt of the lapping lake water on the shore. We enjoyed the other people out walking, and everything there was to see. Mainly we just shared a nice walk together. My pedometer read over 20,000 steps (8-10 miles).
My favorite part was when we stopped at a play ground (no one else was there, so it felt like our own private place to play. They climbed up high (especially Sara, who is very good at rope ladders) and they *ran* to get to the tire swing, where they sat side by side holding on as Dan pushed them. "Dad, will you push us? We want to go high!" (they know that my pushing is more conservative than Dan's) so the girls smiled and laughed, looking at each other, us, and up at the sky. We all loved it.
Soon after that we all sat on a merry go round and spun it. It was unique to all be on the same piece of playground equiptment loving the motion, the fun, and the togetherness. Such fun.
To top all that fun there were also some daffodil sprouts in a nearby knoll. It was the kind of place you'd expect woodland fairies to live. The daffodils were a sign of spring, and I invited Julia to walk over there with me. She ran over to me and we walked through the field of daffodils sprouting up out of the Earth. We were quiet, happy, and holding hands, which fills me up with even more happiness. ;)
After that Julia saw a set of train tracks (for a mini train that is not running) and she poked around at those tracks for 20 minutes with out looking up - she was investigating something, we just don't know what! We didn't bother her, it was fun to watch her be so engrossed with nature.
Then we left, continued our walk, to some scant Roman ruins, more marinas, more docks with boats, and even a string of beaches. When we turned around while Julia was napping Sara asked to play on the beach so we did. Dan kept walking along the lake with Julia (to keep her asleep) and Sara and I dug in the sand, made stacks of rocks (I made the stacks, and she knocked them over), and found a few tiny shells. We were totally focused on just having fun, involved in our own world by the sea.
Julia slept for about 1.5 hours. A great nap. When she was awake she *ran* to the carousel down by the harbor and every single person sitting on the nearby wooden benches smiled at her. She was *going* to ride on the carousel - there was no question in her mind! I forked over 10 SF and she took 3 fun trips around the carousel, looking like a Queen out for a ride in the country. I was with her, Dan was with Sara on the pirate playground near by. There are a lot of nice things for kids here!
Late Afternoon
Around 3:30 we walked up to the apartment. It is a crazy long walk, especially after a whole day dedicated to walking. We made it, the girls watched Toy Story 2 as a calm-down treat, Dan worked, and I made dinner. (Chicken, cauliflower, and pasta.) All was well.
Then it was bathtime, time for more food (second dinner) and then off to bed. For Julia I just put her in her crib. She called me back a few minutes later "Mooom!" so I rocked her in my arms with her head on my shoulder. I could do that for hours. I love her soft breathing on my neck and the way she snuggles in. I say "I love you too" since I feel she is saying "I love you" to me.
Quotes of the day
(after breaking two lego toys apart) Julia: "I did it!"
-------
(bathtime) Me: "Is the water okay Sara?"
Sara: "I don't know with my feet. But I'll know with my butt. Just wait a minute and I'll tell you. Ahhhh, perfect."
------
(on our speedy walk down the hill) Julia: "Tree! Leaf! Grass!" to identify things as we passed them by.
-------
(at the end of our walk) Sara: "Dad, why aren't you wearing your hat?"
Dan: "A bird pooped on it."
Sara: "How? Why?"
Dan: "I walked under a tree and a bird took off, and it pooped."
Sara: "Can I see it?"
Dan: "No. It is under my hat over there."
Sara: "Oh, okay."
------
END
I got to sleep in 'till 8:00 AM! I didn't even realize everyone was up 'till I heard Sara talking to Julia as they ate breakfast with Dan.
After feuling up with breakfast we decided to head down to the water front to explore the area. There is a long promenade down there, and it goes to the left and right. Yesterday we went to the left and today we went to the right.
Julia loves to walk. Soon after leaving the apartment Dan put Sara in a time out for "bothering Julia" in the stroller. While Sara sat up on a rock wall and said, "don't leave me here!" with agony tears in her eyes, Julia was excited to keep going on our walk. So Dan stayed with Sara (appropriate since he put her in timeout) and I got Julia out of the stroller (she grabbed my hand, directed it to the realese button, and said, "down") and then she was off like a rocket. I held her hand as we walked down the hill - as fast as her legs could take her, which was amplified by the downward slope. I loved crusing along with my little Jewel, and we had some fun mother-daughter time. We walked a mile before Dan and Sara caught up to us (I wear a pedometer so I know) and Julia reluctantly went back into the stroller, for one second, then I got her back out and we walked together hand in hand next to Dan and Sara in the stroller (it is isn't that Sara doesn't like to walk, but she likes to look around and enjoy the ride too.)
We got down to the water front. This is about 1/2 hour after breakfast. "Can we have something to eat? Can we have pizza at a restaurant?" both of them were hungry. And admitedly I was hungry too. Dan shook his head and we went to a grocery store right there by the water. Dan picked out bread and a sliced meat tray for sandwhiches, and I picked out a pre-made chicken pasta dish with red/green peppers, corn, and brocoli. I also picked out a fruit salad.
Now that we had our picnic stuff, where to picnic? "How about right here mom? We could just sit on the sidewalk?" Sara suggested. Thinking there had to be a better place, we told her to wait a little and we'd eat soon.
Sure enough, by a boat house (there is a lot of marine equiptment and boats here due to the lake and there is always a white masted sail boat out cruising with the white swans) we found a set of picnic tables. The girls ran to find a seat. I put Julia next to me on my right and Sara sat to my left. I speedily doled out the food with Dan's help. The girls ate as if they were starving. Julia ate piece after piece of fruit (she really liked the honeydo melon) and she also ate the pasta and vegetables. Sara ate some bread and a ton of fruit. I was glad the picnic food was a hit, since we never really know if food we buy will be a hit or a miss (they are good eaters but they do have preferences). So we were glad that our picnic by the lake went well. They ate with perfect manners, swinging their feet off the picnic table's seat as they ate with forks and used napkins. Julia is fun to watch when she uses a fork (which is all the time) she does it with extreme precision and is distraught when she drops food (which isn't often). She is such a good kid; Sara is too.
Once full we continued our walk. We walked along the lake with large stones to bear the brunt of the lapping lake water on the shore. We enjoyed the other people out walking, and everything there was to see. Mainly we just shared a nice walk together. My pedometer read over 20,000 steps (8-10 miles).
My favorite part was when we stopped at a play ground (no one else was there, so it felt like our own private place to play. They climbed up high (especially Sara, who is very good at rope ladders) and they *ran* to get to the tire swing, where they sat side by side holding on as Dan pushed them. "Dad, will you push us? We want to go high!" (they know that my pushing is more conservative than Dan's) so the girls smiled and laughed, looking at each other, us, and up at the sky. We all loved it.
Soon after that we all sat on a merry go round and spun it. It was unique to all be on the same piece of playground equiptment loving the motion, the fun, and the togetherness. Such fun.
To top all that fun there were also some daffodil sprouts in a nearby knoll. It was the kind of place you'd expect woodland fairies to live. The daffodils were a sign of spring, and I invited Julia to walk over there with me. She ran over to me and we walked through the field of daffodils sprouting up out of the Earth. We were quiet, happy, and holding hands, which fills me up with even more happiness. ;)
After that Julia saw a set of train tracks (for a mini train that is not running) and she poked around at those tracks for 20 minutes with out looking up - she was investigating something, we just don't know what! We didn't bother her, it was fun to watch her be so engrossed with nature.
Then we left, continued our walk, to some scant Roman ruins, more marinas, more docks with boats, and even a string of beaches. When we turned around while Julia was napping Sara asked to play on the beach so we did. Dan kept walking along the lake with Julia (to keep her asleep) and Sara and I dug in the sand, made stacks of rocks (I made the stacks, and she knocked them over), and found a few tiny shells. We were totally focused on just having fun, involved in our own world by the sea.
Julia slept for about 1.5 hours. A great nap. When she was awake she *ran* to the carousel down by the harbor and every single person sitting on the nearby wooden benches smiled at her. She was *going* to ride on the carousel - there was no question in her mind! I forked over 10 SF and she took 3 fun trips around the carousel, looking like a Queen out for a ride in the country. I was with her, Dan was with Sara on the pirate playground near by. There are a lot of nice things for kids here!
Late Afternoon
Around 3:30 we walked up to the apartment. It is a crazy long walk, especially after a whole day dedicated to walking. We made it, the girls watched Toy Story 2 as a calm-down treat, Dan worked, and I made dinner. (Chicken, cauliflower, and pasta.) All was well.
Then it was bathtime, time for more food (second dinner) and then off to bed. For Julia I just put her in her crib. She called me back a few minutes later "Mooom!" so I rocked her in my arms with her head on my shoulder. I could do that for hours. I love her soft breathing on my neck and the way she snuggles in. I say "I love you too" since I feel she is saying "I love you" to me.
Quotes of the day
(after breaking two lego toys apart) Julia: "I did it!"
-------
(bathtime) Me: "Is the water okay Sara?"
Sara: "I don't know with my feet. But I'll know with my butt. Just wait a minute and I'll tell you. Ahhhh, perfect."
------
(on our speedy walk down the hill) Julia: "Tree! Leaf! Grass!" to identify things as we passed them by.
-------
(at the end of our walk) Sara: "Dad, why aren't you wearing your hat?"
Dan: "A bird pooped on it."
Sara: "How? Why?"
Dan: "I walked under a tree and a bird took off, and it pooped."
Sara: "Can I see it?"
Dan: "No. It is under my hat over there."
Sara: "Oh, okay."
------
END
Monday, February 17, 2014
Monday - to France! (boat trip to Evian - town of water)
Note: I took 22,000 steps today, and went up 54 floors according to my pedometer.
Morning
We woke to a clear sky, so by 9:25 we were on a boat down at the harbor heading to France. By 10:04 we were walking across the gang plank into Evian - the source of Evian water!
The walk down to the boat at Lausanne's harbor was about 30 minutes walking down hill. Not just a little bit down hill, but really sloped down. Half way we stopped at a grocery store for bananas, sliced ham, and bread. Then we continued down, down, down 'till we saw the lake.
With only 3 minutes left to catch our boat we picked up our pace. We could see 3 boats in the harbor, which was ours? We made a guess and chose well. After walking across the gang plank to get on our boat, they pulled up the gang plank and the boat let out a HONK and we were off. Dan bought tickets (got 1/2 off) while the girls chose us seats. They are very good at that. No matter where we go, they always look around, decide where to sit, then they set up shop. Julia always takes off her shoes (no matter if she is on a train, a boat, or the stroller) and Sara takes off her hat and coat. They land where ever gravity takes them.
The seat they chose was on the upper deck of the boat. It was enclosed so we sat looking out at the rippling Lake Geneva. Though the lake is pretty, the mountains steal the show. They rise up in their snow capped stateliness, just demanding you to be entranced by them.
The crossing to France (on the other side of Lake Geneva) was only 30 minutes, so we enjoyed every minute. That is to say, SAra and Julia ate cereal, strawberries, and an orange. Dan and I picked cereal and orange pieces up off the floor, but they were good girls.
Our white boat made a white wake as it plowed across the lake. We moved steadily, not fast, but not pokey. France came into view, we all went to the bathroom, then we stepped out into a town named "Evian" where Evian water comes from.
We drink Evian. Not all the time, but we buy it occasionally at home in VA. Here on this trip, we just drink tap water or sometimes buy water - but we jump around from brand to brand just to try things while we are here. But in Evian, people drink Evian.
The lake side promenade in France beaconed us to walk along the water. We did. To our right was the water, to our left was green parks, play areas, even a small elegant mini-golf (empty, it is off season). After a stop at the tourist information booth where we got a historical walking tour map, we began our walk to get to know Evian.
It is a nice place. A real place. Though I guess there are tourists here in the summer, there were not any tourists today. Locals were walking down the streets (pedestrian streets, no cars) with their shopping bags and knit hats. People were walking their dogs. We tried to fit in, and Sara and Julia made people smile. (People of all ages smile at them.)
Evian Water -- the source!
The walking tour brought us past the "pump room" (an ornate building with huge iron gates) and up a hill. That's when we saw it. A tiled structure with a simple spout - of running water. Evian! We walked over, emptied out our water bottles (that we always carry for when we are thisty) and filled our water bottles with Evian -- from the source - - for free -- with no one else around. It was special. Spring water that is shipped all over the world, and here it was at our finger tips.
As we stood there enjoying the water, a lady walked up with a water carrier and 6 empty bottles. She filled them then walked away. Then a man came with a paper bag and 10 empty bottles. He filled them and then walked away. Then a young lady came with glass bottles, filled then, then walked away. The locals were getting their water! We loved seeing it. And they were of all ages, of all states of fanciness, and each of them was friendly to us, but went about their task of getting their water and walking away.
Some how Sara and Julia knew the water was special. They each had a water bottle and drank more water than I've ever seen them drink. They just drank, sipped, glugged, and then drank more! We had to fill our bottles again (which was fun of course). And I even put my hand in the source just to feel it - why not? It was free flowing spring water, pure and cold, so I even leaned in and used it as a drinking fountain. All fun.
Our bellies were full (and sloshing) when we left. We continued our tour of Evian's water front area (town hall, casino, etc) and then found the MOST delightful cafe for a lunch.
I don't know how we got so lucky, but this cafe was friendly, had great food, had a high chair, and every thing about it was just great. There were probably 15 tables in the whole place (cafes are usually small like that) and only 3 other groups were there (a set of men, a set of women, and a lone man working on a lap top).
Dan had the "menu" which is a set meal with appetiser, meal, and dessert (for 15 Euro). I had lasagna, which came with a salad. Sara and Julia had the children meal of chicken and french fries. It was all good quality, served nicely, and it felt good to have such a nice lunch together. They even gave Sara a scoop of Strawberry icecream (about the size of an ice cube).
After that we walked, played, and enjoyed the water front promenade - in the other direction from before. The promenade lead past gardens (with arched trellises), play grounds (with slides, climbing towers) and we enjoyed everything about it. When Julia fell asleep at nap time, Dan walked with her in the stroller while Sara and I pretended a playground was a pirate ship. Captian Hook didn't stand a chance to our defences of sticks, one stone, and 2 imaginations. At one point Sara picked up a worm and said, "what's this?" and when I made a surprised face she dropped it. Then we looked at it - and I told her worms are used for fishing at the lake. She didn't touch it again - I think she thought it was a neat looking stick or something. It was funny.
Back to Switzerland - a great boat ride.
Our boat left at 3:15 or something like that. We had a good time in Evian but we were ready to go. The boat ride back was utterly fun. We sat in the way back deck - although we never actually sat, we were all at the boat's railing feeling the wind in our faces. Sara looked out with interest and Julia said "waaaa-weeeeeeee!" with a smile on her face and the wind blowing her hair. You could see both daughters were loving the feeling of gliding above the water as we zipped along back to Switzerland. Since we were on the back deck and there was only a small railing, it was like we were standing on the water as it zoomed along below us. It was impossibly pretty. The lake was calm with a ripple of wind, the mountains were white and it was 30 minutes of bliss. It was an adventure we were all having, the thrill of the speed, the beauty of nature, and the fun of doing it together.
To see some of the area, you can see Evian's video about it. When they show the "source" with people getting water - that is where we were! And you can see some of the mountians in their video also.
http://pure.evian.com/en/UK/#/home
Back in Lausanne
The first thing we did after the girls rocketed off the boat was go on the carousal down at the water. They each took 2 rides (10 SF) and Julia loved it so much she didn't want to get off! She chose a third thing to ride and it broke my heart to have to take her off it to leave the ride. The first thing they rode was a two seater car, so they looked impossibly cute together in their little car going around and around. Then they each chose a carousal horse that went up and down in the traditional way. For those few minutes all that existed was that carousel on the harbor - we just lost ourselves in the fun of the ride.
Then we did a playground (that really did look like a pirate ship) then we came back to the apartment for a meat ball/pasta dinner.
After dinner walk
Though we didn't like to leave the dinner mess, we knew we had to if we wanted to go for a walk after dinner but before bedtime. "Get your socks and shoes on!" we said, then moments later we were on the elevator to go for an evening walk here in Lausanne.
Our walk took us up into the awesome pedestrian area - with a vibe that is difficult to describe. There is a mix of everything, focusing on the high-end of things. Dan used an ATM and got a 200 bill. I commented that is because we were near a Rolex store. But forgetting about the high end stuff, there are just so many people strolling around that it is fun to be part of the evening scene with them. Just like usual, even the streets with the stores go straight up or straight down. That is why my fit bit thinks I went up 54 flights of stairs today! It was just a fun walk. We mentioned ice cream and there were no scoop shops so we went to Manor department store (very fancy) and got a pint. I opened it, gave the girls 2 spoons, and we kept walking. It could have been a bad idea, but they shared nicely and they sure were quiet as they ate ice cream and we strolled around enjoying the shops, fountains, and regal buildings! What a neat place this is.
Time for sleep
I got Julia in her PJs, gave her "cheese" at her request (she goes to the refrigerator, reaches up and says "cheese!!!" and she has been asleep since about 7PM. Sara has been asleep since 7:30 and soon me too!
Quotes of the day: (All from Papa!)
(on the boat) Papa: "Let's go to France!" (it was just funny to hear him say that, since crossing a lake and going to France isn't something you do every day.)
(at lunch) Papa: "I have no idea what I'm eating." (his appetizer was some sort of tri-colored goo but he ate it - he is more adventurous than I am.)
(at the Evian source) Me: "let's dump out our water (from the tap in our apartment) and fill our bottles with Evian!"
Papa: "Yeah, because water from France is so much better than water from Switzerland." (he is such a man)
(at lunch) Papa: "Oh sure, use me as a napkin" (to Julia, who was sitting next to him and appeared to remove some of her lunch off her face and onto his shirt)
---
A great day. Boat trip to France. Evian source. Carousel ride. And many smiles, hugs, and "I love you" - I heard Sara say that to me, Dan, and Julia. Makes it all worth while.
END.
Morning
We woke to a clear sky, so by 9:25 we were on a boat down at the harbor heading to France. By 10:04 we were walking across the gang plank into Evian - the source of Evian water!
The walk down to the boat at Lausanne's harbor was about 30 minutes walking down hill. Not just a little bit down hill, but really sloped down. Half way we stopped at a grocery store for bananas, sliced ham, and bread. Then we continued down, down, down 'till we saw the lake.
With only 3 minutes left to catch our boat we picked up our pace. We could see 3 boats in the harbor, which was ours? We made a guess and chose well. After walking across the gang plank to get on our boat, they pulled up the gang plank and the boat let out a HONK and we were off. Dan bought tickets (got 1/2 off) while the girls chose us seats. They are very good at that. No matter where we go, they always look around, decide where to sit, then they set up shop. Julia always takes off her shoes (no matter if she is on a train, a boat, or the stroller) and Sara takes off her hat and coat. They land where ever gravity takes them.
The seat they chose was on the upper deck of the boat. It was enclosed so we sat looking out at the rippling Lake Geneva. Though the lake is pretty, the mountains steal the show. They rise up in their snow capped stateliness, just demanding you to be entranced by them.
The crossing to France (on the other side of Lake Geneva) was only 30 minutes, so we enjoyed every minute. That is to say, SAra and Julia ate cereal, strawberries, and an orange. Dan and I picked cereal and orange pieces up off the floor, but they were good girls.
Our white boat made a white wake as it plowed across the lake. We moved steadily, not fast, but not pokey. France came into view, we all went to the bathroom, then we stepped out into a town named "Evian" where Evian water comes from.
We drink Evian. Not all the time, but we buy it occasionally at home in VA. Here on this trip, we just drink tap water or sometimes buy water - but we jump around from brand to brand just to try things while we are here. But in Evian, people drink Evian.
The lake side promenade in France beaconed us to walk along the water. We did. To our right was the water, to our left was green parks, play areas, even a small elegant mini-golf (empty, it is off season). After a stop at the tourist information booth where we got a historical walking tour map, we began our walk to get to know Evian.
It is a nice place. A real place. Though I guess there are tourists here in the summer, there were not any tourists today. Locals were walking down the streets (pedestrian streets, no cars) with their shopping bags and knit hats. People were walking their dogs. We tried to fit in, and Sara and Julia made people smile. (People of all ages smile at them.)
Evian Water -- the source!
The walking tour brought us past the "pump room" (an ornate building with huge iron gates) and up a hill. That's when we saw it. A tiled structure with a simple spout - of running water. Evian! We walked over, emptied out our water bottles (that we always carry for when we are thisty) and filled our water bottles with Evian -- from the source - - for free -- with no one else around. It was special. Spring water that is shipped all over the world, and here it was at our finger tips.
As we stood there enjoying the water, a lady walked up with a water carrier and 6 empty bottles. She filled them then walked away. Then a man came with a paper bag and 10 empty bottles. He filled them and then walked away. Then a young lady came with glass bottles, filled then, then walked away. The locals were getting their water! We loved seeing it. And they were of all ages, of all states of fanciness, and each of them was friendly to us, but went about their task of getting their water and walking away.
Some how Sara and Julia knew the water was special. They each had a water bottle and drank more water than I've ever seen them drink. They just drank, sipped, glugged, and then drank more! We had to fill our bottles again (which was fun of course). And I even put my hand in the source just to feel it - why not? It was free flowing spring water, pure and cold, so I even leaned in and used it as a drinking fountain. All fun.
Our bellies were full (and sloshing) when we left. We continued our tour of Evian's water front area (town hall, casino, etc) and then found the MOST delightful cafe for a lunch.
I don't know how we got so lucky, but this cafe was friendly, had great food, had a high chair, and every thing about it was just great. There were probably 15 tables in the whole place (cafes are usually small like that) and only 3 other groups were there (a set of men, a set of women, and a lone man working on a lap top).
Dan had the "menu" which is a set meal with appetiser, meal, and dessert (for 15 Euro). I had lasagna, which came with a salad. Sara and Julia had the children meal of chicken and french fries. It was all good quality, served nicely, and it felt good to have such a nice lunch together. They even gave Sara a scoop of Strawberry icecream (about the size of an ice cube).
After that we walked, played, and enjoyed the water front promenade - in the other direction from before. The promenade lead past gardens (with arched trellises), play grounds (with slides, climbing towers) and we enjoyed everything about it. When Julia fell asleep at nap time, Dan walked with her in the stroller while Sara and I pretended a playground was a pirate ship. Captian Hook didn't stand a chance to our defences of sticks, one stone, and 2 imaginations. At one point Sara picked up a worm and said, "what's this?" and when I made a surprised face she dropped it. Then we looked at it - and I told her worms are used for fishing at the lake. She didn't touch it again - I think she thought it was a neat looking stick or something. It was funny.
Back to Switzerland - a great boat ride.
Our boat left at 3:15 or something like that. We had a good time in Evian but we were ready to go. The boat ride back was utterly fun. We sat in the way back deck - although we never actually sat, we were all at the boat's railing feeling the wind in our faces. Sara looked out with interest and Julia said "waaaa-weeeeeeee!" with a smile on her face and the wind blowing her hair. You could see both daughters were loving the feeling of gliding above the water as we zipped along back to Switzerland. Since we were on the back deck and there was only a small railing, it was like we were standing on the water as it zoomed along below us. It was impossibly pretty. The lake was calm with a ripple of wind, the mountains were white and it was 30 minutes of bliss. It was an adventure we were all having, the thrill of the speed, the beauty of nature, and the fun of doing it together.
To see some of the area, you can see Evian's video about it. When they show the "source" with people getting water - that is where we were! And you can see some of the mountians in their video also.
http://pure.evian.com/en/UK/#/home
Back in Lausanne
The first thing we did after the girls rocketed off the boat was go on the carousal down at the water. They each took 2 rides (10 SF) and Julia loved it so much she didn't want to get off! She chose a third thing to ride and it broke my heart to have to take her off it to leave the ride. The first thing they rode was a two seater car, so they looked impossibly cute together in their little car going around and around. Then they each chose a carousal horse that went up and down in the traditional way. For those few minutes all that existed was that carousel on the harbor - we just lost ourselves in the fun of the ride.
Then we did a playground (that really did look like a pirate ship) then we came back to the apartment for a meat ball/pasta dinner.
After dinner walk
Though we didn't like to leave the dinner mess, we knew we had to if we wanted to go for a walk after dinner but before bedtime. "Get your socks and shoes on!" we said, then moments later we were on the elevator to go for an evening walk here in Lausanne.
Our walk took us up into the awesome pedestrian area - with a vibe that is difficult to describe. There is a mix of everything, focusing on the high-end of things. Dan used an ATM and got a 200 bill. I commented that is because we were near a Rolex store. But forgetting about the high end stuff, there are just so many people strolling around that it is fun to be part of the evening scene with them. Just like usual, even the streets with the stores go straight up or straight down. That is why my fit bit thinks I went up 54 flights of stairs today! It was just a fun walk. We mentioned ice cream and there were no scoop shops so we went to Manor department store (very fancy) and got a pint. I opened it, gave the girls 2 spoons, and we kept walking. It could have been a bad idea, but they shared nicely and they sure were quiet as they ate ice cream and we strolled around enjoying the shops, fountains, and regal buildings! What a neat place this is.
Time for sleep
I got Julia in her PJs, gave her "cheese" at her request (she goes to the refrigerator, reaches up and says "cheese!!!" and she has been asleep since about 7PM. Sara has been asleep since 7:30 and soon me too!
Quotes of the day: (All from Papa!)
(on the boat) Papa: "Let's go to France!" (it was just funny to hear him say that, since crossing a lake and going to France isn't something you do every day.)
(at lunch) Papa: "I have no idea what I'm eating." (his appetizer was some sort of tri-colored goo but he ate it - he is more adventurous than I am.)
(at the Evian source) Me: "let's dump out our water (from the tap in our apartment) and fill our bottles with Evian!"
Papa: "Yeah, because water from France is so much better than water from Switzerland." (he is such a man)
(at lunch) Papa: "Oh sure, use me as a napkin" (to Julia, who was sitting next to him and appeared to remove some of her lunch off her face and onto his shirt)
---
A great day. Boat trip to France. Evian source. Carousel ride. And many smiles, hugs, and "I love you" - I heard Sara say that to me, Dan, and Julia. Makes it all worth while.
END.
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Sunday - Chateau de Chillon (Castle!)
Today was castle day.
We arrived in Lausanne yesterday. It is on Lake Geneva. Today was our first day waking up here.
Since it is a weekend day we wanted to do a day-trip (since Dan wasn't working) so we decided to head to Chateau de Chillon.
It is on the outskirts of Montreux, built on a rock island on the edge of Lake Geneva. Rick Steves calls it: "remarkably well preserved, never damaged or destroyed--always inhabited, always maintained. Today it it's Switzerland's best castle experience."
You can reach it by boat or train. We opted for train since the only boat left around noon and we wanted an earlier start than that. After an initial mix up with which train to take (we actually got off a train to double check, and the train we were originally on would have required a bus transfer) we got on a train at 11:00.
The train ride was super easy and only 6 swiss francs. We got off at the Veytaux-Chillon station. I got my first glimpse of the castle as we pulled into the station. "ooooooh" I said. "What Mom?" Sara inquired. And when she went down the steps to the lake side promenade she saw for herself: the castle.
Enlarged to its current state in the 13th century it takes a minute to stare at the castle just to realize it is real. We walked about 10 mintues along the lake (a gorgeuous turquise lake so clear that you can see rocks and even fish in it!). The ticket line took you across the moat (a natural moat since it is on a small island) and then we got inside.
The girls didn't walk into the castle, they tore into it - with gusto. They were so happy to look around (and there was so much to see) and they treated it as a rock tree fort - running to the fountain, running around the castle courtyard, and finally sitting on a rock seat.
The best part about the castle is that it was an entirely self-guided tour. You could just wander through a gothic arched rock doorway, or wander up or down a stone stair case, and see what ever you wanted to see - it was like a treasure hunt that took us back in time. We saw it all. (How could we not with two kids leading us in three directions at once?) All the way down to the dungeon (with Byron's name), and ALL the way up to the "keep" with amazing (and I mean amazing) views of the lake stretching as far as the eye could see to greet the sky, clouds, and mountain peaks. There were 10 windows at the top of the "keep" and Sara and Julia looked out each one twice (the top of the "keep" was a square, so they would run to each window, wiggle into it together, stare for 2 seconds, then run to the next window). It was nice we are here in February since we had the castle with out too many other tourists - and the stairways were narrow. But the rooms were grand - especially the halls, with medival wooden ceilings and paintings on the castle walls from the 13th century.
Sara and Julia were giddy with energy. They walked up countless steps with out pausing even once. They ran down cat-walks made of wood that walked along the top of the castle. They danced in the court yards and ran in circles. There was one puddle in the whole castle and the girls found it, and by the time they were done there was no puddle left, just muddy foot prints that went in circles around the cobblestones.
The history was neat - to think of the centuries that the castle was "real" before it became a tourist attraction. Nobility lived there. They had to defend it. They had to cook, raise pigs, go to the bathroom (the latrines were interesting), and do everything that life requires -- right there in the castle. My favorite part was just going from room to room - in the story book castle, not knowing what the next room would hold. Julia stayed close to me. If there was anything I wanted a closer look at, and I asked Dan to watch her for a while, she would come running to find me yelling "mama!" so she was my buddy. We went hand and hand up the wood steps to the "keep" I mentioned earlier. I held her hand tightly, since a mis-step would have sent her falling 15 or so feet to the floor. She was very good and took careful yet confident steps and I probably put indentations on the stone handrails with my hand grip - but we did well and had fun!
I was sorry to leave the castle, but we had finally toured it all and we were hungry. After a quick look in the gift shop with prices so tempting I wasn't tempted, we walked to Montreux. The walk was exactly what travel is about: fun, gorgeous scenery, exploration, self-paced, care-free, and wonderful. Seriously, the walk to Montreux after the castle was along the lake on a promenade that made us understand why it is called "the Swiss Rivera" -- it was just lined with lush flora and fauna (trees, flowers, gardens, decorative elements) it was like a botanical garden of so many different things to look at, from Palm trees, to moss covered linden trees, to forsythia bushes! One one side of the path was the lake (turquoise water, big oval stones at the bottom, some fish visable) and on the other side of the path was gorgeous mansions. There were a lot of other people out enjoying the path - one or two joggers, and many people in their later years strolling along the path arm-in-arm with their spouse of 50-60 years. There were also a lot of families with kids - it was a mish-mash of everyone just enjoying the path (it was paved and meant for strolling) -- it was a "this is just great" moment - with ooodles of perfectness and nothing but beauty to land our eyes on.
Julia slept on the walk (fresh air can do that) and Sara talked on the walk. We finished the 2 mile walk and got to Montreux's lake side area (beautiful) and then found a place to eat. With Julia sleeping our criteria was a place where she could stay asleep. The first place we found was perfect. We could wheel her in asleep and there was a place near out table to let her stay asleep. We ordered food (pizza) and she woke up and joined us. We had colored pencils and large lego blocks to play with 'till the food arrived. I appreciated how accomodating the people in the restaurant were to us. They were glad to have us and did what they could to ensure we had a nice meal. We did.
After eating we wandered the town (a hilly town as usual) and then took the train back. There was an announcement in French 2 minutes before our train, and we had to change tracks. So, even though we went as fast as we could, we missed that train. No big deal. We waited 20 minutes and took the next one. Transportation is easy and frequent so there is no need to worry about it.
The train was packed when we finally got onto the train back here. Someone gave me a seat so I could sit with Julia on my lap (at first I let her stay with Dan and got a seat with Sara, but I could hear her yelling "MAMA!" all the way in the middle of the train so I got her, and that's when someone gave me their seat so I could sit with her. Sara stood near me. Dan was by the train's door and didn't even enter the full train car.
It was about 30 minutes of a ride, then we got to the apartment after an uphill walk. I gave Sara/Julia a bath (they love "swimming in the tub and they got to use bath salts) then we ate dinner that Dan made salmon, snap peas, and rice.
The sunset at dinner out the window of our apartment was orange, pink, and smeared the sky above the lake, which was a mirror for the crimson colors. "Look at the sky Mom!" Sara said. And we went out onto the balcony to drink in the view.
Then came bedtime. Sara used her sticker book from the other castle we visited (in our day trip from Fribourg) and then we called it a day. A great day for sure!
Quote of the day
(at dinner) Sara: "I loved today. It was a great day."
END
We arrived in Lausanne yesterday. It is on Lake Geneva. Today was our first day waking up here.
Since it is a weekend day we wanted to do a day-trip (since Dan wasn't working) so we decided to head to Chateau de Chillon.
It is on the outskirts of Montreux, built on a rock island on the edge of Lake Geneva. Rick Steves calls it: "remarkably well preserved, never damaged or destroyed--always inhabited, always maintained. Today it it's Switzerland's best castle experience."
You can reach it by boat or train. We opted for train since the only boat left around noon and we wanted an earlier start than that. After an initial mix up with which train to take (we actually got off a train to double check, and the train we were originally on would have required a bus transfer) we got on a train at 11:00.
The train ride was super easy and only 6 swiss francs. We got off at the Veytaux-Chillon station. I got my first glimpse of the castle as we pulled into the station. "ooooooh" I said. "What Mom?" Sara inquired. And when she went down the steps to the lake side promenade she saw for herself: the castle.
Enlarged to its current state in the 13th century it takes a minute to stare at the castle just to realize it is real. We walked about 10 mintues along the lake (a gorgeuous turquise lake so clear that you can see rocks and even fish in it!). The ticket line took you across the moat (a natural moat since it is on a small island) and then we got inside.
The girls didn't walk into the castle, they tore into it - with gusto. They were so happy to look around (and there was so much to see) and they treated it as a rock tree fort - running to the fountain, running around the castle courtyard, and finally sitting on a rock seat.
The best part about the castle is that it was an entirely self-guided tour. You could just wander through a gothic arched rock doorway, or wander up or down a stone stair case, and see what ever you wanted to see - it was like a treasure hunt that took us back in time. We saw it all. (How could we not with two kids leading us in three directions at once?) All the way down to the dungeon (with Byron's name), and ALL the way up to the "keep" with amazing (and I mean amazing) views of the lake stretching as far as the eye could see to greet the sky, clouds, and mountain peaks. There were 10 windows at the top of the "keep" and Sara and Julia looked out each one twice (the top of the "keep" was a square, so they would run to each window, wiggle into it together, stare for 2 seconds, then run to the next window). It was nice we are here in February since we had the castle with out too many other tourists - and the stairways were narrow. But the rooms were grand - especially the halls, with medival wooden ceilings and paintings on the castle walls from the 13th century.
Sara and Julia were giddy with energy. They walked up countless steps with out pausing even once. They ran down cat-walks made of wood that walked along the top of the castle. They danced in the court yards and ran in circles. There was one puddle in the whole castle and the girls found it, and by the time they were done there was no puddle left, just muddy foot prints that went in circles around the cobblestones.
The history was neat - to think of the centuries that the castle was "real" before it became a tourist attraction. Nobility lived there. They had to defend it. They had to cook, raise pigs, go to the bathroom (the latrines were interesting), and do everything that life requires -- right there in the castle. My favorite part was just going from room to room - in the story book castle, not knowing what the next room would hold. Julia stayed close to me. If there was anything I wanted a closer look at, and I asked Dan to watch her for a while, she would come running to find me yelling "mama!" so she was my buddy. We went hand and hand up the wood steps to the "keep" I mentioned earlier. I held her hand tightly, since a mis-step would have sent her falling 15 or so feet to the floor. She was very good and took careful yet confident steps and I probably put indentations on the stone handrails with my hand grip - but we did well and had fun!
I was sorry to leave the castle, but we had finally toured it all and we were hungry. After a quick look in the gift shop with prices so tempting I wasn't tempted, we walked to Montreux. The walk was exactly what travel is about: fun, gorgeous scenery, exploration, self-paced, care-free, and wonderful. Seriously, the walk to Montreux after the castle was along the lake on a promenade that made us understand why it is called "the Swiss Rivera" -- it was just lined with lush flora and fauna (trees, flowers, gardens, decorative elements) it was like a botanical garden of so many different things to look at, from Palm trees, to moss covered linden trees, to forsythia bushes! One one side of the path was the lake (turquoise water, big oval stones at the bottom, some fish visable) and on the other side of the path was gorgeous mansions. There were a lot of other people out enjoying the path - one or two joggers, and many people in their later years strolling along the path arm-in-arm with their spouse of 50-60 years. There were also a lot of families with kids - it was a mish-mash of everyone just enjoying the path (it was paved and meant for strolling) -- it was a "this is just great" moment - with ooodles of perfectness and nothing but beauty to land our eyes on.
Julia slept on the walk (fresh air can do that) and Sara talked on the walk. We finished the 2 mile walk and got to Montreux's lake side area (beautiful) and then found a place to eat. With Julia sleeping our criteria was a place where she could stay asleep. The first place we found was perfect. We could wheel her in asleep and there was a place near out table to let her stay asleep. We ordered food (pizza) and she woke up and joined us. We had colored pencils and large lego blocks to play with 'till the food arrived. I appreciated how accomodating the people in the restaurant were to us. They were glad to have us and did what they could to ensure we had a nice meal. We did.
After eating we wandered the town (a hilly town as usual) and then took the train back. There was an announcement in French 2 minutes before our train, and we had to change tracks. So, even though we went as fast as we could, we missed that train. No big deal. We waited 20 minutes and took the next one. Transportation is easy and frequent so there is no need to worry about it.
The train was packed when we finally got onto the train back here. Someone gave me a seat so I could sit with Julia on my lap (at first I let her stay with Dan and got a seat with Sara, but I could hear her yelling "MAMA!" all the way in the middle of the train so I got her, and that's when someone gave me their seat so I could sit with her. Sara stood near me. Dan was by the train's door and didn't even enter the full train car.
It was about 30 minutes of a ride, then we got to the apartment after an uphill walk. I gave Sara/Julia a bath (they love "swimming in the tub and they got to use bath salts) then we ate dinner that Dan made salmon, snap peas, and rice.
The sunset at dinner out the window of our apartment was orange, pink, and smeared the sky above the lake, which was a mirror for the crimson colors. "Look at the sky Mom!" Sara said. And we went out onto the balcony to drink in the view.
Then came bedtime. Sara used her sticker book from the other castle we visited (in our day trip from Fribourg) and then we called it a day. A great day for sure!
Quote of the day
(at dinner) Sara: "I loved today. It was a great day."
END
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