Xmas Characters 2011

Commars on skis!!

Three years and nine months after arriving in Geneva we had no excuses left (even though -10C was forecast for the max temperature and a "code orange" weather alert was out)... it was time to try skiing!

We kitted ourselves up, pre-booked the ski lessons and departed Geneva in a howling wind. But once we got to France, things were looking up.  When we reached the ski village at Les Gets, the sun was shining, the wind was nil and the snow was so fine it was like fairy-glitter all around.  We met our ski instructors Tim and Andy (who were fantastic) at the ski rental place and hit the slopes immediately.

We all did really great on skis. See how confident we look...

Thanks a million to Grandma for braving the weather and acting as chief photographer. Without you there would be no record of this monumental day!!

Sunday with old friends

Skating in Grand Saconnex

At Grand Saconnex, the neighbouring suburb, they have set up a temporary skating rink for winter.  Reyes discovered it with Scouts on Saturday and was itching to have us all try it out on Sunday.  Well, it's been a few years and many kilos since I last tried to balance on a pair of skates.  I spent my time just trying to remain upright.  With an extremely heavy handbag on one arm and a kid doing his best to fell himself on the other.  Just when I spotted a friend who could mind my bag, they cleared us off the ice to run the ice-smoother over it.  We were out of time and decided to come again next week.  Reyes has nearly got the hang of ice-skating and I predict winter Olympics for her in five years.

Speed, endurance and valour

During the Course d'Escalade, this brave Genevoise soldier showed her mettle running through the cold dark streets of Geneva Old Town at a very fine pace early one crispy Saturday morning in December.  It's not an easy task for anyone, especially an 8 year old girl with only 4 weeks of training as preparation.  And this was her second go.  Last time she was 7, and the snow and ice were competing against her as well, yet she was undeterred.

The 8 year old girls ("poussines") ran the 1.9km course together as a pack.  Reyes held her ground in the middle of the field and came in at number 187 out of 557 runners. Her time was 10'12".  At the finish she had pink cheeks but otherwise looked like she hadn't run yet.  We are very proud of our little runner. 

December at last :-D

Ah December... sunrise from my kitchen and sunset from my desk.  Magnifique!

Edinburgh tattoo ... WE DID IT !

As a little girl, I used to watch the Edinburgh Tattoo on TV. I decided I wanted to go to see the real thing one day. A year ago I looked up what the minimum age is for the live audience, to see how much longer I'd have to wait. Apparently 7 years old is the minimum recommended. My little one was already four, so I figured that was close enough. We'd take a risk and go. Ticket sales for summer 2011 opened December 2010, so that's when the planning really got off the ground.

To avoid a horrible hostel with shared bathroom (de rigueur for our budget during festivals), I decided we should camp in our comfy tent. Tent means we need a car to get all the equipment to Scotland. Car means we must drive from Geneva to Scotland. Drive means we'll need 7 days minimum for the trip. Seven days in August is a great way to use up school holidays. This crazy plan was henceforth known as the "Edinburgh or bust" road trip.

The next stage of the plan was jointly devised by the Yanti/Alison "don't even think about it" team.  We selected the road-less-travelled route through Strasbourg and Brussels.  As an added bonus, at the last minute, Dadi was able to join us for the epic journey.  Yes, Dadi!  On a 10-day roadtrip across Europe.  THAT is love without bounds!

 As evidenced by the photos, we actually did make it all the way to Scotland.  No "busting" necessary.  Just great fun all the way.  Edinburgh really did itself proud.  The place was alive with rollicking good entertainment.  And it hardly rained at all.  The tattoo?  BRILLIANT!! Kids and mum and dad and Dadi enjoyed immensely.  Could be back again next year...