Sept. 8; On our Own
We had an early train reservation from Geneva to Lyon, France for the multi-part trip to the little town of Sainte Enimie, France. Our hosts were gracious to get up early and drive us to the train station, then wait with us until our train arrived, 2 hours late due to a rail workers strike in France (which is still going on as I write this on Oct. 12).
Waiting for the train, all ready to backpack in France!
After 2 stops for train connections we arrived in Le Puy in south-central France ready to take the bus to Mende, France where we would find a taxi to take us the last 2o or so km to Ste. Enimie, but we were too late for the last bus. We were ready for adventure! Through limited French on my part and lots of laughing about our predicament with the very accomodating non-english speaking clerk, he was able to procure for us a taxi to take us all the way to Mende, at the cost of the train system! We convinced our young lady, non-english speaking, taxi driver to continue to Ste. Enimie, up the narrow mountain roads, and down the steep, winding country lanes. She indicated she had never been to this area before and I think she enjoyed the trip as well. We were able to find the Bed & Breakfast and were dropped off right in front!
Our B&B at the top of the village of Ste. Enimie.
The view from our window towards the monastery turned college, circa AD 536!
Our walk down into town gave us this view of the Fontaine de Burle, or source of the Burle, a small stream that flows into the Tarn river.
The Hermitage on the hill above the source of the Burle.
The story of the founding of the village and its namesake, the chaste Merovingian Princess Enimie, details her prayers to be striken with a disease to discourage her many suitors. She was accommodated with leprosy and traveled to this area to test the tales of the miraculous healing powers of the waters of the Burle. She was cured, but only when she stayed in the area. She spent the rest of her days in prayer in a small cave, later the Hermitage, and founded the (originally co-ed) monastery that the town grew up around.
The narrow stone streets flanked by stone buildings dating from the Middle Ages.
Colorful flowers decorated many buildings and the dried flowers on the doors are atraditional superstition to protect the inhabitants from harm.
An old car.
Small details.
The bridge over the Tarn river in the evening.
Sept. 6; Scenes of Vandoeuvres, Tour of the Cathedral
Today we walked around the village a little, then Raymonde took us on a tour of old Geneva and the Cathedral that dominates the highest point in the city.
A lane in Vandoeuvres.
Another neat car.
Even in the mansions they air the quilts out the windows!
The tourist shot in front of the flower clock on the bank of Lake Geneva in the city.
A sidewalk 'epicerie' - grocery store.
Approaching the Cathedral.
We eventually made it around to the front.
We took the tour of the towers, up, up, the spiral stairs.
We weren't allowed up the wooden stairs.
Panorama over the roofs of old Geneva towards the Jura mountains.
Panorama towards Lake Geneva, also known as Lac Leman.
Panorama towards Mt. Saleve in France.
A peek at one of the bells in the tower.
The floor of the Bishops Reception Hall circa 5th-6th century, in the Archaeological exhibit dug extensively under the Cathedral.
Sept. 5; A Quiet Day in Vandouevres
We spent the day relaxing and exploring the area. Michel took Robert on a walkabout in the neighborhood while I helped Raymonde prepare a traditional Swiss lunch.
Neighbors.
A local small dairy.
A neat car.
A pond in the woods.
A Swiss specialty, Raclette, for lunch.
Sliced cheese and the source.
Sliced cured meats.
Lunch on the patio with Michel's brother Paul and his wife Giselle.
The Raclette broiler. Toast the cheese and wrap it around a cooked potato to eat.
Finish it off with an espresso.
Another delicious meal!
Picking apples in the afternoon.
Mt. Blanc in France overlooking the back yard.
Peach and pear tarts for dessert.
Sept. 4; Local Harvest Festival
Another homemade breakfast, this time with traditional muesli soaked overnight in yogurt as well as a pear tart. Today we were taken on a countryside tour and to a nearby town, Anieres, for their “Fete ses Vendanges”, or Vineyard Harvest Festival.
The colorful roundabout leading to Anieres main street, closed off for the festivities.
Meeting a Bernese Mountain Dog, or 'Bouviers Bernois' in the local lingo.
The dogs at work, pulling gaily decorated carts and children passengers.
The Cow Bell Ringers (for lack of knowledge as to what they call themselves) in traditional dress.
The local ladies in traditional canton dress.
Dolls exhibiting the traditional dress of all the regions of Switzerland.
Traditional dress on live models!
A demonstration of Swiss wrestling; 'lutte au calecon', translated as 'fight shorts'. A tradition of shepherds where The wrestlers have to catch their opponent's side of his underwear to make him fall on his back. The underwear is typically leather and worn on the outside!
Take down!
A beautiful demonstration of the Alpenhorns. We were able to try it ourselves, but we don't have the alpine lungs!
We headed home to dine alfresco on the back patio on such a wonderful evening.
The outside patio with the awning closed.
The downstairs kitchen leading out to the patio. Raymonde had her whole kitchen moved down here under the dining room when she remodeled upstairs.
The door leading into the rest of the basement.
Kir Royale with sparkling white wine and homemade creme de cassis.
The chefs and the successfully grilled rack of lamb.
Delicious lamb chops, the best potatoes ever and cooked lettuce and peas.
