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.
Sept. 3; A Tour of Geneva
After a delicious breakfast including eggs, homemade bread, homegrown honey and homemade apple and cherry jellies and jams a well as delicious capucinnos (an espresso coffee drink with foamy steamed milk), we were taken on a tour of the city of Geneva (pronounced Geneve to the french speaking natives).
The architecture of the city is beautiful, blending very old with tasteful new elements.
Translated as The "Hotel Stork" with a beautiful gold effigy of the namesake.
The Douglas Parfumerie (perfume store). We saw several all around Switzerland.
We passed the synagogue (in the largely Protestant town, very influential in the Reformation) on the way to our lunch date.
We met Yvette for lunch at "Le Boulevard", a favorite dining establishment specializing in Spanish food.
Appetizer of sashimi and avacado in a cream sauce.
A meat and cheese plate appetizer.
We all enjoyed the appetizers and entres and complimentary dessert as well.
The specialty of the house, perch fillets with pommes frites (french fries) and perfect carrots.
We continued our tour of the city.
The 3 legged chair sculpture opposite the United Nations Complex.
We headed to the United Nations Complex, but the tour was described as 'limited' so we didn't bother.
This is as close as we got!
Wandering around the nearby park we stumbled upon the Museum of Ceramics, the Musee Ariana. A beautiful building inside as well, but no picture-taking allowed!
Oops, I didn't see the 'no pictures' sign. But notice that the pillars on the upper level are all different.
Back in town proper we marvelled at the variety of transportation. The electric trolleys.
The motorcycles of all types!
And even cars4fun!
After our tour we shopped at the huge Coop (department and grocery store) and headed to Yvette’s for dinner.
The view towards Geneva from Yvette's garden.
The patio table set with bruchetta appetizers.
The dining table set for another gourmet meal; green salad, veal liver sauteed in wine sauce and 'rooshtee'* a Swiss traditional fried potato dish.
Another great meal from the Seppey Sisters!
*Note; “Rooshtee” is spelled Roesti, click HERE to learn more. For pictures of every conceivable way to serve Roesti, click HERE. You’re probably hungry now!
