Thursday, September 12, 2013

Alps Arrival Sept. 13, 2013. Walking Below and Around Mont Blanc

Sept 11

Who would think I'd complain that a flight was not long enough. But, it's true, the 7 hours from JFK to Geneva were not long enough for a meal, and what passes for a night's sleep in the air.

So, we will arrive, sleep deprived, in Switzerland at 9 am. At 8 we've already had a brief breakfast and our first piece of Swiss chocolate.

Swiss International flight 23 has been uneventful and cabin crew very pleasant, although the seemingly random use of French, German and English is a bit disconcerting and keeps me guessing which language will be used next.

Landed about 9 am and meet most of the others in the group and our tour leader, Pedrojuan. By 10:30 am 16 of us had arrived and our little coach (bus) started the one and a half hour trip to Villars. We traveled along Lake Geneva to Montreux and then started up into the mountains. A lot of the same area we saw when Cathy, Fdo and I went to Lausanne. Lots of terraced vineyards, very green, cute villages along the hill sides, shopping malls, light industry a few small cities, and lots of netted apple orchards, something I don't remember.

The weather is inclement, cloudy and cool, and Pedrojuan says we are in for some rain.

Now we are in our spacious room in the Eurotel Victoria in the ski resort town of Villars. Very, very jet lagged, altho we just took a nap. At 6:30 pm we meet for orientation, and then dinner and to meet the remaining 4 who got here on their own.

All is well, just pray to the weather gods for a little, OK a lot, of sun.

Love, Penny

 

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Long Time No Posts

It's been too long between posts, but I am trying to reform.  Lots of travel has happened in the interim.  The retirement trip to Slovenia and Italy with Leena was wonderful.  So was my trip to the Galapagos with her.  I really enjoyed the Road Scholar trip to Costa Rica, and the OAT exploration of Turkey with Nancy.  The Outer Banks week with the Chaparro family was wonderful.  And I've spent a fair amount of time in Southern California with Mother.  And don't forget the Chicago to Upper Penninsula Road trip with Leena.  So there are lots of photos missing, as you can guess.  You can catch yourself up with my photo stream on Picassa

This afternoon I start another Road Scholar (aka Elderhostel) trip to the Alps with Nancy.  This time it's not just Switzerland, but a bit of Italy and France as well.  Walking Below and Beyond Mont Blanc.

One thing is for certain, though.  Since I bought my LL Bean duffle, I've forgotten how to pack light.  My sister, Susan, puts me to shame here.