... and, we're off!

The first day is a long one. We were up and out early, packing and prepping the house, yard, and pool. Dan stopped by. Our driver Joe picked us up at 1:00 and by 6:00 we were in the air!

.

With the exception of a short delay in Frankfort, connections were smooth and we were in Geneva by 8:00AM (2:00AM our time). The car reservation was mixed up and they had to give us a big Volvo SUV. Silly for two people.

.

Getting to our apartment was a bit challenging since it is located in a pedestrian part of the old city. We were quite early though and after we parked the car, we dragged our suitcases and manged to stumble upon the address easily. The apartment is located behind some ancient 16th century doors.

.

The owner let us leave the bags and we explored the town before checking in. The history is staggering: remains from 4000BC, first century Roman settlement, and by the 13th century, it was called "Annecy." The history is honored in every detail of every building on every corner. It's all magnificently restored and maintained.

.

We happened to arrive on one of the market days, meaning the street vendors were set up on both sides of the narrow streets with all kinds of goods and food. The smells were potent- sweet fruits, cloying flowers, strong and varied cheeses, musky leather, smoked meats, vegetables, fresh baked breads, and throngs of sweating tourists. All delightfully intoxicating. Bonjour, Annecy!

.

We sat down for a light lunch at one of the cafes on the water. Steve had coffee and I had lemonade and we split a plate of bread, cheese, and meat. Delicious! I love to watch the people and listen to the music of their beautiful language.

.

The apartment is located on the first floor of the owners' building where they reside with their 10 year old son Amoury. Cecile is an artist and responsible for the beautiful appointments of the rental apartment, including unusual lighting fixtures, antique furnishings, and a spectacular bathroom with a "hamman," a turkish steam room. Xavier is a doctor who is currently serving with Doctors Without Borders (It occurs to me as I write this that he is more acutely serving as a Doctor With Boarders as he runs around accommodating us with croissants, coffee, stories, and history lessons.). He is a charming Anderson Cooper look-alike with a French accent. Cecile does not speak English, but is warm and lovely, greeting us with kisses on both cheeks when we arrived. I can hear young Amoury practicing his saxophone and filling the courtyard with his earnest music. From the other side of the old doors comes a steady muffled thrum of the pedestrians and tourists, with an occasional eruption from the bar across the river where the locals are celebrating France's win over the Irish in the Europe Soccer Tournament.

#France #Annecy