Amsterdam with the Patersons

It's a big week for me! I am going to update on our trip last weekend with the wonderful Stu and Ruth who flew from Glasgow to meet us. We wanted a nice getaway together somewhere, and it seems the only place where there are flights from both Geneva and Glasgow at a decent hour, with no connections, at an affordable price on a Friday, is Amsterdam. So away we went! It turns out we are super good at planning, as we landed within 30 minutes of each other at the airport. We hugged, popped in a cab, and made our way to our hotel.

Once there, we dropped our things and started searching our neighborhood for somewhere to drink and catch up. We were close to a big tourist area, and ended up in an Irish pub. It was so nice just chatting!

The next day we decided to walk around a bit, have a look at the museums, and just enjoy each other's company. We found a nice bagel/coffee shop to play a card game and drink tea (I had an amazing green tea!)

 All the museums had long lines, so we just made it to the Heineken museum. Unless you really like Heineken been (I don't) I wouldn't suggest it. Although part were interesting, I'm more a fan of beers that actually taste nice.

We walked back into town, found another place to have a drink, and settled on having Indonesian. There was far too much food for any of us to be eating. I guess our eyes are bigger than our stomaches.

Day 2, we had a bit of a later start. Ruth suggested renting bicycles and riding into the flower market. We agreed! The best way to see Amsterdam is like the locals - so on a bike we got!

The flower market was a bit disappointing, so we rode into town and found a place to refresh ourselves, and Ruth and Stu got to enjoy one last heavenly bite of their fries with mayo. Once at an indoor pub (The Old Sailor) I had even brought a game to play - Settlers of Catan!

Ruth and Stu had a flight 3 hours before us, so they had to leave midday to catch it. We stayed and enjoyed the atmosphere for a bit longer before riding back, dropping our bikes, and heading off too. The weekend was too short, but it was great to see our dear friends! We can't wait to live near them in just a few months.

Ski Week in Tignes

As I have been busy (lazy?) for the last month or so, I am finally (FINALLY) doing an update on ski week back in February. It's only a month late, right?

Ski week is one of my favorite times of the year. I take off time from my online job, eat good food, spend time with people I love, and get a whole week on the slopes. It's heaven! This year we got a lot of people to come with us, and it was fabulous! My parents flew out, Paul's friend Chris came, our old flatmate Camellia came, and several of our friends from here in Switzerland. Our chalet and hosts were perfect, and if you're looking for a great week in the mountains, look no further than Tignes, Le Brevieres at Chalet Chardons. We've gone here three years in a row and never been disappointed by the location, food, and people. Think you can't afford a week in a catered Chalet? If you went for this week, it would only cost you 176 euros (that's a cooked breakfast 7 days, a cooked dinner - three courses with wine - 6 days!!) Seriously, get on it!

The week passed in a wonderful, hazy blur. The days were filled with beautiful white snow, blue skies, singing, games, nice chats, and incredible food.

The last day I was with my parents, we went out for lunch/brunch at my favorite cafe just a 10 minute walk from my flat. We started with a pitcher of wine. Then another. Then another.... and another? I think I lost track at some point. You can tell when we were on the third (or was it the fourth?) pitcher...

 We walked home through the park and took some pictures. I really love my parents!

Then we went back to the flat to sing every song that we know, as well as enjoying some cherry vodka, sloe berry vodka, limoncello, chocolate liquor... the day just got better from there. And then we had dinner in Geneva and said our sad goodbyes. Can't wait to see you again in October!