17 August, 2008

3 days in Gstaad, Switzerland

The Lary’s enjoyed a scenic 3-day weekend in Gstaad, Switzerland. In terms of size, Gstaad is just your average Swiss village, but its reputation as a fashion mecca for the jet-setters is global. Surrounded by some of Switzerland's finest alpine scenery, Gstaad lies in the south west of the country, about two hours' drive from Geneva on the boundary between the Bernese Oberland and the Vaud Alpes.

Gstaad is a friendly car-free village. A rather charming, attractively located place full of restored weathered-wood chalets between four gently sloping valleys. The boys enjoyed park time as usual and Mommy enjoyed shopping Gstaad’s chic shops! Our mountain top fun was atop Wispile at ~6000 feet - at the end of a fun gondola ride. There was a small animal zoo, a fun park and endless walking trails abound. Walkers and serious hikers set off here on their high-altitude tour towards Lauenensee Lake or Gsteig and paragliders fly down into the valley. We all enjoyed our mountain top adventures and the scenery, of course!

































02 August, 2008

La Palmyre, France - Club Med Holiday

We enjoyed our first official 'European Vacation' (or "holiday" as they say here in Europe!). Part of Daddy's grand plan included a fine 900km drive (540 miles) across France. The "it'll only be a 5-6 hour drive" turned into a full 9-10 hours. Funny enough Kellen often asked "when will we be there Daddy?" And the response was always "in about an hour." Kellen caught on to the fact that Daddy didn't really know how much longer. On our travels West, we stumbled upon a quaint village, Egletons, France, who happened to be hosting a mid-evil festival AND we enjoyed a fun stay at a nice bed and breakfast nearby.

La Palmyre Atlantique Club Med is located on the West coast of France - a scenic 24 hectare site in Charente-Maritime, on the Arvert peninsula, right beside the Atlantic ocean and looking out at the Cordouan lighthouse. In the heart of pine woods, this Club Med Village of bungalows was inspired by oystermens' cabins but originally a military base.

The weeks activities includes extensive pool time, playground fun, plenty of beach time, lots of onsite kid entertainment and a fantastic zoo visit at the La Palmyre Zoo. The mostly sunny week included the odd Atlantic storm a few afternoons/nights. Kellen and Devan made many new friends, including Scarlet from England (they're easily attracted to English-speaking kids!) and Emmika from the Netherlands. We made the journey home to Geneva in one 9-hour stint, arriving just in time to catch the Swiss National Day fireworks show at home in Versoix. Lots of sleep to catch up on now!

In Egletons ....


A mid-evil battle!
Our bed and breakfast in Egletons, France...


Sunset on the Atlantic ...

Pool time ... boys went from pale Northwest skin to Coppertone kids!


















Relaxing with a movie...


Surfer boys ...

Running from the waves...



Kellen and Scarlet