Category Archives: Gratitude Friday

Gratitude Friday: We survived our first year

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This gratitude Friday, I wanted to express my thanks for a good first year in Geneva.  Yesterday, marked the anniversary of our move.   We have now seen all the seasons in Switzerland.   An amiable summer, an elegant fall, a mind-curdling winter, and a rainy spring.

 

If you’ve been following this blog, you know that it’s been with ups and downs.  However, the positives of our experience have far outweighed the negatives.

— –We continue to love the travel and our central location in Europe.  Somedays, it feels like we are living inside of a Busch Gardens theme park, hopping around to different countries in a weekend.  The ‘cool’ factor of that has definitely not worn out with us.   This is the best part about our expat experience.

–It is still doesn’t feel like home.  I am not sure it will before we have to leave.   I was talking with a woman the other day who has lived here 26 years and still says she feels like she is still a foreigner.

–We love our lifestyle.  I never feel rushed or stressed.  People enjoy life at a more leisurely pace and it has a positive influence on us. Especially me who needs all I can get of this example.  In fact, Gabe just returned from two weeks in the US and said it was remarkable to see the comparison of  tension &  hurriedness when he was back.  He said at the end of his time, he was starting to walk faster as a result.

–It has been interesting to watch our reaction to culture shock over the course of a year.  I mentioned on a previous post how this is a continual process.   It usually forms as a result of multiple inputs, not just one thing.  We knew that this would happen.  We have heard it would continue 1-2 years.  We’ll outsmart it just as its time to return.

–Knowing the language makes it easier.  My french is still not beautiful and nowhere close to fluent but I can make myself understood in simple conversation and getting things done. I no longer avoid making phone calls / appointments — I tackle them head on.  And it feels good to finally be able to do that.

We are very grateful for this year.

Bon weekend, everyone!

Gratitude Friday: Mothers

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This week, we are grateful for our Moms.

My mom and me, just over one year ago

It’s not just because its Mother’s Day on Sunday.   Actually they do celebrate this holiday here in Switzerland, Fête des Mères.    The cards read, “Bonne fête, Maman!”   To learn more about what countries have Mother’s Day and when, wikipedia has a handy reference.

Image courtesy of super toinette

Regarding mothers, we consider ourselves pretty lucky all year long.   For instance, all the things they did for us when we were young.   Also, all their contributions to make us who we are.  The list is endless.

Celebrating a birthday!  She handmade the Strawberry Shortcake cake!

I am grateful for my mom for:

–Instilling my creativity and helping encourage it

–Teaching me how to do things for myself and giving me boundaries.  I apologize for complaining about all the chores I had in high school.  And my curfew which happened to be the earliest out of anyone I knew!   However, I realized in college that every rule I had was for my own good.

–Generating a sense of empathy and awareness to be cognizant of with others

–Giving me wings – she was always supportive and encouraging no matter what path I took

I also find it is neat as time evolves that my mom has become more like a friend.

Gabe also wanted to share a few of the things he appreciates about this mom (known as Mama Mia on the blog).  This is what he wrote:

Gabe and his Mom.

—The safe and supportive environment I felt while growing up (and still exists today)

–Her willingess to always listen…providing perspective while not judging.

–Keeping her three men in-check.  (though I think we could have handled that ourselves!)

–The endless generosity and love she showers on her family.

I also appreciate these things greatly because it contributed so much to his character and the person I love.

Thanks, Mama Mia!

Gabe got to see his Mom twice in April.   I get to see my Mom twice in June.   So we are pretty lucky that a world away, we can still see them on a fairly regular basis.  We know its hard to know we are in Europe, but we are thankful for their support and unconditional love they give us through this distance.

Gabe and his Mom, this past April, on the Swiss train. Don’t they resemble each other so much?

Also, when we are mentioning special matriarchal women, we can’t forget about this one:

Celebrating with Gabe’s grandma, July 4, 2010

So, thank you.  We appreciate all you have done for us.

Bonne fête and bon weekend!

Gratitude Friday: An Amazing Year of Marriage

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This upcoming weekend marks one year since our wedding day.   It’s simply crazy to think that this year has passed so quickly.

Saying vows….May 7, 2011

It’s been a big year.  A move around the world.  Living with each other for the first time.  In the same house.   Or, even in the same city for that matter.  Now, in a foreign country.   Making a home.  Culture Shock.   Amazing travel.  Laughter.  Smiles.  Tears.

A special thanks to my husband for all his compassion and love.  Being married to him is a joy.    I am lucky and grateful to be his wife.

Bon weekend, everyone.

Gratitude Friday: Spring has Sprung!

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A little delayed in my posting….but Spring has sprung in Geneva.  I admit I am late in this post.  But mainly since I have had mobility, all it has done here is rain, rain, rain so I wasn’t in the spring spirit yet.

However, we had our first day of non-rain yesterday and I am hoping that more sunshine and spring weather is on the horizon  (fingers crossed).  Although they do say that “April showers bring May flowers”, so I suppose there should be gratitude in the rain as well.

Speaking of flowers, E-dawg and I got to take advantage of Spring’s beauty yesterday on the AIWC photo group outing to Morges, Switzerland.  There we enjoyed lunch alfresco and explored the annual Fêtes de la Tulipe.

So, this Friday, I am grateful for the flowers and beauty of spring.  Finally!!!  But, better late than never!

Bon weekend, everyone!

Tulips against an Alpine background

Wispy tulips in contrast to the Alps

Having fun at the Fêtes de la Tulipe

E-dawg amongst her Georgia Bulldog colors

Lazy waterfall

Caught her in action!

My favorite section – multicolored

Gratitude Friday: Stepping into a Van Gogh Painting

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Post by Lauren

We added Arles to our list because we knew The Gladiator would like its Roman history.  Arles has a Roman arena in marvelous shape.

However, I also was jazzed about hitting this UNESCO world heritage city because my favorite artist spent a stint of time here and credited it to be the most inspiring place of his career.  Thus, I am making our visit this weeks’ gratitude post.

Upon arrival, we stopped at Hotel Dieu, the hospital where Van Gogh recuperated after he cut off his ear.  We had learned in the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam that this incident was likely out of anger during a fight with fellow artist and object of his obsession, Gauguin.  Some say it was actually Gauguin who mistakenly cut off the ear in a sword fight and Van Gogh covered it up to protect Gauguin.  Only the dark streets of Arles can be sure.

Nonetheless, after the ear was no more, Van Gogh ended up at Hotel Dieu.  It was really neat for me to see this courtyard.  I instantly recognized it from a few paintings he did during his stay.

Espace Van Gogh, site of the Hotel Dieu, hospital where Van Gogh recovered

Later, we enjoyed an amazing dinner al fresco at Café Apostrophe in the Place du Forum.  I  say it was amazing because Gabe and I each both ordered a marvelous bone-in steak. We aren’t used to good quality beef in Switzerland.  It is typically small, expensive, and underwhelming.    We tend to get excited for eating out in other countries and Arles didn’t disappoint.

A highlight for me beyond the steak was sitting in sight of the café in the scene of the Café Terrace on the Place du Forum, Arles, at Night. About the night cafe, Van Gogh said, “”I have tried to express the idea that the café is a place where one can ruin oneself, go mad, or commit a crime.” (source: Wikipedia)

Recognize this scene? The Café - taken with my own camera - the source of my goosebumps!

When I was learning to paint in college, this was the second Van Gogh that I imitated, trying to recreate his brushstrokes in effort to learn the impressionistic style.  I have been lucky enough to travel to other cities that have been the scenes to famous paintings.  However, standing in sight of this little café in Arles sent chills up my spine.

The cafe one that I speak about is in the top left, but also included below are some additional paintings that Van Gogh did while in Arles:

Images courtesy of Wikipedia Commons

 

In addition to the Van Gogh sights, Mama Mia, The Gladiator, Gabe and I visited Les Arènes, the ancient Roman amphitheater.   Arles thrived during Roman times.  So much so that they needed a stadium to hold 20,000.  In this stadium were executions, bullfights and other gory events of which the Romans were enamored.

 

Les Arènes

After the fall of Rome, Les Arènes remained but transitioned into a fortress and then later an entire town fit within it’s protection.

Les Arènes, circa 18th century. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia Commons.

Les Arènes is still used today for shows and bullfights.

Throughout the trip, we also enjoyed strolling down Arles beautiful streets and window shopping.    Mama Mia and I picked up some provençal goods…linens for me, and some souvenirs and gifts for her.   However, we all just enjoyed walking along taking in Arles. To me, the buildings were so gorgeous…

Streets of Arles

Arles is said to be the most creative portion of Van Gogh’s career.   Now, I see why Van Gogh liked it so much.  I am grateful to have experienced it myself.

Bon weekend, everyone!

Gratitude Friday: Four Hours

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Post by Lauren

When we lived in North Carolina and Georgia, we could get to some pretty amazing places in four hours.  In that time, we could visit family in Virginia, check out North Georgia apple orchards, visit some vineyards and catch some NC mountain action.

However, here in Geneva, in four hours driving time, we can find ourselves what seems to be a world away.   We realized this even more when Gabe’s family was here and we did a lot of day trips.  Here are a few examples:

A 3.5 hour train ride or drive can put you in Zermatt, home of the Matterhorn. Just cross your fingers for visibility!

A 4-ish hour drive can put you in the 2nd smallest principality in the world: jet setting luxurious Monaco.

A 3.5 hour drive puts you near Nîmes where you can find evidence of the Roman times - the Pont du Gard aqueduct built in 19 BC and a UNESCO world heritage site.

A 4 hour train ride can put you in the heart of Andermatt where you'll feel like you are in a snow globe....even in April!

A 4ish hour ride can take you to the South of France to gaze on the magnificent cliffs overlooking Cassis.

A 3.5 hour drive can put you in the heart of Arles, France where you can find yourself in the middle of a Van Gogh scene.

A 4-ish hour drive can take you to Nice where you can walk along the beautiful Promenade d'Anglais and watch the sunset.

A four hour train can take you to Milan where you can eat your fill of pasta, gelato and experience the liveliness of Italy alongside of appreciating The Duomo & The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci.

A four hour ride can have you in Cannes where the famous film festival takes place each May.

Look for posts in the coming days on each of these places we visited with Gabe’s family.

Until then, I am grateful for our location to be “four hours” from all these magnificent sites and the recovery of my feet so that I could keep up. Thank goodness for the wheelchair!

Gratitude Friday: Another Bittersweet Goodbye

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Post by Lauren

It’s only been two weeks since Lady J and the Man left.   Yet, alas, it is time to say farewell to more wonderful people whose Geneva chapter is coming to an end.  Our friends N & A and their cutie pie H.B. are moving back to Nebraska today.

I met N at a welcome coffee at the women’s club in May.  We realized we moved to Geneva within a week of each other so made a date for a walk along the lake to compare notes and stories.  Since then, I have really treasured having her as a friend.  Life got even more fun when she gave birth to H.B. in September, rounding out our girl crew with its youngest member.

Snapshots of N and H.B.

Yesterday, we took advantage of the gorgeous Geneva weather to get together for a picnic with Swiss foods in honor of her departure.

Au Revoir célébration

It was a lovely afternoon getting to spend some time with the group of ladies before N departed.

So, this week, I am grateful for getting to know N, A, and H.B. and the fun times we all had together.  We will miss having them so close, but wish her and the entire family lots of luck in their next chapter in Omaha.

Au Revoir, my friend!

Gratitude Friday: A Great Ski Season

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Post by Lauren

Ski season is officially over for our household.  With temperatures warming up, the local slopes are slushy by lunchtime.

However, we wanted to dedicate a post in gratitude to the Alps and the ski opportunities that we have had this winter.

Last winter, it was unusually warm.  We heard people say that it only produced about 2 decent snow days and even still, the slopes weren’t ideal.

This season is a stark contrast – there was wonderful skiing to be had pretty much every weekend from the beginning of January until now.  Over the last 3 months, we have visited:

  • La Clusaz, France
  • Les Contamines, France
  • Megève, France
  • Chamonix, France
  • Verbier, Switzerland
  • Saas Fee, Switzerland

We feel lucky that we have had the chance.

Our friend A has major talents with the camera while skiing.  I don’t possess such talents as I always have to concentrate on not falling.  However, since I have a lot of time in the chair lately, I mixed her video footage with my own to create a recap video of our ski exploits.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trPb_eHtZsw

Au Revoir Ski Season – until next year!

And bon-weekend to all.

 

 

 

 

 

Gratitude Friday: Lady J and The Man

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Post by Lauren

The hardship of Geneva is that it is a transient city – people come, people go. This week we have had to say goodbye to Lady J and The Man. I first met Lady J through email when S found her blog after researching Geneva. We had a blind meet-up at Auer coffee my first week here and she was the first official friend that I had in Geneva.

It feels like it was yesterday, but it was last May, 10 months ago. It’s been such a pleasure getting to know her and her husband. They have such style, whether it be in clothing, throwing a sophisticated soirée or in culinary arts. They have an awesome sense of adventure and great recommendations when it comes to travel. So, this gratitude Friday I am grateful that we have had them in our Geneva story. We hope that we can visit them in Singapore someday soon.

Below are some images of a little surprise afternoon get-together we had for Lady J this week.  She thought she was dropping in on me to say goodbye but we had other plans in store for a petite fête.

Au Revoir, my friend.  May you have a Bon Weekend on your flight back home!

Playing on Lady J's love of macaroons

Hiding in anticipation of Lady J's arrival.

Surprise!!!

All the ladies enjoying our afternoon of sweets. We'll miss you Lady J!

Gratitude Friday: TLC

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Post by Lauren

This gratitude Friday, I wanted to give a shout out to all the TLC (Tender Loving Care for those not familiar with this acronym) that I have received during my recovery. From here in Geneva to the Grand old US of A, I have been showered with visits, messages, cards, food, DVDs / magazines for entertainment, and flowers.

There are a few times that being away from “home” stings a little more. The worst is when major life events happen like my close friends having babies or getting married. I am totally bummed about not making the wedding of close friends next weekend. Also falling into this bucket is being sick or having surgery. All the thoughtful gestures from loved ones has made this experience so much easier.

A special thanks to my husband. I am incredibly lucky for his patience. It’s not easy to deal with a Type A, obsessive-compulsive patient who can’t walk or organize her own things. He does it without complaining one bit.

Below is a cross section of the really nice things people have brought / sent:

Merci beaucoup for the TLC!

I’d like to point out that what makes some of this food even more special is that N had to sacrifice her enchilada sauce to make our chicken enchiladas and N & N had to use some of their precious Skippy Peanut butter to bake the cookies. Nothing says TLC like a sacrifice of your US bounty.

*R & R: sorry, I forgot to get a photo of your care package before I dismantled it and started eating it!! I loved it and I really appreciate it even though I didn’t get a photo 🙂

Merci beaucoup to all who have done so much to take care of me!

Bon weekend!