SB 19, Day 9

Today we traveled through the Alps to Montreux, Switzerland for breakfast at a 150 year old establishment. 

After that, it was a drive all day through the French countryside and small towns eating expensive Swiss chocolates and lemon tarts. 

We landed for our final night at the same resort we used last spring outside of Paris... even ending with a final swim in the same pool. 

Until next time, Europe. Until next time. 

SB 19, Day 8

We needed to cover some ground today, but at least the scenery was majestic as we did so. After breakfast, we left Verona via Milan and on to the French ski town of Chamonix. 

We planned on ascending the tallest mountain in Europe via the steepest lift, but it was cloudy. The cost to ascend was about $300, so it needed to be the view of a lifetime to warrant it. So, we opted for a walk around town, some shopping and some dinner. The only place open besides pizza, which we have had our fill of in Italy, was an American-inspired joint, but it was fantastic and fun as every skier coming off the mountain seemed to stop by for a drink. Then, we had waffles for dessert. 

We were expecting cold temps, but it was about 65 degrees at base camp. So, we ate outside one again as Bret drooled as skiers came back down the mountain. Bret would have loved to be one of them, as this is considered one of the best ski resorts in the world, but i told him that his good run in northern Michigan earlier this winter does not an Alp skier make. 

We rented an apartment for the night complete with private hot tub and view of Mt. Blanc. Not a bad way to spend the evening. 

(In almost every pic of Grant, you will notice he is holding something. It is the business card of the pasta maker we visited in Verona. Grant is on a personal mission to make sure they remain successful... or he is being a middle school boy. )