29 November

My brother came and visited and we had a great time. We got on well; he was a great guest and I think he had a truly mind opening experience.

I haven't written anything here because I have been too busy doing stuff! So here is how the visit went.

Saturday evening I drove up to Basel. I stayed overnight in a hotel for a change, because Christoph had a very full weekend. Stephen had a few challenges getting there, but once he did we went for a long wander around the Jean Tinguely museum. Tinguely did amazing sculptures that move and turn and are gigantic - some big enough that you can climb over and inside them as they move!

We drove back to Geneva, stopping briefly at Augusta Raurica so that Stephen could see some Roman ruins... as ya do. Monday I went off to work while Stephen wandered around Geneva getting thoroughly lost. I don't think he had believed me when I told him that it is remarkably easy to get lost here, but a few days here were a learning experience!

Tuesday I dropped Stephen off up the hill from the UN, and went off to my French lesson. Stephen attempted to go to various museums all of whom were either closed on Tuesdays or only open after 10am. At lunchtime though, I met Stephen and took him into the UN Women's Guild Bazaar. There were all sorts of fascinating stalls selling things from different countries, food, jewellry and a lot of textiles.

Wednesday I took the day off, and Stephen and I had a mini adventure. We decided to drive to Italy for lunch. As ya do. We drove through the Mont Blanc tunnel (with a small side trip for pastries and hot chocolate) to Aosta. There we wandered around happily checking out ruins and buildings and shops. We had a really fabulous time, and both love the idea of just being able to drive through three countries in one day. (you have to drive through France to get to Italy if you use this route), although its a bit disappointing in some ways that you don't even get your passport stamped!

Stephen had lots of fun playing with his camera to try and get evening photos of the spectacular Italian Alps. Here are a few photos for you to admire.

Thursday I had to work, so Stephen was left on his own again, apart from an attempt to get him in to show him around the UN and taking him to work to meet my boss and workmates.

Thursday night I drove us both to Ferney Voltaire for dinner at the Chante Clair. Both of us were blown away by the perfectly presented and scrumptious cuisine that was placed before us. Filled to the brim we staggered home to bed. Friday morning we were headed to Basel. I decided that Stephen could not leave Europe without wandering through a castle, so a trip to Montreux was mandatory. We were, however, distracted by the Christmas markets which had started that day. The food hall in particular was spectacular, with a tree covered in Swarovski crystals and the most gigantic frypans you ever saw. Check out the photos. As you will see in the big version, there is a model village all across the top of the stalls.

Montreux was as spectacular as always. The view across the lake was blurred by smoke or fog, but was still quite spectacular. There was less access due to renovations work, but it was nonetheless well worth a wander.

The sunset was pretty impressive too!

We stayed with Christoph on Friday night in Basel, however didn't get to spend all that much time with him because he is conducting a lot of concerts at the moment. In the morning we went into the old town and wandered the "Weinachts Markt", rathaus and Munster. Sadly then I had to put Stephen on the train and bid him farewell. It was a brief visit, but we managed to squeeze in quite a lot eh!?

20 November

Did I tell you that I have an exciting week this week? My brother is visiting me from home, which should be great, or at the very least, interesting. It isn't often that Stephen and I have spent time alone together since he left home... and as a teenager he was particularly vile to me. However, over the years both of us have mellowed a bit, although I would still describe him as one of the most argumentative men I know. I reckon though, he has become a really great dad. He seems to have made real effort to be active in his kids lives, not just being a breadwinner. Doing stuff like coaching basketball teams and having the whole family go on a fundraising rally for Cystic Fibrosis. (As most of you probably know, my eldest sister died of Cystic Fibrosis in her twenties)

My plans for the week, are as yet vague, and sadly I do have to work. But they definitely include a trip to the Chante Clair for dinner, perhaps Chateau Chillon, and either a trip to northern Switzerland or Italy... we shall see!

6 November

You are getting lots of entries now, because I finally have internet access at home, and because I have been unwell so at home more than usual. Today I have done a new cheese review; a lovely Brebille Monbrenac.

5 November

Well I lashed out and bought some lamb. I managed to find it at a steal; only $15 a kilo for what they called rather generously "ratatoiulle" and what I would call "scrag ends". Still, its lamb, and the price is a definite improvement on $5 for a chop, so I am a happy budgie.

4 November

Have I said lately that I loooove medicare? I went to the doctor today. I have a really lovely doctor here, with impeccable english. I actually usually try to go to Dr Combe, who is across in France, but Dr Moynier is just down the road from my work.

Now the reason why I love Medicare is that I picked up my usually asthma etc. medications. 3 prescriptions. Take a guess how much they cost.. go on, have a go. Try $300. Yep $300!!!!! That is my MONTHLY medical bill.

I forgot to talk about Melbourne cup! My bad.

Well... we had a work party, which was fun. As you can see, I was the most stylish person at the event with my elegant chapeau. (the balls on the end of the points have lights in them) Running the cup itself was a bit challenging because it was run at 4.30am our time, but we taped it and ran a sweep anyway.

In the evening we had a get together of Aussies in a bar and did it all again. But in my case I wasn't surrounded by Australians, but three charming gentleman from Kosovo.

3 November

Well, another new month... my but the months fly past!

I have had a very flattering week this week; four different people have told me that they guessed my age as 27. How good is that?! Its about time I started looking younger than I am. For most of my life I have looked older than I was; at 15 I looked 18 and at 20 I looked 25.

Tonight was my first language exchange with my new friend Gabriel. Gabriel is from Columbia and is very charming and very patient with my poor French. The idea of the exchange is that during the week we study our respective books. Then we meet once a week, and for the first hour speak in French and for the second in English. It is very good for me, but boy it is tiring work!