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30 March

OMG (that's internet-speak for Oh My Gosh or something along those lines). You aren't going to believe this. You know how I was trying to decide what to do for Easter? Well I decided. I was going to go to Milan, but after a little research, discovered that for only $300 I can get a return flight to.... Dublin. So guess who is going to Ireland for Easter?!!!!

I am not quite sure how I am going to afford it, but looking at youth hostels, I should be able to get away with about $30 in accommodation. Potentially I could hire a car ($30 a day too) but I may just rely on public transport; tends to be cheaper and I guess mostly I would be sticking around Dublin or some other close-ish town. I haven't got a clue yet what I want to go see, so suggestions are welcome!

I am very excited about it all!

28 March

By the way, if you haven't already visited it... go look at Remo. I can't help but recommend them, 'cause they have cuisinaire rod t-shirts, and peacock pocket warmers.

23 March

I did spend a night or two at home, but had friends come over for dinner on one night - I do so love cooking and it is wonderful to have people over, even if my little apartment gets pretty crowded, even with just three guests.

Tonight I made home-made strawberry icecream. I have been stunned to discover that it actually tastes almost exactly like 'fake' strawberry ice cream! Amazing. Tomorrow I am going up to Lausanne to see a photographic exhibition (with a visit to Ikea on the way through) and on Sunday morning have organised a brunch at a local restaurant called "Faim?". So, a quiet weekend at home is in store.

I am trying to figure out what I should do for Easter. It looks like for the first time I might be able to take a few days off. I can't really afford to go anywhere, but how can I waste 4 or 5 days off? I was thinking that perhaps Milan might be the best compromise. It is not far away, so won't cost much to get there, by train. I can stay in the youth hostel, so it should be a pretty cheap trip, and I know there is much to see in Milan. What do you think?

In Lyon I also visited the Cathedral which gazes over the whole of the city. The cathedral itself is relatively recent (ie. less than 300 years old). You get there by going up a funicular from the train station. I do love a bit of a funicular, even if it does always make me want to sing "funiculeee... funiculaaaah.. funiculeeee, funiculah ah ah... "

After that, I went up the other funicular to see the ruins of a Roman theatre... again fighting the urge to sing!

I headed home on the train, and made a new friend David. David is from Montpellier and was literally just moving to Geneva on the train that I was on. I gave him a hand finding a hotel to stay in, found him a map, and showed him a local work agency so he could find a job. David is a patisserier, and boulangier - ie a pastry chef and baker. Good friend to make eh? We do have some communication struggles as he really does not have any English and his French is heavily accented with a Montpellier accent. I can only understand about 50% of his words and he understands my french most of the time, but of course, that is very limited. Still, doesn't stop us being friends.

So I had him and my friends Cyrille and Alex over to dinner on Wednesday night for Kangaroo. Friday night I went to the Cirque du Soleil. Again. Believe me, even though it was the same show, it was well worth seeing again.

Saturday lunch was with my friends celebrating their baby's first birthday.

In the evening was the 2000 party with Genevaonline. Mind you, we now have almost 2500 members, only 4 days later! I danced and partied until the small hours. I was a volunteer welcomer so it was part of my duties to introduce myself to complete strangers and make them feel welcome. You can see how much I would hate having to do that. NOT. I also was an unofficial photographer. Read as good excuse to get pics of cute blokes, preferably cuddling me. <grin>

Sunday was yum cha (that is becoming a habit!) followed by the birthday of my dear friend Paul; roast lamb at Paul and Sheila's house. Lots of fun and oh.. a lamb roast is a lovesome thing. All in all a fun and busy weekend!

So I am spending some of the nights this week updating the website and attempting to tidy up the place.

11 March 2006

Well I had a lovely time in Lyon. It did snow every day but that did not deter me.

On Saturday I mainly wandered around the central town, and then settled down to a nice dinner in a restaurant. Lyon has a very good reputation for food, so I was determined to find some of it!

The next day I headed for the museum, where I had a good long explore. They have a fine collection of ceramics and glass, and also a superb collection of coins - including some original stamps used to make them!

3 March 2006

Well last weekend, I had grand plans for lots of exciting activities but on the whole was actually pretty slack! On Thursday I went out to Alhambar to their Bollywood night. There wasn't much bollywood about it, but it was still nice to get out. I had lunch with Julia and the kids on Friday; fondue time. On Sunday I went to Yum Cha and met some new GOLers. (GenevaOnline people).

Tomorrow I am heading off to Lyon for a long weekend. I can't afford to go anywhere tooo exotic, but Lyon should be fun.