Hope Springs Eternal

Mahlzeit : Zurich, CH

No explanation needed!

Photo copyright: Janet Kincaid, 06/09

Trinity

Nuns in Three : Zurich, CH

This was on the side of a building on one of the side streets Z and I wandered down in Zurich. I took three different pictures of this detail, but this is the one I liked best.

Photo copyright: Janet Kincaid, 06/09

Zurich

Flowers and Flags : Zurich, CH

I went to Zurich yesterday for part of the day and hung out with Z who writes the photo blog Based in Villigen. Despite the rain, it was a lovely day to hang out and become acquainted with yet another photo blogger. Thanks, Z, for the hospitality and for running around with me in my quest to find a solution to my crappy internet connection!

Photo copyright: Janet Kincaid, 06/09

Haircut

Perspective on a hair salon : Geneva, CH

I had to get my hair cut the other day. Someone at work recommended a salon in Geneva near the train station. While I was waiting, I snapped this picture.

Photo copyright: Janet Kincaid, 06/09

Italian Details

City Hall (Hotel de Ville) : Aosta, Italy

The windows, doors, art, ironwork, and even the shadows in Aosta made for some nice photos. Here are just a few examples of some of the detail--like the pavers in front of City Hall--to be seen in this ancient Italian town.

Photo copyright: Janet Kincaid, 06/09

Italian Arches

Roman Arch : Aosta, Italy

The city of Aosta, Italy, dates back to the 25 B.C. and evidence of its Roman origins can still be seen in the old city walls and arches. Arches continue to be a prominent feature in architecture. Here are just a few.

Photo copyright: Janet Kincaid, 06/09

Italian People Watching

Generations

One of the things I enjoyed about Aosta were all the people. These are just a few pictures of some of the hundreds of people I saw and photographed this past weekend.

Photo copyright: Janet Kincaid, 06/09

Mont Blanc Tunnel

Mont Blanc... In the Clouds

This past weekend, my friends Sue and Cindy and I went to Aosta, Italy, for a day of shopping and dining. I'll be doing a series of photos from Aosta for the next few days. These first photos are of the approach to and the entrance to the Mont Blanc Tunnel.

Construction on the tunnel started in 1942 and opened to traffic in 1965. It connects France with Italy and passes through the French-Italian Alps under Mont Blanc--Europe's highest peak at 15,781 ft (4,810 m) above sea level. In 1999, a Belgian semi-truck hauling flour and margarine caught fire. The ventilation system in the tunnel failed and 39 people lost their lives.

Photo copyright: Janet Kincaid, 06/09

Poppies

Poppies and a hovering bee

Not too far from Dr Lala's, and on the way to work, is a field of wheat and poppies. I left for work a little early this morning and was able to capture a couple of good pictures. Hard to do, though, in dress pants and dress shoes, but I managed!

Poppies and wheat

Photo copyright: Janet Kincaid, 06/09

Pink

Sunset in Pink

My friend, Dr Lala, loves the color pink. The other day, we had a beautiful sunset I'm calling Lala's Sunset in Pink.

Photo copyright: Janet Kincaid, 06/09

Juxtaposition

Juxtaposition

I liked the contrast between old and new that this photo opportunity presented. This Japanese journalist was waiting for WHO officials who could comment on the recent announcement that the pandemic alert level was going from Phase 5 to Phase 6. I caught her talking on her cell phone near the bank of pay phones just outside the Executive Boardroom.

Photo copyright: Janet Kincaid, 06/09

Sun-kissed

Sun-kissed

When I was up on the terrace in the Main Building the other day, I noticed the late afternoon sun on these plants and snapped this photo. Nothing too special, but nice light.

Photo copyright: Janet Kincaid, 06/09

My Life is My Message

Detail on a memorial to Mohandas Ghandi of India

The other day, I took a walk in the neighborhood around WHO. Not too far away and on the grounds of the Ariana is a bronze statue of Mohandas Ghandi. I took a few snaps, then tweaked them in my photo editing software.

"My life is my message."

Photo copyright: Janet Kincaid, 06/09

Le Salève

Le Salève--backdrop for Geneva, but situated in France

Geneva is situated along Lac Leman (Lake Geneva), the largest fresh water lake in Europe and enjoys a view of Mont Blanc (White Mountain), the highest peak in Europe, but it is the Salève that is most eye-catching. Ironically, the Salève is in France, but it looks like it's in Switzerland. (Mont Blanc is also in France, but that's neither here nor there right now, because it's the Salève I'm writing about.)

I enjoy geology when I get a chance to read up on it. The Salève is a fascinating geological range, but given my lack of ability to explain geology adequately, I'll leave it to those more learned than I. Here's a bit about it, starting with paragraph 127. This photo was taken from the 8th floor of the main building on the WHO campus. You can see part of Lake Geneva, the city of Geneva, and then Le Salève.

Photo copyright: Janet Kincaid, 06/09

Adventures in Driving

My wheels while I'm in Europe. It's a manual. Ugh.

So, this past weekend, I rented a car. I originally booked an automatic, because that's what I'm accustomed to driving. When I went to pick up said car, they didn't have an automatic, so I had to take a manual transmission. The last time I drove a manual, I was 16 years old and it was my Grandpa Bangerter's VW Rabbit. I stalled it out in an intersection twice and that basically did it for me. No more manuals.

Needless to say, I'm not entirely thrilled to be driving a manual over here. I do okay once I'm in gear and as long as the land is flat, but hills continue to be the bane of my existence. I stalled out and had to go through three light cycles to get into first the other day. It would be a gross understatement to say that rattled my nerves a bit. I'll get the hang of it, though. I have no choice, really.

That said, can someone please explain to me why, in the name of all that is holy, is a portion of the civilized world still driving manuals when we have technology that will do that work for us? Makes absolutely no sense to me, at all. None. But there you have it.

Photo copyright: Janet Kincaid, 06/09

After the Storm

Stormy Sunset

Last week, Dr Lala and I went for pedicure's in Geneva proper. It was raining when we left and the drive home featured the most beautiful double rainbow I've ever seen. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to snap a picture of it. But I did get this and I think it's just as lovely.

Photo copyright: Janet Kincaid, 06/09

World Blood Donor Day

World Blood Donor Day is June 14.

Today is World Blood Donor Day. Who knew?! WHO did. For the past week, they've had up signs and balloons in the main building announcing today's special day. Today is also Flag Day in the United States. And, it's my parents' 42nd wedding anniversary. Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad!

When was the last time you gave blood?

Photo copyright: Janet Kincaid, 06/09

Im Garten

Slow and steady wins the race? Or gets its ass kicked to the curb...

Just a couple of snaps from Dr Lala's terrace garden. When I came home from work the other evening, this snail (Schnecke, auf Deutsch. No clue what it is in French. Escargot?) was cruising along the edge of the walkway. After I snapped its photo, it was suggested I kick it into the yard. Not wanting bad snail karma, I picked it up and tossed it in the yard. The flowers below are some of the lilies that have recently bloomed on the terrace. Pretty, aren't they?

Pretty in pink...

Photo copyright: Janet Kincaid, 06/09

Phase 6: Moderate

The media, waiting for a statement from WHO regarding the pandemic alert level.

Yesterday, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced it was raising its pandemic alert level to Phase 6--the highest alert level in its system--and characterizing the pandemic as "moderate". What does this mean? This means that influenza A (H1N1)--also known as swine flu--has reached sustained community transmission in at least two WHO regions. In this case, the U.S. and Australia. The pandemic alert level simply means that there is widespread geographical spread, but few deaths. This is where the characterization "moderate" comes into play. Moderate simply means, there are many cases across geographical areas, but few severe cases requiring hospitalization and few deaths. The order of the day is not to panic, but to be vigilant.

Media truck at WHO during the announcement regarding pandemic alert levels.

To read WHO Director-General Margaret Chan's full statement to the media yesterday evening, go here. And to learn more about influenza A (H1N1), go here.

Photo copyright: Janet Kincaid, 06/09

Burning

Burning : Prevessin-Moens, FR

Scott and Diana came down for the weekend and Scott helped Dr Lala tear down a dog house that was on the property. Then, Dr Lala set about burning the scrap wood. This is her fire. Pretty, huh? We were gonna roast marshmallows over it, but it never happened.

Photo copyright: Janet Kincaid, 06/09

Morning Commute

Waiting : Geneva, CH

The other morning, Sue, Dr Lala's tenent in the west wing of the house, had to make a payment on her rental car. So, we ventured downtown before work. While she took care of the car, I waited in the same. Having nothing better to do, I pulled out my camera and started snapping pictures of people on their way to work. I'm posting these in color and black and white. Enjoy!

Waiting : Geneva, CH

Photo copyright: Janet Kincaid, 06/09

Baselstadt

Rathaus Basel : Basel, CH

My friends, Diana and Scott, live in Basel, which is the cantonal seat of Canton Baselstadt. Basel is in the north and borders on France and Germany. Since we spent Sunday in the Alsace and I had to work remotely on Monday, I only had an hour or two to see Basel. Scott kindly gave me the nickel tour, which was quite lovely.

Beautiful art on a building : Freie Strasse, Basel, CH

I'll definitely be going back to Basel, though, for two reasons. First, to visit my friends again and second, to visit some of the surrounding villages where my ancestors--the Bangerters--came from. Stay tuned...

Photo copyright: Janet Kincaid, 06/09

Ribeauville in Detail

Pied Piper at the Patisserie : Ribeauville, FR

These are the last of the pictures I'll feature for Ribeauville. Like Bergheim, I have so many I could show, but I guess I have to draw the line somewhere, right? So, here are three more and a slideshow. The carvings and signs around the Alsace were charming and added to the timeless atmosphere so many villages in Europe possess.

Rouge et Bleu : Ribeauville, FR

This photo is for my friend, Scott, who wanted me to see and photograph this scene. I'm not sure I managed to do as well as he hoped, but like him, I liked the contrast of the pink and blue buildings.

Ave Maria Gratia Plena : Ribeauville, FR

That's it for Ribeauville. Tomorrow: photos from Basel, Switzerland!

Photo copyright: Janet Kincaid, 05/09

Scenic Alsace

Scenic Alsace : Ribeauville, FR

Seems like around every corner and down each street in Ribeauville there's a photo op! I especially enjoyed the view of the castle on the hill just under the arch. One of the castles in the area (there were two that were noticeable on the hills above the villages) was once owned by Germany's Kaiser Wilhelm. Apparently, he used it as a hunting retreat. If I go back to this region before my stint is up, I'll stop and check it out.

Sweeping Silhouette : Ribeauville, FR

One of the things I often do when I'm in a new place is look up. It's amazing what you find when you glance beyond street level. When I lived in Austria, I use to see for-real chimney sweeps. When I saw the metal silhouette on this chimney, I just had to snap a picture.

Red, White, and Blue : Ribeauville, FR

Finally, no village is complete without a stork! This one had a brood of three or four chicks. Aside from the beautiful architecture, good shopping, and numerous restaurants, this was probably the most popular attraction!

Photo copyright: Janet Kincaid, 05/09

Ribeauville

Metz Freres Vins d'Alsace : Ribeauville, FR

Just down the road from Bergheim is the village of Ribeauville. There are some tourists in Bergheim, but there are a ton in Ribeauville. We were just four more tourists amid the hoary masses!

Metz Freres Winery in the heart of the village of Ribeauville
in the French winemaking region of the Alsace-Lorraine.

Here are a few photos of the Metz Freres Winery in town and here's just a little information I was able to find in English about Bergheim and Ribeauville. Of course, there's always Wikipedia: Bergheim and Ribeauville.

Bottled libations at Metz Freres : Ribeauville, FR

Photo copyright: Janet Kincaid, 05/09

Au revoir, Bergheim

Sunday Cat in Shadows : Bergheim, FR

Here are the last of my shots from Bergheim. They're sort of more of the same, but I wanted to show them anyway. Tomorrow, I'll post some photos and a slideshow of Ribeauville, just down the road from Bergheim. And then a few photos of Basel, back in Switzerland.

Bi-Recycle : Bergheim, FR

Photo copyright: Janet Kincaid, 05/09

Architectural Detail

Sundial on the Side : Bergheim, FR

Just a few more photos from Bergheim in the Alsace-Lorraine. I tried to focus in on the details, rather than the larger scene. I loved the color of the buildings and all of the beautiful flowers.

Fountain and Hotel de Ville : Bergheim, FR

Blue House : Bergheim, FR

Photo copyright: Janet Kincaid, 05/09

Signs and Colors

Sign over the Winstub du Sommelier : Bergheim, FR

One of the neat sights in the towns and villages of the Alsace are the signs hanging over the doors of businesses and the colorful buildings. According to my friend, Di, Disney modeled its sets for Beauty and the Beast after the signs, buildings, and plazas of Bergheim, Ribeauville, and Riquewihr.

Colorful buildings in Bergheim, France

Photo copyright: Janet Kincaid, 05/09

Wistub du Sommelier

Detail of a Mural : Winstub du Sommelier : Bergheim, FR

I forgot to take a picture of any of the entrees each of us had, but I promise they were yummy. I ate a regional, peasant dish called choucroute: sauerkraut with sausages and ham.

Muscat d'Alsace : Winstub du Sommelier : Bergheim, FR

Just a couple of pictures from the Winstub du Sommelier. And dessert was divine.

Chocolat Mousse et Sorbet : Winstub du Sommelier : Bergheim, FR

Photo copyright: Janet Kincaid, 05/09

The Alsace-Lorraine

Quiet Street : Bergheim, France in the Alsace-Lorraine

This weekend, I went to Basel, CH, to visit my friends, Di and Scott. On Sunday, they took me and our mutual friend, Dr Lala, to the Alsace-Lorraine. This is one of France's eastern wine regions and is picturesquely nestled between France and Germany. Throughout history it has changed hands numerous times as a result of feudal land grabs or world wars. The area is dotted with villages and towns lying at the foot of some beautiful wineries and vineyards. We went to Bergheim and Ribeauville, FR. In Bergheim, we ate a very delicious lunch at Wistub du Sommelier. Over the next week, I'll post pictures from both of these towns. Eventually, I'll also post some photos I took of Basel.

Oh! The best part of the weekend, besides hanging out with good friends and eating good food? Being able to speak a language I know and understand. Thank goodness for German!

Shutter and Wall Detail : Bergheim, FR

Photo copyright: Janet Kincaid, 05/09