The F-Stops Here...

ILO

2011-10-08T21:16:00.000+02:00

Stained glass : Gift from the Federal Republic of Germany : ILO : Geneva, CH

I participated in a series of meetings at the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Geneva this week. The building is filled with art and exhibits that depict the history of labor in civilization. This stained glass, from the Federal Republic of Germany, was tucked away in a hallway near the gift shop.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 9/11

Mobile Blogging

2011-10-07T17:57:00.000+02:00

I've loaded Blogger's app for mobile blogging to my iPod Touch and thought I'd give it a whirl. This is a photo of this morning's sunrise.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 10/11

Gruyères: The HR Giger Museum

2011-10-04T22:36:00.000+02:00

Museum HR Giger : Gruyères, CH

In addition to being famous for cheese and double cream, Gruyères is also well-known for being the home of the HR Giger Museum. Giger is best known for his work on the movie Aliens. This museum pays homage to his career and his private collection. It is, to say the least, bizarre. Photography isn't allowed inside the museum, so these are all exterior shots. Kitty-corner to the museum is the Giger Bar. The last photo is from inside the bar.

Detail on the Exterior : Museum HR Giger : Gruyères, CH

A tipple... : Giger Bar : Gruyères, CH

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 10/11

Gruyères: The Town

2011-10-03T22:27:00.000+02:00

The quaint Fribourgian town of Gruyères, home of Gruyère cheese : Gruyères, CH

Gruyères the town is very quaint. We enjoyed a lovely lunch and then wandered the streets. Gruyères is a medieval town, so there's an old town wall. There are cute shops throughout and a couple of museums. If you want to buy Gruyère cheese or Gruyère double cream, this is the place to do it.

Medieval Gruyères : Gruyères, CH

Church and cemetery : Gruyères, CH

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 10/11

Gruyères: The Alpages

2011-10-02T22:21:00.000+02:00

Des Alpages : Gruyères, CH

Yesterday, we went to Gruyères to meet some friends for lunch. We got a little lost and ended up caught in the annual Alpages where the Swiss bring their livestock down from the mountains for the winter. It was a beautiful day for it and it's always fun to see the Swiss holding on to their traditions in this 21st century world.

All decked out... : Des Alpages : Gruyères, CH

These are definitely not filthy, stockyard American cows. These bovines have enjoyed summers in the high pastures and meadows of the Alps, eating grass and clover and soaking up the sun. If you're a cow in Switzerland, you're livin' the good life!

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 10/11

Alpages a la Gruyères

2011-10-01T21:10:00.000+02:00

Des Alpages : Gruyères, CH

This time of year in the Alps of Switzerland, Austria, Italy, France, and Germany, is the end of the grazing season for the cattle. Many of the villages and towns put together small parades or larger festivals celebrating the return of the cows--and in some places, the sheep and goats, too--from the mountains and hillsides. In French, it's called des Alpages. In German, it's called the Almabtrieb. I just call it "FUN!" Today, we went to Gruyères and had to pull onto the shoulder to let the cows and their herders by. Here is some video.

Video copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 10/11

Charlie's Perspective

2011-09-18T22:11:00.000+02:00

Underside : First, CH

When you're only 8" tall (20 cm), your perspective is pretty low. Charlie is quite a trooper when it comes to going up and down various Alpine elevations. These are just a few photos of the view from his level.

Aspirational : Schrekfeld, CH

Heading down... : Between Schrekfeld and Bort, CH

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 9/11

Wanderung

2011-09-17T21:30:00.000+02:00

Hiking in the Berner Oberland : First, CH

After visiting Trümmelbach Falls, we left the Lauterbrunnen Valley and drove over to the neighboring Grindelwald Valley. From the town of Grindelwald, we caught a gondola and rode up to First, CH--nearly 8,000 ft above sea level (about 2,200 m ASL). On the return, we decided to hike back down to the station at Schreckfeld. Along the way, we passed hikers going up.

A different view of the Jungfrau : First, CH

Typical Swiss Alpine scene--cows and mountains : First, CH

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 9/11

Trümmelbach Falls

2011-09-16T19:26:00.000+02:00

Trümmelbach Falls : Trümmelbach, CH

On our last day in Lauterbrunnen, we drove back up toward Stechelberg. About halfway there, we stopped at Trümmelbach Falls. The falls are the glacier defile for the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. The falls are inside the mountain and accessible by elevator and stairs. They produce nearly 5,300 gallons (20,000 liters) of water per second. The falls are incredibly impressive and worth the 11 Swiss francs for admission.

The Corkscrew : Trümmelbach Falls : Trümmelbach, CH

The river at the end of the falls... : Trümmelbach, CH

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 9/11

Eispalast

2011-09-15T17:38:00.000+02:00

Looking back at the entrance to the Eispalast (Ice Palace) : Jungfraujoch, CH

One of the fun features of the Jungfraujoch is the Eispalast. Carved out of the glacier, the Eispalast features a Tim Burtonesque tunnel leading to a few rooms with fun ice sculptures. Just a few pictures below for your enjoyment!

Igloo, seals, and an indigenous person (aka: Eskimo) : Jungfraujoch, CH

Scrat, the saber-toothed squirrel, finally gets his nut! : Jungfraujoch, CH

And, of course, it isn't Switzerland if there isn't a watch ad somewhere.

This one is for Tissot Swiss Watches : Jungfraujoch, CH

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 9/11

Aletschgletscher

2011-09-14T21:44:00.000+02:00

Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe) : Jungfrau, CH

To reach the "Top of Europe" on the Jungfraujoch, you have to ride a cog train from Kleine Scheidigg to a train station deep in the mountain. The 5.8 mile (9.3 km) ride takes 50 minutes and brings you to a platform 11,332 feet ASL (3,454 meters ASL)--the highest train station in all of Europe!

The top of the Aletschgletscher : Jungfrau, CH

The main reason to travel to the top of the Jungfraujoch is to see the largest glacier in western Europe, the Aletschgletscher. The glacier is 14 miles (23 km) long and, at its thickest point, nearly 3,330 ft deep (~1 km). To see a photo of the glacier from space, go here.

Crevass : Jungfrau, CH

Strata : Jungfrau, CH

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 9/11

Blick von Kleine Scheidigg...

2011-09-13T21:11:00.000+02:00

Blick von Kleine Scheidigg, CH

Once we arrived in Kleine Scheidigg, this was the view that greeted us: The Jungfrau, Mönch, and Eiger in all their ginormous glory!

Eiger Reflection : Kleine Scheidigg, CH

Blick auf Grindelwald im Tal : Kleine Scheidigg, CH

Not only is there a great view of this magnificent Alpine trio, but from Kleine Scheidigg, you can look down the valley and see the town of Grindelwald. If you click on the photo, you can see it off in the distance at the foot of the mountains.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 9/11

Wengen to Kleine Scheidigg

2011-09-12T22:45:00.000+02:00

On the Ascent from Lauterbrunnen, looking down the valley :
Lauterbrunnen, CH

On Monday, we decided to ride the cog train from Lauterbrunnen to Kleine Scheidigg. The 50-minute ride takes you through the town of Wengen and to the base of Switzerland's three most famous peaks after the better-known Matterhorn: the Jungfrau (Virgin), Mönch (Monk), and Eiger (Ogre). I'm sure there's some legend behind the names of the peaks, but I couldn't find anything.

The Jungfrau with a altocumulus lenticular cloud formation atop its summit :
Kleine Scheidigg, CH

Cog Train ascending... : Wengen, CH

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 9/11

An Unplanned Vacation

2011-09-11T22:31:00.000+02:00

View of the Alps : Schilthorn, CH

Recently, work has been, shall we say, bureaucratic, so we decided to take a few days and get away to the Alps. Friend and colleague Mary C. was in town from Atlanta. She and her husband used to live in Oxford, UK, but had never been to the Alps before. We rang up Mary and asked her if she'd like to join us today as long as she was willing to ride the train back to Geneva at the end of the evening. She enthusiastically said, "Yes!" So, off we went. Here are a couple of pictures taken from the top of the Schilthorn--10,000 ft above sea level!

Alpine flora : Schilthorn, CH

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 9/11

Droplets

2011-08-20T23:42:00.010+02:00

Macro Droplets : Ferney-Voltaire, FR

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 7/11

U.S. Mission Instagram

2011-08-18T12:01:00.004+02:00

U.S. Mission : Geneva, CH

The Permanent Mission of the United States of America to the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva. Seriously.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 7/11

Buffalo a la Suisse

2011-08-16T12:00:00.007+02:00

Buffalo a la Suisse : Collex, CH

I have a new bus stop I use for my commute to work now. To get to it, I have to walk past a corral full of buffalo. My understanding from other expats is these are actually imported North American bison, but they're a little on the small side compared to their American cousins, which makes me wonder if they aren't European wisents. Either way, it's very amusing to see buffalo in Europe.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 7/11

In the Air / On the Lake

2011-08-14T12:11:00.017+02:00

Fly-by : In the air over Morges, CH

As the dogs were romping along the shore of Lac Leman, I looked up in the air and spotted this biplane. According to photography friend Alistair Scott, it's an old Russian Antonov An-2. The same manufacturer that makes this little thing also makes the world's biggest plane--the Antonov An-225.

Vadar's Boat? : Off the shore of Morges, CH

Meanwhile, out on the lake, there were a number of sailboats. This one in particular stood out and made me think of Star Wars and Darth Vadar!

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 7/11

Doggy Play Date!

2011-08-13T12:02:00.022+02:00

Dogs! Dogs! Dogs! (And a few humans...) : Morges, CH

This weekend, the folks who facilitated our adoption of Charlie threw a get together with a bunch of dog owners and their dogs. All of these dogs were rescued by AIDAS and all of them have been placed in good homes with owners who adore their four-legged friends. There were 15 dogs in the group. I think Charlie was a little overwhelmed by all the action, but mostly had fun. I carried him into Lac Leman a few times and he swam a bit.

Nathalie and her dogs, Tilou and Pepito : Morges, CH

This is the woman who fostered Charlie. Nathalie cares for two dogs herself--Pepito (on the right) and Tilou (on the left). Pepito seemed to remember Charlie and was quite excited to see him. Tilou was a little indifferent!

Lindy and her rescued quadrapeds : Morges, CH

This is Rosalinde--Lindy for short--and she's the woman who facilitated our adoption with AIDAS. She and Nathalie are both two of the loveliest people who feel passionately about the dogs and cats they rescue. We're very fortunate to have met them and are so grateful we found Charlie through them.

Charles "Boy" Bentley, a.k.a. Charlie : Morges, CH

This is one of the last photos I took near the end of our Morges gathering. Charlie was feeling a little overwhelmed, because he couldn't figure out who his pack was in all of those dogs. Eventually, he just sat back and watched all of the commotion. We went home not long after that.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 7/11

Chartreuse

2011-08-11T12:01:00.003+02:00

Chartreuse : Geneva, CH

Walking to the bus on the way home, I looked up and this was my view. Out came the Apple iPod Touch and viola--another Hipstamatic print.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 7/11

Doggy Wrap

2011-08-09T11:58:00.006+02:00

Charlie naps in the netting : Ferney-Voltaire, FR

We don't have traditional screen doors or screens on the windows over here like they do in the States, so we have to improvise. In the doorway going from the kitchen to the terrace, we've strung up netting on a shower rod. Somehow Charlie wrapped himself up in it and fell asleep! It was quite cute.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 7/11

Betrayal for Peace: 1938 - 1945

2011-08-07T11:57:00.022+02:00

Monument to German Occupation, 1938 - 1945 : Prague, CZ

In 1938, Germany's National Socialist Workers' Party, led by the dictator Adolf Hitler, began threatening war against then-Czechoslovakia for land bordering Germany known as the Sudatenland. Hitler had already taken over Austria and was threatening war in Europe. In an effort at appeasement, the British and the French, in a colossal betrayal of an ally that would prove fruitless in the end, signed over Czechoslovakia to Germany. The hope was, if Hitler was granted the Sudatenland, he'd cease his saber-rattling and be satisfied with the additional Lebensraum (living space) for Germany and Germans and quietly go away. The Czechs were not present at the signing of the Munich Agreement (or the Munich Betrayal, as it became known in Czechoslovakia) and, when they protested, the British and French told the Czechs, if they rose up against the Germans, the Brits and French would consider it an act of aggression and would come to Germany's defense. This monument memorializes Germany's occupation of Czechoslovakia from 1938 until 1945, when the country was liberated by Patton's U.S. Third Army.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 7/11

Parking through Prague

2011-08-06T11:37:00.019+02:00

Palace Gardens : Prague, CZ

The last time we were in Prague, we joked about "porking through Prague." We weren't referring to some kind of illicit, sexual orgy, but rather that every night, we tried out a different pork or meat dish at dinner. On this trip, we discovered or were shown some really fabulous gardens and have decided that on our next trip to Prague, we will be "parking through Prague." These gardens below the Castle were once part of the Castle vineyards. If you start at the top and work your way down, you get to see some lovely spaces and views of the city. There is a fee to visit the parks, but it's worth every crown.

Parking through Prague : Prague, CZ

Quaint little fountain in a park : Prague, CZ

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 7/11

St. Vitus Cathedral

2011-08-04T12:24:00.012+02:00

Main Portal : St. Vitus Cathedral : Prague, CZ

As anyone who reads this blog knows, I love a good cathedral. I enjoy photographing them, I appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into them, and I like their history. I confess, I know nothing about St. Vitus. I also have to say I was I was thoroughly underwhelmed by this cathedral. You have to pay to enter the main sanctuary and approach the altar area. I wasn't willing to do that, so as a result, I have only a few photos of Prague's most prominent landmark.

Mosaic : St. Vitus Cathedral : Prague, CZ

Stained Glass : St. Vitus Cathedral : Prague, CZ

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 7/11

Prague Castle Grounds

2011-08-03T23:07:00.018+02:00

Chatting : Prague Castle : Prague, CZ

Just a few more random photos after the documentary shoot in the Imperial Stables at the Prague Castle. Maya and Alena stand outside the exhibit space, chatting and waiting for Alena's mother.

Czech Guard : Prague Castle : Prague, CZ

While we were waiting for Alena's mother, I stepped outside the castle grounds and snapped a photo of this young man guarding the entrance to the palace.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 7/11

View of Prague

2011-08-02T22:34:00.000+02:00

View of Prague from the Restaurant Villa Richter : Prague, CZ

While Kieran was shooting B-roll, Maya and I took her cousin, Petra Tondera, to lunch at the Villa Richter. It was a beautiful day and the views of Prague's Old Town and the Charles Bridge were spectacular!

Charles Bridge (Upper middle distance) : Prague, CZ

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 7/11

Růžena Zátková 2.0

2011-08-01T22:22:00.001+02:00

Růžena Zátková by Mestrovic : Prague, CZ

Just a few shots from the Růžena Zátková Exhibit at the Prague Castle. The sculpture above is by the Yugoslav-Croatian artist Ivan Mestrovic.

Experiencing Růžena : Prague, CZ

It was great to see people coming into the exhibit and experiencing the art and life of this little-known Czech artist. The hope is that an exhibit in Italy will be just as well received!

The Piledriver by Růžena Zátková : Prague, CZ

If you missed my entry about this exhibit back in April, go here.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 7/11

Documenting Růžena

2011-07-31T17:38:00.002+02:00

Růžena Zátková by Mestrovic : Prague, CZ

As I stated earlier, the whole point of this recent trip to Prague was to film the exhibit featuring the artwork of Maya's great-grandmother, Růžena Zátková. The exhibit closes today (31 July) and this art may not be seen again for several years. (The curator, Alena Pomajzlova, is hoping to do a similar exhibit in Italy in a couple of years, but that remains to be seen.) Maya hired a camera man--a lovely expat Aussie named Kieran D'Arcy--and Monday was spent shooting Růžena's art and interviewing Alena.

Lights! Camera! Action! : Prague, CZ

Left to right in the photo above: Dr Alena Pomajzlova of the University of Brno and the curator of the exhibit, Ms Maya Lucchitta, great-granddaughter of the artist, and Mr Kieran D'Arcy, videographer.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 7/11

Dvořák

2011-07-30T17:07:00.000+02:00

Antonín Dvořák Statue and Prague Castle as seen from the Rudolfinum : Prague, CZ

One of the Czech Republic's most loved composers is Antonín Dvořák. Most people know his Symphony No. 9, which he wrote while he was living in America.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 7/11

People-Watching, Prague Style

2011-07-29T16:57:00.001+02:00

Two heads are better than one : Prague, CZ

I past a lot of folks sitting on benches along the riverfront or leaning against the railing that separates the upper promenade from the lower promenades and piers. This couple was especially striking, because of the view they were enjoying of Prague's iconic castle.

Waiting : Prague, CZ

This woman appeared to be waiting for someone. I was most struck by her dark hair, fair skin, and the rosiness of her cheeks. This photo doesn't quite do her justice.

Discussion of Import : Prague, CZ

These two old guys where having a rather animated discussion on a bench outside St. Nicholas Church off the main square in Old Town. I have no idea what they were discussing, but it looked pretty serious. I caught them in a quiet moment.

Hackney No. 1 : Prague, CZ

I caught a couple of photos of this young lady--a hackney, or carriage driver--near the main square in Old Town. She looked positively bored out of her mind. And who can blame her? If I had to deal with tourists every day as my livelihood, I might become a little glassy-eyed, too!

Hackney No. 2 : Prague, CZ

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 7/11

Sunday Walk in Prague, Part II

2011-07-28T16:46:00.004+02:00

Charles Bridge Silhouette : Prague, CZ

I enjoyed a nice view of the Charles Bridge from the riverfront. This crucifix stood out from all of the other statues that line the bridge. (I confess, I doctored this photo a bit in post-production. The sky was a bit washed out and flat. I darkened it a little and upped the reds and blues. Call it cheating, but I like how it turned out.)

Pediment : Prague, CZ

One thing I often notice about tourists is, they don't look up. As a result, they miss a lot of detail and beauty in the buildings around them. This pediment (I think that's what it is) was on the outside of what otherwise seemed like a really dull building. I think it's rather striking. Note the sheep at the bottom.

Bohemian Crystal : Prague, CZ

Crystal is probably the one thing the Czech Republic is most known for. Often referred to as Bohemian crystal, cups and goblets, decanters and vases, and a host of other pieces like these can be found in shop windows and second-hand stores throughout Prague. Be careful where you buy, though. Most of the shops in the Old Town area are run by the Russian mafia. If you want the real deal, go to the Moser flagship store in Prague near Wencelas Square.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 7/11

Sunday Walk in Prague, Part I

2011-07-27T16:38:00.001+02:00

In nomine Patris et Filii et Spiritus Santi... : Prague, CZ

On Sunday afternoon, I was feeling a little restless, so I left the apartment with camera in hand and went for a little walk. My intention was to walk across the Charles Bridge, but the crowds were so thick, I decided to walk along the riverfront instead. I turned down a quiet little street and encountered many hidden treasures and lots of interesting people.

Collaborative : Prague, CZ

Porcelain Priest : Prague, CZ

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 7/11

Rooftop View

2011-07-26T16:20:00.000+02:00

View of the main square in Old Town from the
rooftop of the Hotel Prince : Prague, CZ

On Sunday, we decided to have lunch at the rooftop restaurant on top of the Hotel Prince in Old Town. Note to anyone planning to visit Prague: This is a great place to go for drinks or ice cream with friends and to get off your feet for a bit and enjoy an alternate view of Old Town and the surrounding area, but the menu isn't worth the paper it's printed on, so skip it for a meal.

Tourists in the Clock Tower : Prague, CZ

One of the places to enjoy a good view of Prague is from the Clock Tower in Old Town. At various times throughout the day, a trumpeter dressed in Medieval costume comes to the top of the tower and blows his horn.

St Nicholas Church Tower : Prague, CZ

Over the rooftops, you can see the domes of St Nicholas Church. This style of dome is common throughout the Czech Republic and Austria and is usually featured on a Baroque church.

View of the house Kafka lived in for a while.

The feature to see on this building is the sgraffito.

Also, cool pattern on the sidewalk! : Prague, CZ

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 7/11

Prague at Dusk

2011-07-25T16:08:00.003+02:00

Prague Castle at Dusk : Prague, CZ

After enjoying dinner and a lovely visit with Maya's cousin, Petra, we headed back down through Letenské sady/ Letna Park. The sun had just set and the sky was that beautiful blue you get at dusk. From the park, there is a nice view of the Prague Castle and Old Town. Just a couple of pictures...

View of Old Town from Letna Park : Prague, CZ

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 7/11

More Outdoor Art/chitecture

2011-07-24T15:05:00.001+02:00

Sgraffito : Near Letenské sady (Letna Park) : Prague, CZ

Beautiful art on the side of a building : Prague, CZ

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 7/11

2011-07-23T14:51:00.002+02:00

Cathedral of St. Antonina : Prague, CZ

On Saturday, we crossed the river and went over to the area near Letenské sady (Letna Park in English) to visit Maya's father's cousin so-many-times-removed, Petra Tondera. We went out to dinner at one of the local pubs in her neighborhood and these are just a few of the sites we enjoyed.

Random building with a beautiful fresco near Letenské sady : Prague, CZ

One of the features I love about Prague are the beautiful mosaics, frescoes, and sgraffitoes. I took quite a few pictures of this kind of thing around the main square in Old Town the last time we were in Prague. Turns out, they're all over Prague and they're all quite a treat!

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 7/11

Prague: Redux

2011-07-22T12:59:00.000+02:00

Memorial to Jan Hus in the Main Square : Prague, CZ

We hadn't anticipated a second trip to Prague this year, but Maya wants to make a documentary about her great-grandmother, artist Růžena Zátková. In order to tell her story, we needed to photograph and film Růžena's art and interview the curator before the exhibit closes on 31 July. So, back to Prague we went. We didn't do a lot of touristing, but I did manage to capture a few photos here and there. The next few days will feature pictures from Prague and a few shots from the film shoot.

Inner Courtyard : 48 Karlova : Prague, CZ

I love Prague. It's equal parts elegant, but gritty; erudite, but down-to-earth; metropolitan, but small-town. It was great to be back!

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 7/11

Roll, Roll, Roll...

2011-07-21T12:42:00.000+02:00

Roll, roll, roll... : Collex, CH

Ever seen the Mel Brook's classic "Young Frankenstein"? The caption for this photo comes from that movie. The scene features a young, lovely Terry Garr inviting Gene Wilder to roll in the hay.

Inga: Hallo. Vould you like to roll in ze hay?
Dr. Frankenstein: [stutters]
Inga: It's fun.
[She begins to roll in the hay]
Inga: Roll, roll, roll in ze hay.

Great film!

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 7/11

Lavender's Blue, Dilly Dilly...

2011-07-19T11:10:00.000+02:00

Lavender on the Terrace : Geneva, CH

On the eighth floor terrace at work, they have planter boxes full of all kinds of flora. Before coming to Europe, I was not a big fan of lavender, but after spending a lovely weekend in Provence surrounded by the lavender fields, I fell in love with the stuff. I'm lobbying for lavender next year in some of our planter boxes on our own terrace...

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 5/11

Bucolic...

2011-07-17T11:04:00.001+02:00

On the Road to the Bus : Collex, CH

I've been taking the bus to work lately. My preference is the Z-bus, because it's quieter, less crowded, and I don't have to walk along busy streets to get to it. This was the view the other morning in Collex on my way to a quiet little stop near the center of the village. I love the flowers on the lamp posts and this is the first time I've seen the gate to the chateau and winery open. It was a nice, early morning scene.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 7/11

Off the Furniture...

2011-07-16T23:11:00.008+02:00

Hold me! : Ferney-Voltaire, FR

Charlie isn't allowed on the furniture unless he's being held. This is the look he gives you over the edge of the couch when he wants to be picked up!

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 7/11

Town Hall Meeting

2011-07-15T23:07:00.000+02:00

Town Hall Meeting : Geneva, CH

We had a town hall meeting at work the other day to discuss reorganization plans. The ceiling tiles and lights in the Executive Board Room make for really cool photos. I couldn't resist snapping one with my Apple iPod Touch.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 7/11

More VW Happiness...

2011-07-14T23:00:00.000+02:00

Red and Black No. 1 : Gland, CH

I loved this little number at the Gland VW event so much, I just had to do another post! The owner had it posted for sale. Wish I'd had the money to buy this little treasure.

Mini Me : Gland, CH

Under the Hood : Gland, CH

Shiny, Pretty : Gland, CH

Karmann : Gland, CH

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 7/11

Volkswagen Heaven!

2011-07-13T22:34:00.001+02:00

Chateau Gland and the Volkswagen Festival : Gland, CH

The lakeside town of Gland, Switzerland, hosted a Volkswagen festival, event-thingy. As we were already in Nyon having brunch with friends earlier, we drove another 10 minutes up the road to have a look. I'm glad we did!

Love in Orange : Gland, CH

There were some beautiful old Beetles, buses, Desert Foxes, and Carmen Ghias to be seen. Here are just a few. To see more, go here.

Three in a Row : Gland, CH

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 7/11

Sick Day

2011-07-12T22:17:00.000+02:00

Sick Day / Hearts at Home : Ferney-Voltaire, FR

Just a random photo I found in my files. When we were in London, I caught a lousy cold. After we got home, I ended up out sick from work for two or three days. I took this picture while lying in bed, suffering. :-)

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 7/11

Big Tools

2011-07-11T22:12:00.000+02:00

A very big machine harvesting the canola (rapeseed) plants in the fields where we often walk Charlie.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 7/11

Rugby!

2011-07-10T20:06:00.001+02:00

CERN v Hermance No. 1 : St. Genis, FR

CERN v Hermance No. 2 : St. Genis, FR

Friend Ali Day coaches a rugby team that represents CERN, home of the Large Hadron Collider. When Ali and his crew aren't smashing atoms and looking for the origin of the universe, they're bashing heads and looking for the win.

CERN v Hermance No. 3 : St. Genis, FR

CERN v Hermance No. 4 : St. Genis, FR

When it comes to rugby, I don't know up from down, but Ali asked us to come and photograph the CERN team in the semi-finals against the down-and-dirty playing team from Hermance. I couldn't tell you the final score, except I do know Hermance won and I do know we had a lot of fun. Note: CERN are in blue and white, Hermance in red and green.

CERN v Hermance No. 5 : St. Genis, FR

CERN v Hermance No. 6 : St. Genis, FR

Big thanks to friend Les Olson for lending us a 70-300mm. If you want to see the full set, visit my Picasa Web Album.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 7/11. All rights reserved. For copies or permission to reprint, please contact me by email.

Handsome Boy

2011-07-09T21:04:00.001+02:00

Charlie : At Paddy's Pub : Ferney-Voltaire, FR

We went to dinner at Paddy's Pub the other night and Charlie went with us. Compared to what he looked like when we first got him, he's turned out to be quite the handsome boy. He is, in a word, elegant.

Six months ago...

This is what he looked like when we got him in February. He was malnourished and looked haunted. Now, he's healthy, happy, bright-eyed, and waggy-tailed!

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 6/11

London Miscellany

2011-07-08T23:03:00.001+02:00

30 St Mary Axe (AKA: The Gherkin) : London, UK

Just a few random, final shots of London--The Gherkin, Tower Bridge, and a double-decker. I'm not sure why London (derisively) calls this "The Gherkin". I think it's quite beautiful and reminiscent of a Fabergé egg. (Well, maybe not as ornate and gaudy, but still rather unique and lovely.)

Tower Bridge No. 3 : London, UK

Double-decker : Near St. Paul's : London, UK

You can't have been to London and not snapped at least one picture of a double-decker bus. After the red phone booths, this is probably the most iconic symbol of all things British. This is an older model. Most of these type of buses are now sleek, modern, aerodynamic vehicles.

That's it for London! Looking forward to a return trip.

Thanks to Carmen for hosting us and to friends, Scott and Diana for joining us for a fun-filled long weekend. Also, it was great to visit with Maya's cousins, Jan and Marcella and their daughters and to see friend Hilary. And, a huge thanks to British expat friends, Penny and Andy, who lent us their Oyster cards and provided advice on shopping and dining.

Cheerio!

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 6/11

Tower Bridge

2011-07-07T22:34:00.000+02:00

Tower Bridge No. 1 : London, UK

There really is a London Bridge in London, but this--contrary to popular belief--isn't it. This, in fact, is Tower Bridge. We were too late for the Beefeater tour, so again, another thing to add to the "Next Time" list. Until my visit to London, I'd only ever seen photos of Tower Bridge. I don't remember these blue accents from other photos, so I don't know whether they're new or if the bridge has always looked like this. Either way, it's quite lovely.

Tower Bridge No. 2 : London, UK

Home Sweet Home : Tower Bridge : London, UK

I don't know if you can see it, but there's a nest on the back of that gargoyle, which I thought was really cool! I don't know what kind of winged creature lives there, but s/he's gotta be one awesome bird!

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 6/11

Self-Portraits

2011-07-06T22:17:00.001+02:00

Self-Portrait at St. Paul's : London, UK

Proof positive I was in London! I think these are the only photos Maya and I took together. For a couple of photographers, we're sometimes really lousy about making sure we take pictures that feature the sights and our mugs. Kind of lame, really!

Smudged Self-Portrait : London, UK

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 6/11

St Paul's Cathedral Up Close

2011-07-05T22:13:00.002+02:00

St. Paul's Cathedral : London, UK

Again, the weather wasn't great for photography. These are just basic pictures of the exterior of St. Paul's Cathedral. Nothing too exciting, but at least I can say I was there...

St. Paul's Detail : London, UK

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 6/11

Bridge Views

2011-07-04T22:08:00.000+02:00

Millennium Bridge LOS St. Paul's Cathedral : London, UK

I know it's July 4th and all and I should post something patriotic, but I already posted a photo of the U.S. Embassy. Happy Birthday, America! Looking good at 235.

Tower Bridge and Catamaran on the Thames : London, UK

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 6/11

100 Unnamed Strangers: Busker on the Bank

2011-07-03T21:04:00.000+02:00

Busker on the Bank : London, UK

This busker was playing the Blues on the banks of the Thames across from St Paul's. I wanted to get a better shot of his face, but felt I was being a bit too intrusive, especially as I'd spent a bit of time trying to frame him with St. Paul's in the background. I gave him a few quid for letting me photograph him.

Hands of the Busker on the Bank : London, UK

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 6/11

Tea Time!

2011-07-02T20:41:00.006+02:00

Tea Time at the Tate : London, UK

Half way through our touristing, we had tea at the Tate Modern. We had the Earl Grey with scones, clotted cream, and raspberry jam. It was yummy!

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 6/11

St Paul's Cathedral

2011-07-01T20:32:00.002+02:00

St. Paul's Cathedral and the London Millennium Footbridge : London, UK

In seeing St. Paul's across the Thames, all I could think of were two things: this very famous photo of St. Paul's during the Blitz in World War II and the lyrics to the Disney adaptation of P.L. Travers' Mary Poppins, "Feed the Birds". As it was a Sunday, we weren't able to go inside. But again, perhaps on the next trip.

St. Paul's, the Bridge, and a tourist ferry on the Thames : London, UK

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 6/11

Release Ai Wei Wei

2011-06-30T20:08:00.003+02:00

As seen on the Tate Modern : London, UK

Friend Penny Andrea said we had to go to the Tate Modern to see the building, enjoy the views, and have afternoon tea, so that's what we did. (Note: We didn't have time for the art. Next trip.) The Tate is housed in what was once an electric plant. On the outside, there is a sign demanding the freedom of Chinese dissident artist Ai Wei Wei. (Ironically, a few days after this photo was taken, Mr. Ai was freed. He had no comments for the press, who had followed and reported his incarceration and release.)

Tate Stack : London, UK

Celebrate Your Ability, Give Priority : Inside the Tate Modern : London, UK

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 6/11

Eye See You

2011-06-29T15:38:00.000+02:00

Vertical Detail : London Eye : London, UK

Nothing all that exciting here. Again, just some tourist snaps. The weather, as stated previously, was crap and we only had a few hours to see all the must-sees. A return trip is definitely in order!

Eye on the Thames : London, UK

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 6/11

Parliament

2011-06-28T22:18:00.001+02:00

Parliament : London, UK

Just a couple of pictures of Parliament. As it was a Sunday, the Houses of Lords and Commons were not in session. Again, the photos aren't all that exciting, because the weather was pretty crappy and we were pressed for time. It was literally point-and-shoot!

Also Parliament : London, UK

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 6/11

Mr Lincoln in London

2011-06-27T23:42:00.001+02:00

Saint-Gauden's statue of Lincoln in Parliament Square : London, UK

As we were headed for Westminster Abbey, we stumbled upon this statue of American president Abraham Lincoln in Parliament Square. Again, the light was horrible and this was the best I could do. Anyone who knows me knows I love Lincoln! It was quite a treat to find my favorite president featured in the City of London. I tried to find more information about how Mr Lincoln came to be in London, but the National Archives' site was down for the evening.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 6/11

Telephone

2011-06-26T23:36:00.000+02:00

Fancy a chat? : Telephone Booth near Parliament : London, UK

Of course, it isn't a trip to England if you don't take a picture of one of these, right? Talk about iconic! It's nice to see, while other cities are losing their phone booths and pay phones, London continues to hold on to theirs despite the proliferation of mobile phones!

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 6/11

Perfect Perch

2011-06-25T23:32:00.000+02:00

Perfect Perch in St James Park : London, UK

What better activity than to read in a park on a Sunday afternoon? This young lady found the perfect perch under a tree in St James Park. I had hoped to catch her in the actual act of reading, but she looked up just as I snapped my picture.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 6/11

Big Ben

2011-06-24T23:22:00.000+02:00

Big Ben, as seen from Constitution Hill near
Buckingham Palace : London, UK

London is known for Tower Bridge (mistakenly called London Bridge) and Big Ben. We saw it from Constitution Hill as we approached Buckingham Palace at around 1:00 and then up close and personal at around 2:00. Unfortunately, the sky was overcast and the light was awful, so these photos are pretty average. I'd love to go back, though, and shoot this iconic building at dusk or early in the morning, when the light is deep blue and the building is bathed in light.

Big Ben : London, UK

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 6/11

As Seen from St James Park

2011-06-23T23:14:00.000+02:00

Unknown Scene from St James Park : London, UK

Just off the Mall is St James Park. I have no clue what we're looking at here in the top photo, but it was kind of pretty, so I snapped a picture. My best guess, based on satellite photos on Google Maps is, the Household Cavalry Museum on the left, but who knows? Of course, that round thing peeking above the trees is the Eye. Other than that, it's anyone's guess. If you know, please leave a comment!

London's Eye as seen from St James Park : London, UK

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 6/11

Victoria

2011-06-22T22:45:00.000+02:00

This statue memorializes Britain's longest reigning monarch, Queen Victoria, who reigned over the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from her ascension in 1837 until her death in 1901. In 1876, she added the title Empress of India to her titles and styles. Victoria married her cousin, Prince Albert and they had nine children. Albert died in 1861 and she never remarried. Due to her high sense of morality and influence, the period of her reign came to be known as the Victorian Age.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 6/11

The Canada Gate

2011-06-21T22:23:00.001+02:00

Canada Gate with Union Jacks : Victoria Memorial Circle : Buckingham Palace : London, UK

Detail on the Canada Gate : London, UK

I probably should have saved this post for 1 July and Canada Day, but alas. The Canada Gate fronts Green Park and forms part of the area around Victoria Memorial and Buckingham Palace. Beyond the gate is the Canada Memorial, which honors the sacrifices of Canadians during World Wars I and II.

Buffalo detail on the Canada Gate : London, UK

Canada Gate--given in memory of Queen Victoria : London, UK

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 6/11

Changing Guards

2011-06-20T22:13:00.000+02:00

Standing Guard : Buckingham Palace : London, UK

We were too late for the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, but we did enjoy watching members of the Queen's Guard march back and forth in front of the palace. Just a few shots of these gents in red and their bear skin hats.

Minor changing of the guard : Buckingham Palace : London, UK

The Queen's Guard : Buckingham Palace : London, UK

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 6/11

Buckingham

2011-06-19T22:03:00.004+02:00

Buckingham and the Union Jack : London, UK

I'll just confess it right here, right now: London underwhelmed me. Don't get me wrong--it was exciting to see where the Queen lives and great to see icons like Tower Bridge and Big Ben, but all-in-all I found London a bit average. Part of that could be that it looked so much like parts of the eastern United States, I felt like I'd seen a lot of this type of architecture and buildings before. Plus, I made the grievous mistake of comparing it to Paris. I was quite disappointed to find Buckingham Palace surrounded by asphalt. Compared to Versailles, it was rather plain.

Buckingham Palace : London, UK

That said, though, I loved London for its shopping and dining, both of which are fabulous! And, in all fairness, we only did touristy stuff one day, so we didn't have time to visit museums like the National Portrait Gallery or the Victoria and Albert Museum or take tours of the Tower of London or Buckingham or take in a show. I'm not writing off London entirely as one of Europe's cool cities to visit. I'll be going back. But for this trip, the photos and the limited time we spent, I am sure, do not do justice to this great city.

The Queen's Coat of Arms : Gates of Buckingham Palace : London, UK

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 6/11

Hyde Park Corner

2011-06-18T21:49:00.000+02:00

Close-up of the Quadriga on Wellington Arch :
Hyde Park Corner, London, UK

A lot of corners in London are filled with statues and memorials to generals and wars. Hyde Park Corner is no exception. There is an equestrian statue to Sir Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington and memorials to Australia and New Zealand for their contributions during World Wars I and II. The corner also includes the great Wellington Arch. We were in a bit of a hurry, so only took pictures of the Wellington Arch and the New Zealand memorial.

New Zealand War Memorial : Hyde Park Corner, London, UK

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 6/11

They Had No Choice...

2011-06-17T21:42:00.000+02:00

Animals in War Memorial : Brook Gate, London, UK

On the way to Hyde Park, we passed this memorial to animals that have been conscripted into service during various wars throughout Great Britain's history. It is simply called Animals in War Memorial.

They Had No Choice : Brook Gate, London, UK

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 6/11

London: Quicky Tourism

2011-06-16T21:28:00.007+02:00

The Embassy of the United States of America : London, UK

Today, I made my first ever trip to London, England! Given our reception at passport control, though, it may well be my last. Those agents are harsh, let me tell ya! They aren't impressed when, in response to the question, "why are you here?", you say, "To see your lovely city." If you're our friend Scott, you took it one step further and incurred their ire. "Why are you here?" he was asked. "To see London," he said. "What will you be seeing?" Says Scott, "I don't know. What would you recommend?" LOL!

Anyway--the next few days will feature pictures from storied London. We spent three of our four days there shopping (and love, love, loving it!) and only one day touristing. These are really basic tourist shots. We'll be going back, though, I'm sure, because there's just so much to see and do!

Franklin Delano Roosevelt : Grosvenor Square : London, UK

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 6/11

Le Saleve + Jet d'Eau

2011-06-15T20:51:00.000+02:00

Jet d'Eau : Geneva, CH

Le Saleve : Geneva, CH

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 6/11

UNAIDS

2011-06-14T21:11:00.000+02:00

UNAIDS : Geneva, CH

Also taken from the eighth floor of the World Health Organization. This building is the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, or UNAIDS for short.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 6/11

Labor

2011-06-13T21:02:00.002+02:00

International Labor Organization : Geneva, CH

From the eighth floor of the World Health Organization, you can see the International Labor Organization (on the right) and the Jet d'Eau (on the left). In the background, the Saleve and, if there weren't clouds, you'd also see Mont Blanc.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 6/11

Amber Waves

2011-06-10T23:20:00.001+02:00

Amber waves of grain, a la Suisse : Collex, CH

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 6/11

Peek-a-Boo

2011-06-09T23:08:00.001+02:00

Peek-a-boo : Ferney-Voltaire, FR

Charlie likes to know what's going on in the kitchen when I'm in there working, but for some reason, he's afraid to come in and just hang out. He use to hang around, but it's possible I've dropped one too many utensils or banged too many cupboards shut, so now he just stations himself right outside and peeks around the door! Totally cracks me up.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 6/11

Real Brunch

2011-06-08T23:02:00.000+02:00

Brunch at Au P'tit Bonheur : Chambesy, Geneva, CH

Believe it or not, that's real bacon and this is real brunch! It's hard to find a place for brunch in this area, but Maya found Au P'tit Bonheur through Glocals and et voilà! Eggs Benedict. If you live in the greater Geneva area, this is the place for a late breakfast on a sunny Sunday morning. Tres fantastique!

Note: The owners speak English, French, German, and Italian!

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 5/11

Young / Old Redux

2011-06-07T22:51:00.000+02:00

Old chateau, new church : Nyon, CH

Nyon's signature chateau as seen from the courtyard of the Columbier Catholic Church.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 6/11

Young / Old

2011-06-06T22:48:00.000+02:00

Young and old at the edge of Lac Leman : Nyon, CH

No, it isn't 2 Things Challenge, but it could be. On the left, ancient Roman columns and on the right, a young couple enjoying a picnic with Lake Geneva (Lac Leman) in the background.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 6/11

Al Fresco

2011-06-05T22:42:00.001+02:00

Brunch : Ferney-Voltaire, FR

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 6/11

Wheat in the Sky

2011-06-04T22:33:00.002+02:00

Skyscrapers : Collex, CH

If you're a bug, this is your view.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 6/11

Contre-jour Poppies

2011-06-03T22:27:00.000+02:00

Poppies in contre-jour : Collex, CH

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 6/11

Clover

2011-06-02T22:25:00.000+02:00

Clover : Collex, CH

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 6/11

Cuppa Cuppa

2011-06-01T22:09:00.000+02:00

Cuppa Cuppa : Geneva, CH

I love herbal teas. And this is my new tea cup from the Czech Republic. Nothing like a good cup of Teekanne Mint Tea on a cold morning.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 5/11

World No Tobacco Day

2011-05-31T23:44:00.000+02:00

Alphorns at the World Health Organization : Geneva, CH

Today was World No Tobacco Day at the World Health Organization in Geneva. To commemorate the event, they brought in some Swiss Alphorn artists (alphornists? What do you call musicians who play alphorns, besides "breathless"?) It was a cool performance and a great way to kick off this event.

Photo and video copyrights: Janet M Kincaid, 5/11

Pink Champagne...

2011-05-17T20:07:00.000+02:00

No, this is not a photo of a glass of champagne, obviously. But the colors in this photo made me think of the line from the Deborah Kerr-Cary Grant version of An Affair to Remember where she orders a glass of "pink champagne". Roses. Champagne. Roses. Champagne. Yeah, it makes no sense to me either, but there you have it! Cheers!

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 5/11

Young Maple

2011-05-16T06:30:00.010+02:00

Day Glow : Ferney, FR

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 5/11

Cow contre-jour

2011-05-15T18:25:00.001+02:00

We tried out a new walk on Friday. There's a new path that starts near Voltaire's chateau and ends at the fence surrounding the west side of Geneva's airport. Along the way, we passed a field full of bulls, cows, and calves. This little guy was pretty curious and came close to the fence. He looked so nice against the light (contre-jour), that I had to snap his photo.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 5/11

Sunset Clouds

2011-05-14T18:22:00.001+02:00

I just downloaded a new photo-shooting app to my Apple iPod Touch. The other day, I took Charlie out to do his business and this was the view. I took a snap and then, using a feature in the app, framed it to look like a piece of film. Kind of cool!

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 5/11

Peonies

2011-05-13T18:20:00.001+02:00

Peonies for my birthday

Tomorrow is my birthday and these are the flowers Maya gave me to enjoy at work leading up to my birthday. Purdy purdy, huh?

The arrangement, before the peonies opened...

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 5/11

Charlie Naps...

2011-05-12T18:18:00.000+02:00

Charlie naps on my lap with his head on the armrest of the couch : Ferney, FR

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 5/11

Gothic Quaint

2011-05-11T17:58:00.000+02:00

Gothic quaint in Ribeauville, FR

If you wander away from the main drag in Ribeauville, you'll find some quaint buildings and quiet churches scattered throughout the town. I can't remember the name of this small Gothic-style church, but I love how my photos, using my Apple iPod Touch, turned out.

Holy Mother a la Apple! : Ribeauville, FR

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 5/11

Travels with Charlie: The Alsace

2011-05-10T17:44:00.001+02:00

From Charlie's POV : Pine Cones : Ribeauville, FR

After visiting the Alps and staying in Lauterbrunnen for two nights, we took friend Sheryl R. to France's famed wine region, the Alsace. Again, I have a bazillion pictures from this area, so instead I snapped a few photos using my Apple iPod and took a couple of photos from Charlie's level. Here's how the world looks from eight inches off the ground! Personally, I think Charlie has a pretty good eye! LOL.

Charlie, a little contre jour, in the tall grass and dandelions gone to seed : Bergheim, FR

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 5/11

Travels with Charlie: Pit Stop

2011-05-09T17:44:00.001+02:00

Charlie at the La Broye rest stop in Switzerland

Back on April 21, Seattle-based friend, Sheryl R., landed in Zurich, Switzerland, for the start of a nearly three-week stay in Europe. We told her, if she could get a flight to Basel or Zurich, we'd pick her up. She managed that and we followed through. Doing so required a road trip from Geneva to Zurich. It was Charlie's first time traveling more than 30 minutes from home in a car since his road trip from the puppy mill in Italy to the animal rescue in Switzerland. Here he is at the rest stop at La Broye, near Estayver-le-Lac, Switzerland.

Chillin' in the grass, dachshund-style!

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 4/11

Swiss Dream...

2011-05-08T15:56:00.000+02:00

Swiss Chocolate Dream at the Hotel Oberland : Lauterbrunnen, CH

When we go to Lauterbrunnen, we like to stay at the Hotel Oberland. The owners, Mark and Ursula, and their staff, are lovely people and the food is outstanding! In fact, the best schnitzel I've ever had outside of Austria is to be had at the Hotel Oberland. This was our dessert one evening and boy, oh boy, was it YUMMY! The square cow on the chocolate on the right is the Hotel Oberland's logo.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 5/11

The Alps a la Apple

2011-05-07T15:50:00.005+02:00

The Monch and a Paraglider : Mürren, CH

We took Sheryl to Lauterbrunnen and rode the Luftseilbahn to the top of the Schilthorn. Afterwards, we rode the 'bahn back down to Mürren and enjoyed watching the paragliders and eating rosti with Raclette cheese! I've already shot albums-full of pictures in this area, so I mostly left the camera in my bag and used my Apple iPod Touch instead.

The view from Piz Gloria : Schilthorn, CH

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 5/11

Settee

2011-05-06T15:42:00.001+02:00

Settee : Divonne-les-Bain, FR

Settee in the lobby of the Divonne Hotel & Spa in Divonne, France. We met a friend there on Sunday, so she could meet our visitor, Sheryl, who came over from Seattle to attend a retreat in Toulouse.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 4/11

4:45 Moonset/Sunrise

2011-05-05T15:37:00.000+02:00

Sunrise comes early in Estonia : Tallinn, EE

In the late spring and into the summer, the sun goes down late and comes up early. On my last morning in Tallinn, this was the view outside my bedroom window at 4:45 in the morning.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 4/11

Tallinn through the Eye of Apple

2011-05-04T15:25:00.000+02:00

Peter the Great's intended summer get-away : Tallinn, EE

Our last evening in Tallinn, I decided to leave my camera at home and just take my Apple iPod Touch with its built-in camera and the Hipstamatic and Instagram apps. That may or may not have been the right decision. Either way, here are a few final pictures from Tallinn. Peter the Great of Russia intended to have a summer home in Tallinn, but he died before construction was completed. This is his I-never-lived-to-live-in-it palace. At one time, it was the home of Estonia's president, but he lives just up the hill from this in a Pink House.

Peter the Great's place as seen by Hipstamatic : Tallinn, EE

Library : Tallinn, EE

Recently renovated... : Tallinn, EE

Tallinn is full of wooden houses and buildings. Many of them are in various states of disrepair, but here and there throughout the city are examples of efforts to restore/gentrify these beautiful old structures.

Soviet-style bloc housing, a leftover from Estonia's days

under the Communists : Tallinn, EE

As a former Soviet satellite state, Tallinn is littered with Soviet-style block housing. According to our host, this tract isn't even the worst of it. Still, it's pretty bleak. This was the view outside my hotel window looking down from the 24th floor.

All-in-all, though, Tallinn is a lovely city and one I would highly recommend visiting as part of a package of cities. If I go back, I'll likely visit Helsinki, Finland, and St. Petersburg, Russia, in the process.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 4/11

Seen Around Town...

2011-05-03T15:12:00.000+02:00

Busker on a side street : Old Town : Tallinn, EE

Cozy, intimate dining at Il Bottega : Old Town : Tallinn, EE

Just a few shots in and around Tallinn featuring people and the surroundings. We enjoyed dinner at an Italian restaurant in the Old Town called Il Bottega. Our host kept apologizing for the prices, but my colleague and I reassured him that, compared to Geneva, the prices were incredibly inexpensive. I think the three of us ate for less than 110 euros, which is unheard of in these parts!

Evening Coffee : Old Town : Tallinn, EE

Buying flowers outside the gates of Old Town : Tallinn, EE