Geneve 2

 

We begin with a spot of symbolism � Here we see fertility and nature represented by an Alpine Cow.

 

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A few shots of the area round Lake Geneva (Lac Leman.)

 

 

Incredibly the swan turned towards me as I was photographing but it came out blurred though we may try to clean it up later.

 

 

This is the better shot though in the excitement I covered most of the lens with my fingers.

 

 

A piece I�m calling Les Coleurs d�Automne

 

 

More train views and this one was taken on the way up to Mont Blanc.� Once again we may try and clean it up some more.

 

 

The majestic mountain view making us feel very small indeed.

 

 

Just to show you this is not all glamour.� As we arrive at Chamonix-Mont Blanc the weather clears as we partially anticipated.� We stop for lunch but the weather closes in and anyway the nearest open ski-lift is 9 k.m. away.� So we head for the station and have a 45 minute wait with the prospect of a long journey and a third night under canvas in the rain.

 

 

 

And now by popular demand a few shots indicating that Britain still has some influence on Mainland Europe despite recent events.� Here we see a branch of The River Café in Annecy, Haute Sovoie, France.� We didn�t go in but we half expected Peter Mandelson to be crying into his consumé wondering what the hell went wrong.� Perhaps it was agreeing to supervise The Millennium Dome and not realizing he was being dropped in it.

 

 

Here we see the successful design of The London Underground that has been copied around The World. ��Where would you be without your metro map with straight lines when you go on your weekend city breaks.� Try the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden for a more detailed history.� This was in a restaurant in Geneva by the way.

 

 

A big red bus � normally associated with London but the final destination looks as if it may be in Scotland � perhaps the bus equivalent of the elephant�s graveyard.

 

 

And yes you�ve guessed it a pub.� This one is by Geneva station.� I should add that there is no such thing as a British pub in that the design and products offered tend to be regional and differ depending on whether you are in a city, town or country.� The pub is a legal entity however associated on soon to be removed draconian licensing laws though speaking from our own experience the period of transition will take around a year � the time it takes to realise that you can leave the pub before it closes.

 

Interestingly the flag is one belonging to an American hotel chain � I mean historically Brits have never minded Americans coming over and taking their women but buying pubs � that's another story.� Surely this should be raised during Foreign Office questions or perhaps The Sun should do an expos&eacut;.

 

And now for some tips.

 

We found Geneva an excellent place for a long weekend or longer stay with the potential of exploring the Mont Blanc.� Geneva's fine restaurants however could be a drain on the pocket if unlike us you are not prepared to brave the campsite.� We did find however that nearby France was much cheaper both for accommodation and eating out.� Oh and check the availability of ski lifts out of season and not guess as we did.

 

 

And the Sun sets on the Alps as we make our way home.�� A classic way of seeing The Alps by train.� Something to do if you book a ski package and there is no snow or you just fancy a day off.