We arrived at the house in Bourg, where Dorien and Lars were wrapping up their two weeks holiday. It was nice to catch up with them before they drove back the following morning. The first week the weather was great, sun, no wind, and some 15 degrees. We enjoyed reading a book on our terrace, doing a few hikes and bike rides, and some work in the garden, cleaning up several fallen trees and overgrown ditches.
On Friday we drove to Switzerland, to see Paula and Jasper in their new hometown of Lausanne. Paula found a new position at the Gruner consultancy, responsible for water and flood risk management in the region. Jasper was still looking for a job, and had his hands free to carry out a lot of the logistics that is needed when you emigrate. When we arrived Paula finished her first working week, and they were staying in temporary accommodation next to her office. Jasper had seen a suitable apartment in the area of Pully, on the other side of Lausanne, and we took the train to have a look. This was a nice groundfloor apartment, with a garden, and close to Lake Geneva (note that a week later they managed to sign and get the keys!). We then walked along the lake, and further east into the vineyards of Lutry. In the evening we had a typical Swiss dinner of cheese fondue in the historic centre of Lausanne. The next day we drove into the hills east of Lausanne, and did a hike around Mont Pelerin. The weather was still great, and we enjoyed a picnic in the sun. In the afternoon we drove back to our house, and left Paula and Jasper to enjoy their new adventure.
The second week the weather deteriorated, and turned into sleet the last two days. It didn't stop us hiking, but the bikes stayed inside. Mary joined the local dog training for 2 sessions, and we enjoyed reading our book next to the fireplace, with a nice glass of red wine. After a last day of cleaning we drove back, planning to return early May.
