Family Fun

In late April and early May, I had visitors! In spite of the wonderful travel experiences I have had (and for which I am extremely grateful), there is nothing like seeing family members face to face. Our first couple of guests were my sister, Pauline, and her husband, Ron, who spent a week with us.

The swans came out to welcome Pauline and Ron to Neuchâtel.

They told us from the beginning that they would put themselves at our mercy - that Bob and I could choose how they should spend their time. They may have regretted this offer after the 100th pose for Bob's camera, but they were good sports and keen to learn about our lives over here.

We got a window seat at Les Brasseurs

On the day of their arrival, after I finished work, we went for a walk into town. It was a beautiful day to stroll by the lake, after which we stopped for a beer at Les Brasseurs, a local watering hole.  That evening they joined us at Le Cerf for pub trivia, but not before I had shown them Place des Halles, one of the most beautiful spots in Neuchâtel. Later in the week, we would have dinner there.

Place des Halles

Pauline exploring the Geneva brocante

Over the next two days, Bob served as their tour guide, first in Geneva, and then in Bern. Geneva had great drawing power for all three of them because they share an interest in antiques and collectibles, and there happened to be a "brocante" that day. They also made time to visit the old part of the city – all while I taught my classes. Their photos of Geneva made we realize that I am overdue for a trip to a place I have spent too little time in so far.

In front of the Reformation Wall

Posing in front of le jet d'eau, a Geneva landmark

 In Bern the next day, Bob took Pauline and Ron to our favourite haunts, and a few places I had yet to visit. I think he wore them out, but I know they liked the city very much. As an avid gardener, Pauline was particularly impressed by the Rosengarten, with many flowers in full bloom, though no roses yet.

The Rosengarten in Bern

In front of Bern's Rathaus.

On both days, in spite of their tiring schedules, our visitors made us dinner. I was treated to plates of cheese and home-cooked meals every evening. How lovely.

This is nice to come home to after work.

The four of us stop at the Hotel de Peyrou for a group photo.

On our way up the the castle

As is often case when visitors come, Bob and I explored new territory in our home town. Such was the case on Friday, when over lunch and a prep period, I was able to join the others for a visit to the Collegial Church and the Castle of Neuchâtel, perched on a hill above the old town. We were fortunate that our arrival coincided with a free tour of the site, given by a very personable guide.

The collegial church

The castle courtyard with a modern sculpture in its centre.

 I learned a great deal that day about the town and the canton in which I reside. Swiss history has been a puzzle to me which I came closer to solving that day. In one room, our guide pointed out the coats of arms of all those who have ruled over the city, many of them illegitimate children of Dukes and Kings. In another chamber, the Canton's ruling body meets regularly to pass local laws. In this participatory democracy, anyone can take part in these gatherings.

This hall in the castle is used today as a courtroom.

That afternoon, Pauline and Ron were left to their own devices to explore Neuchâtel. They roamed around the old town, and visited the local casino (another spot I have yet to explore). After work, Bob and I picked up a rental car and drove about thirty minutes away to Merton, another lovely old town on a lake. Pauline and I enjoyed our time shopping there. Then we joined Dan and Terry for dinner at Place des Halles - a first time there for me.

In Merton's arcaded shops, Pauline found herself a very cute top.

Part of the market was indoors, thank goodness

On Saturday, seven of us headed across the French border to Burgundy for an overnight stay. The small city of Beaune is one of Dan's favourite destinations on a Saturday morning since the market there is very good. Unfortunately, on this day, the weather turned bad and the rain put a damper on the market - literally and figuratively.

Jewelry shopping in Beaune

Still, the town had lots to offer our guests: Pauline and I did some shopping, while Ron joined the other men for a wine tour at a vineyard nearby. That evening, we enjoyed a delectable meal at a local restaurant, three courses of heaven. I think Pauline and Ron were glad we took them to France - just for the food.

Ron and Terry at the winery

Out for dinner in Beaune. A great meal!

On the way home on Sunday, we stopped in Dijon for lunch and a quick look around. I will describe this part of France more thoroughly in my next blog post. This one belongs to family after all, but what my guests discovered is that family over here often includes my colleagues.

Bob took this photo of six of us in Dijon

Monday was Pauline and Ron's last day with us, a day to do as they pleased, which was to meander along the streets of the town. They enjoyed Neuchâtel. It is small enough to navigate easily but large enough to offer a variety of sights to see.

On their final evening, in the pouring rain, we took a bus up to a fondue place above the town, Pinte Pierre-à-Bot.  Our feet got soaked walking from the bus stop but the cheese warmed us up. Pauline and Ron discovered that potatoes are very good in a fondue, and that the traditional cheese fondue is tastier than the tomato one - at least, that was the case at this restaurant.

The next morning, our guests were off to Zurich, where rain prevented them from seeing much of the city before they returned home.

Pauline and Ron were delightful guests. There is nothing like having family with you; being away from my sisters and my children has made me appreciate them that much more. So, here's a shout out to my other family members - come on over!!