From Lausanne to Annecy

Like a lot of the towns we pass through, there is often a very old heart. And so it is in Annecy, a beautiful spot perched on the edge of a large freshwater lake in the French Alps. 

Shallow crystal clear streams flow below and around the old arched, grey stone buildings. Along the waters edge are snaking boardwalks and aromatic cafes. Throughout the narrow cobbled streets, market stall vendors sell local fruits, vegetables, cheeses and meats. And on each street corner is the ubiquitous ice cream parlour and postcard shop.

After two wonderful days of wandering and exploring we catch the bus up to Geneva for a flight to Barcelona.

And Finally...

...there's Rob'n'Jodie, who provided us with food, shelter, transport, and looked after us with immense hospitality. It was wonderful to spend time with them. Their spark and enthusiasm is infectious.

THANKS GUYS! 

 

And finally on the last morning, the sunrise Rob had been promising the whole time.

Last Days In Lausanne

Saturday morning. It's been a great week, but Saturday morning is the same feeling half a world away. In fact as I sit here writing this late in the afternoon, I know there's an recorded West Coast Eagles and Geelong game to watch on the TV, and I can hear a lawnmower outside. I can almost feel the fresh cut grass.

Today after breakfast we drive around Lake Geneva and have coffee in the little village of Rolle. There's a strange haze over the lake that blurs the distinction between water and sky.

The boats sit becalmed in some nether region between. It's beautiful and timeless.

Lausanne is the world HQ for the Olympic Committee. We wander up through the immaculately groomed grounds, past sculptures loaded with the Olympic ideal, and are amazed at the wonderful examples of various world records displayed throughout  the gardens.

We sit at the waters edge at Ouchy and pinch ourselves.

Lausanne After Dark

Rob, Wendy and I catch the bus into Lausanne to try and capture the old town at night. We've been in Rome, Paris and Barcelona after dark and never had a problem, but we felt uncomfortable in Lausanne this evening.

One Of The Reasons For My Trip...

...was to conduct a week long Artist In Residence program at the International School of Lausanne, in Switzerland. I was working with the Year 11, 12, and 13 students. 

        I have worked with Judy and Roger, the Art teachers in their beautifully appointed school, and wonderfully spacious Art rooms.

I used the school's Reception area to set up a display of my work, and during free periods created one of my drawings as a demonstration of my techniques.

The school staffroom had two Nescafe machines 
pouring out free all you can drink coffee 24/7.

Imagine the outside views in winter when everything is covered in snow.

From my journal;

"I've got to say I've had a great week at the school. The facilities are excellent, staff very friendly and the students I've worked with are wonderful, mature, friendly, worldly and take their art very seriously. I've loved every minute of it. I've been working in the foyer on a work of art and I've displayed my work as well. The feedback has exceeded my expectations. Lots of kids from the primary school continue to engage me during their breaks and enquire about what I'm doing. A number of teachers have brought their students out to talk to me about my practice."

"It's my last day and I've thoroughly enjoyed working with the Year 11, 12 and 13 students. They have a maturity and openness that I've loved. They say hello, they engage you in conversation, they are open and polite. They thank you at the end of each lesson. They say goodbye."

"It's my last day. I head up to the hall to say goodbye to Lyn Cheetham, the School Director, who is conducting the orchestra. She gives me a 'Swiss kiss' (3 times) and all the audience of mainly senior school students, give me a round of applause and a loud "Au revoir Peter". I'm very chuffed. I've loved this place and the students."

A Day Trip To Fribourg.

Slow start but we finally head off up the freeway towards Bern. It's very overcast with drizzling rain. The trip is along a beautiful rolling valley filled with ripe green fields, quaint chocolate box chalets and tree lined mountains, their tips dipped in heavy, fat grey clouds. 70 kms along the road is Fribourg, another regular town as you enter, but with an old heart sunken in the cleft between two limestone cliffs.

Nothing is allowed to be ugly here, and for what reason would people need to get sick?

A great coffee with milk served in a chocolate cup.