Annecy - Eight Years Later

We left Vichy on Saturday and drove three hours to Annecy, where Sam completed a two-month French study abroad program eight years ago.  Helene (Sam's host back then) and Jean-Luc treated us like family during our two days with them, and Douglas absolutely loved spending time with Helene and Jean-Luc's little boy, Clement (pronounced Claymon).  In the photo above we enjoyed a delicious dinner of "raclette" - you put various cheeses into a miniature pan, stick the pan into the raclette grill you see in the middle of the table, and then you pour the melted cheese onto potatoes, meat, etc.  Annecy and the surrounding region is well-known for its raclette and fondue.

As you can see, my French is improving quickly.

"Play" is the universal language used by all children.

"Can I have that one?"

"I got one, Mom!"

Wandering around old town Annecy

Lake Annecy in the background

Can you spot Douglas?

Little buddies

Clement trying out Douglas' stroller

 Sam and I thoroughly enjoyed having Clement around.  He wore Douglas out with lots of play.

 Visiting Annecy Chateau

 Despite the cold weather we stopped by Glacier des Alpes, which is supposedly the best ice cream parlor in Annecy.  I had a scoop of honey-lavender ice cream, one scoop of "cookies" ice cream, and a scoop of amarena (cherry-vanilla) ice cream.  All three were delicious.  Douglas had the dark chocolate and vanilla flavors.  Sam had chocolate-chip mint, salted caramel, and pistachio.

 "What?!  It's all gone?!"

 Satisfaction

I forgot to take a picture in front of the parlor, so we had to go back to get more (for the picture, of course).  This time I tried the blackberry, roasted almond, and marron (candied chestnut) flavors.  Sam tried the stracciatella (vanilla with chocolate shavings) and baileys (butterscotch).

Yum

 Bath time

Douglas will miss his buddy.

Thank you, Helene and Jean-Luc, for your hospitality.  We loved our trip to Annecy.