A little bit of the south of France...

"Sometimes it's more heroic to lose."

Two of the greatest books about two of the coolest guys ever.  I highly suggest them.

"I believe that life is basically a process of growth-that we go through many lives, choosing those situations and problems that we will learn through.  I believe that we form our own lives, that we create our own reality, and that everything works out for the best. I know I drive some people crazy with what seems to be ridiculous optimism, but it has always worked out for me."

-Jim Henson

Versailles: three times is probably enough.

Took my parents to Versailles while we were in Paris, since it is definitely worth checking out if you haven't before.  I'm more of a fan of the gardens and Marie-Antoinette's little hamlet, but the insane size and opulence of the chateau is pretty amazing, and the entire thing definitely makes me think "well of course the peasants hated them! this is ridiculous!".  Also ridiculous is the amount of people there, waiting in the ticket line, the line to get in, the bathroom line...thats why the grounds are nicer because they are huge and people are more spread out. It's a very cool place though...you can rent bikes and rowboats and golf carts or go running or whatever.  This time around we went into Le Grand Trianon and Le Petit Trianon, the vacation home and Marie-Antoinette's digs, which were small but interesting and not crowded.  And then of course, the Hamlet, my favorite part...which makes one realize how totally awesome it would have been to be able to have an entire perfect Disney-princess village to one's self. Probably not worth it considering the outcome, but it was probably a blast while it lasted.  It's kind of cool that they still use it as a farm/animal sanctuary, with cows and ducks and sheep and everything.  

Ouchy take two!

Mmmm cheese

My parents just left yesterday, it was super fun having them here, and very strange to see them leave and then spend Easter alone watching Gilmore Girls and eating poptarts. It was definitely a new experience leading people around Europe...I don't think anyone's going to hire me as a tour guide any time soon. Our first little trip was to Gruyere, about 50 minutes from Lausanne (longer if you can't follow the google maps directions). It's a little higher up in the mountains, very old and quaint with a castle and walled village, and pretty amazing views of the Alps. The town is probably most famous as being the home of Gruyere cheese, the delicious salty expensive cheese.

There was a really old wheelchair at the castle that I thought was cool, I'm not sure how the guy got around with those little joysticks, but apparently there was a trapdoor and pulley system they built so the wheelchair could get to the second floor. Those smarty pants Switzys I tell ya!

For a certain little man.

Maybe a potential stationery design.

Maybe?

Baby Pigs!