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08/25

Abondance, France to Geneva, Switzerland Last night we stayed a small, inexpensive hotel with a double bed (difficult to find in Europe), a private shower (can be difficult), and no one we know close by (also not as simple as it may seem). It was REALLY NICE! Today's ride was also a real pleasure. The weather was wonderful! The route was on a quiet road that was mostly downhill. It went through forests, through towns, and finally, about 32K (about 20 MI) around "Lac Leman" (also known as Lac De Geneve and, to Americans, as Lake Geneva). We took a break early for coffee and a pastry in France (to spend our French Francs before crossing the border). We stopped a little later to celebrate Gilbert's (pronounce "jzoebear" - a rider from France) mother's (Simone) 90th birthday. His whole family had a wine and cheese party at their winery -- which just happened to be right along the route. Gilbert was Very happy. Simone was Very proud. It was a WONDERFUL happening! And Simone and her family were all very friendly and gracious hosts. While L&J drove into the city to try to get the car serviced today or tomorrow, we continued our ride along the lake right into the City of Lake Geneve. ANOTHER delightful, wonderful city! (I have to admit, though, the beautiful, clear, warm, sunny weather helps.) Our housing here is in a bomb shelter. Yes, that's right. We're in a 44-bunks-to-a-room, three stories underground, bomb shelter. (Tim - as in TK&A - thinks it's "cool" that we're staying the same place that the Bosnian refugees stayed.) Actually, it's because the city offers it's elaborate system of bomb shelters to refugees that it is known as "The City of Refugees." To tell the truth, we wouldn't want to stay here for long, but it's really kind of an interesting experience. Different, anyway! We claimed our bunks, then hopped on our bike and rode back into town. (Lots of bike lanes here, too.) We rode along the lake front, checking cafe's. Finally we settled on one that was right alongside the water, where we had delicious salads. Then we moved along to the next cafe-on-the-water where we had ice cream sundaes. We sat there for a few hours, people-watching, reading, and relaxing. Then we headed back to our bed-in-a-bomb-shelter for dinner and visiting. All agreed in our room to lights out at 10 p.m. and wake-up time at 7 a.m. (And it is dark 3 stories underground.) Love to all, David and Lisa

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