Je suis désolé; Je ne parle pas français (encore)

translates to:
I'm sorry; I don't speak French (yet)

This is probably the most important phrase, EVER! hahahaha

Actually, I can think of a few others I might use often over the coming weeks, for example:
Je ne comprends pas - I do not understand
Voulez vous coucher avec moi ce soir? - Do you want to sleep with me tonight? (Reserved for Mr Fluff, obviously *rolls eyes*, and borrowed from the Moulin Rouge song. Thanks Y for making me aware of the meaning. Now I can't get that bloody line out of my head!!)

A-n-y-way, we've been in our temporary accommodation in Geneva for just over a week now.
The drive over was horrible. I was sick with flu and poor Mr Fluff did most of the driving. We were dog tired driving through the night, and Jetje-cat tried to claw her way out of her cage all the way, even after we gave her a sedative. The dogs were fine. They just slept, jumped up with excitement every time we stopped, then slept again, and on it went. We arrived at Geneva airport at about midday, collected our keys and info and drove to our new 'home', bought a few groceries and crashed. The next day was also a complete write-off.

Our villa is small and a bit quirky, but perfectly formed. Klein aber fein! as they say in German. A bit like holiday accommodation, but it suits us fine. It is only a seven minute walk to Mr Fluff's new office, and a block away from a large park with a dedicated doggy area. The park also stretches all the way to the lake and a swimming beach.

Mr Fluff drove back to England on Friday night to sell our beloved Golf, and flew back to Geneva Saturday afternoon. That means we are currently car-less, but don't worry, we are walking distance from shopping, and they do have buses here too.

We have looked at two houses so far. One was small, not very nice and on a busy street. The other ticked all the boxes, but is expensive and seriously pompous. What were the owners thinking when they renovated the place? Marble & pillars everywhere. wtf? BUT, it does have a jacuzzi (hot tub) and a pool! and a huge, safe garden with stunning views.

I'll be looking at several more houses this week before we make our final decision. I just can't wait to have a longer term address, and get our stuff trucked over and to book French classes and to settle into this beautiful place and to get to grips with our new life here.

Mr Fluff started his new job this week, excited as a puppy with a bone. He had a good first day. Long and busy, but good. We are guessing that the first weeks or months will be a bit hectic, but it shouldn't last forever.

During our first week while we still had our car we drove around a bit, to Bonneville and further on to Chamonix (world famous French ski resort). We also opened our Swiss bank accounts and went for a cocktail and dinner in Geneva to celebrate our 'wedding day' anniversary.

Here are a few snaps

the Jet d'Eau fountain in Lake Geneva

Blommie Bank! Just for moi!

valley near Bonneville looking west towards Geneva

Bonneville valley

Mont Blanc (4810m) where Chamonix is

happy Kaya after a long day in the car

We also took some more pics of the areas around Lake Annecy when we were house viewing with our lovely French guide from the relocation company.

This is Sevrier (on the north-western bank of the lake) with magnificent views (and where I would LOVE to live)

And this is lovely Veyrier-du-Lac on the eastern bank, opposite Sevrier

Fingers crossed we find a house near Annecy. It is such a great place to live, and a top holiday destination loved by the French and everyone who has ever been there. The lake is pure and clean, and gets very warm in summer. The climate is great. There are mountains to climb and/or to ski and snowboard, right on the doorstep. Countless summer activities, from paragliding to swimming, climbing, hiking and boating, and there are miles of paths to run, roller-blade walk or cycle on around the lake. Paradise.


If we can't live there, we will still be within 30 minute's drive away, surrounded by ski resorts, vineyards and plenty more awesomeness. OK, I'm sold. Who wouldn't want to live here?


xx