As Brian was going through his father’s slides, this picture was unusual as his father was in the picture. His father was a student in Geneva when this picture was taken in the early 1950s.

Although Brian’s dad had indicated a place on the slide, it did not make sense to Brian. By searching online for “Droguerie F. Chaignat” Brian was able to determine that the picture was taken in Murten, Switzerland (Morat in French). So we stopped there on the way from Basel to Geneva, and snapped a picture of Brian in the same place.

The name Droguerie referred to a hardware store in the 1950s, when the original photo was taken.

We showed the print of Brian’s dad to the waiter where we ate a (yet another) delicious lunch, and we gave it to him. Later, he gave us the business card for the restaurant and put his personal email on the back, so we could send the higher resolution scan to him later. He thought the library in town might be interested in it for historical value.

That was our last adventure for this trip. We then drove to Geneva, returned the rental car, and stayed at an airport hotel. At the airport the next morning, the water fountains featured eau de Genève (as if we would be confused as to where the water originated).

At London Heathrow, we found our gate at ground level and boarded a bus to the 777. The final picture is Clare waving good-bye in front of the 777 engine before climbing the stairs up to the cabin. British Airways upgraded our seats to World Traveler Plus, presumably in compensation for cancelling our flight from London to Lyon on July 8. Not complaining!

In planning our trip, we contacted Clare’s niece, who lives in Basel, to arrange a visit after our friend’s wedding. That evening, we had a nice dinner and good wine at her house.

Taraneh is the daughter of Clare’s next older sister (only one year), and is a delight to us because of how much she loves the Earth – traveling, learning about people, places and (it turns out) food!

Unfortunately for us, her husband and older child were away, visiting her husband’s mom who is ill. But, we met her younger child. He’s a cutie! Articulate (for a 2-year old) and interested in many things. And in the “terrible twos” stage of development that all of us who have been parents understand.

The child went to his normal school Monday when we were in Basel, Taraneh took the day off work, and so we had the best day ever with our niece. First, we crossed the Rhine River.

It was then easy to take pictures of the Minster (Cathedral) and the sites along the Rhine.

After lunch, we took off our shoes and soaked our feet in the cool, fresh water in this fountain.

We happened upon this mural of music stars.

Clare and Taraneh on the right bank of the Rhine and eating Crème Brûlée at Löwenzorn Restaurant

After the wedding festivities ended on Sunday, we said our goodbyes and began the drive to Basel, Switzerland to visit Clare’s niece, Taraneh. On the way, we stopped in Besançon, a French city on a meander of the Doubs River. Upon reaching the inner city, we drove by huge limestone cliffs supporting the outer walls of the Citadel, a 17th century fort and UNESCO World Heritage site.

We drove carefully through the Roman gate leading up to the cathedral and Citadel.

We wanted to see the 19th century astronomical clock that is in St. Jean cathedral, but the next tour time was too late for us. But we were able to see the cathedral, which has an alter at both ends.

We stayed in a room in a former convent for the wedding weekend! Our room had twin beds and a bathroom, others were not so lucky. When we arrived at the convent, we had just enough time to rinse off from our adventures and put on nice clothes for the ceremony.

The ceremony was outside in a grove of tall trees and was coordinated largely by Aurélie, sister of the bride. First the parents of the groom sang and spoke Mickaël’s favorite song, with the words changed for the occasion. Next Audrey’s parents talked about her, with her travels all over the world including friends who were at the ceremony (we were mentioned).

They explained the theme of the celebration; they chose the gingko because it represents one of the oldest trees still living today, a symbol of lifespan and endurance. Pairs of friends then talked about each season, linking Audrey and Mickaël’s lives. Everything was beautiful, so much love shared with family and friends.

Next the drinking and dancing. Later (starting around 10 pm) we had dinner, all 200 of us in the convent hall. The organization of the tables was thoughtful and efficient. Each person found their name on a paper with a type of plant. Then they find that plant at the end of their table, and sit anywhere they want at that table. Save the napkins for your next meal, ensuring you get your own back by putting it into the wooden ring with your name on it, then toss it into the basket at the end of the table.

The next morning friends and family made crépes for everyone. In the afternoon, some went on a short hike to see the view.

Then, many went to the bride and groom’s new old farmhouse. Audrey has already planted much food-producing vegetation.

The building was constructed in the late 1700s and has been unoccupied since the 1960s. We wandered around their property, a lot of space in buildings and in land area, but a lot of work will be needed before they can live in the old house.

While we were there, clouds accumulated. The resulting storm sent everyone either back to their cars or into one of the buildings to wait it out.

That evening’s party featured pizza fresh from a wood oven. Delicious!

Then the karaoke began!

More people pictures