Sadly, we came to the 3rd and last day with our children. It was so much fun to have them here. We brought the children to church with us in Annecy. We were anxious for our children to meet the wonderful people in Annecy and our dear friends in Annecy to meet our children. It was a joy to have them meet each other. After church we came back to our apartment and had dinner.
I had put a roast in my wonderful crockpot before we left for church and it was perfect by the time we got back.
We added some of the delicious small French potatoes and a great tomato, mozzarella and bread salad. It was perfect. After dinner we headed to the “old ville” of Geneva. We had to stop on our way for a few pictures at "Einstein's House".
The side of this building is painted to look like to entrance to a courtyard with many other paintings to make it look authentic.
You don't get a complete picture unless you also take a picture from the side. Voila! No real bench!
We passed by the lake and the Jet d’eau on our way downtown.
Because it was Sunday the area was not crowded and we could walk through the streets and passed the buildings which have been there for centuries.
There are also some things that are newer but still fun to see.
We stopped at this very old but beautiful fountain for pictures.
We even caught a picture of Jon taking a picture.
They are in the process of planting flowers throughout the old Ville and soon there will be pockets of color peaking out at us from every corner and window.
We stopped at the Cathedral of St. Peter (Pierre in French) which was built between 1150 and 1230.
In 1536 it became a major centre of the Reformation under John Calvin. It fills me with such awe to be inside this magnificent structure and to realize it was built so very long ago with ancient tools and building methods. The sheer volume of the space with it’s soaring ceiling and beautiful stained glass windows amazes me.
To the side of the cathedral and attached to it is the Chapel of the Maccabees. Though much smaller in size, the paintings on the ceiling and the décor are bright and beautiful.
From here, we walked towards the Marie (Mayor’s Office). We passed by and actually walked through sidewalk cafes on our way.
As we passed by the display of old cannons there was a violinist playing the most beautiful music. Unfortunately he was standing in the shadow so we didn’t get a great picture of him but we surely enjoyed his music.
The Marie has an interior court and a wide ramp that goes up to the third floor – we were told that
they could ride horses up the ramp to the Mayor’s office on the 3rd floor – door to door service.
From here we walked down the hill to see the giant chess and checkers boards
and the Reformers wall. The wall is in a beautiful park area with large trees that shade the pathways.
The wall is a tribute to the men such as Luther, Knox, Calvin and many others who gave their lives for the reformation.
As we walked back to the car we caught a quick glance at the flower clock
and then headed to the Mission home. We passed by the United Nations buildings with the flags to represent each country and across the street the broken chair in rememberance of those who have lost their "legs or lives" to land mines. We were anxious to get to the Mission Home to show the kids where we spend our days and to meet President and Sister Murdock, our wonderful Mission President and his dear wife, and the great Office Elders.
Afterwords it was back home to make Mother’s Day phone calls home, check flight schedules and receive calls from the children who are not here with us. The day went entirely too fast! We loved having the children here and miss them so much.
Great post Mom! We had a wonderful time with you!
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