Tue-Mon, March 31-April 6, 2026 —Nice, France to Venthone, Switzerland to Geneva, Switzerland
In the midst of our transition from Nice to Switzerland, there were some important things happening in the States — namely, Kylie’s surgery to hopefully, eliminate the pain in her calves while running. The surgery was originally scheduled for March 10th, then April 7th, then finally March 31st. For a while we were trying to change our flights, but eventually resigned ourselves to not being able to be there. Fortunately, my sister, De Ann, and brother, Don, were able and willing to drive down to her and act as surrogate parents. I’m happy to say everything seems to have gone well. She started the surgery just before we boarded the train from Geneva to Sierre and was done by the time we got off. Only time will tell now if the surgery did what we hope it will.
Pre-surgery smile
Left leg first, right leg in six weeks
Happy to leave after two nights
I have to say, I completely forgot how incredibly beautiful Switzerland is, and in particular, the amazing view from Anne and Etienne’s house. We had last seen the Pyffers in Lyon in February, but haven’t visited in Switzerland since 2018.
Livingroom view!
Venthone, Switzerland
Morning hike with Anne
We originally met 10 years ago in Namibia, then four more times in different countries over the next year.
Traveling with Pyffers
Like our kids, theirs are now mostly adults, and we unfortunately missed seeing their oldest, Louis, who left the day we arrived to travel in Asia with his girlfriend. Arno, however, now 18, is doing an apprenticeship at a local company, Eversys, making high-end coffee machines. Not sold to the public, these systems are meant for large hotels, businesses, and cruise ships. On Thursday morning we stopped in for a super cool to tour of the factory — which started, naturally, with a fresh brewed expresso drink! Given the relatively low production volumes, the assembly lines were actually very reminiscent of the production lines at Intuitive. I joked that seeing it made me almost want to go back to work!
Arno showing off the end product
Because, Anne and Etienne were working for the rest of the day, Meg and I kept ourselves busy. The first stop was an amazing chocolate shop followed by the cathedral and castle in Sion just down river.
As much artwork as chocolate
Basilique de Valere
View from the castle gate
Most fun of all, though, was hetying to watch the local hockey team (Sierre) take on their northern rivals in the best of seven series. The series, tied at one game a piece, created so much interest that we couldn’t even push our way into the upper bleachers at the beginning of the match. Fortunately, as people filed out to refill their pitchers of beer at the end of the first period, we inched our way enough to see most of the rink. We did our best to join in and cheer on the yellow and red to a 7-2 victory! “Hop Sierre!”
Ready for game III: Matilde, Meg & Anne
Etienne, me, & Arno
Hop Sierre! Hop Sierre!
To enjoy the summer weather, Etienne and Anne bought a camping trailer a year or so ago. At the east end of Lake Geneva, is a small campground where they park the trailer and essentially build a small home away from home — trailer, deck, tent — for the summer. When they realized we would be around for the Easter break, they decided to take advantage of the extra set of hands. Etienne loaned me some clothes so I would look the part. On Friday, he and I (and Meg and Anne as well) were “bricoleurs” (handymen) building the deck and tent for their summer camp. Of course, we didn’t forgo snacks and a drink when the work was done.
Deck in process
Completed tent
Home away from home
Apéro! (Happy Hour)
After our busy day on Friday, Saturday was a play day. I traded in my “bricoleur” clothes, for those of a “skier!” We drove down the hill, across the small valley and up a narrow windy road to the Grimentz/Zinal resort and an amazing set of mountains only forty minutes away. The highest peak, Weissehorn, is 14,700 ft high.
I only fell once!
I was also happy to make it through the day without hurting my self! The girls seemed very content to spend the few hours we were skiing enjoying the sunshine, music, food and drinks (hot chocolate with Grand Marnier!)
Fantastic ski conditions
Happy as a clam
Meg and I have definitely not been deprived at anytime during the last couple of months. God forbid I miss a meal. I’ve definitely drank more coffee and wine and eaten more meat, cheese, and bread than I can remember. Maybe because that seems to be the French/Swiss way and also because we’ve been “on vacation” with family and friends. Anne and Etienne in particular made sure we made time for “l’apero”which seems to be the Swiss equivalent of “happy hour,” but with much better food, cured meats, cheese and, of course, alcohol. It has not been lost on me that soon this way of life will significantly change.
Apéro: pre dinner snacks, drinks, and socializing
Aperol Spritz: Prosecco, Aperol, sparkling water
Easter was a very special day. The weather was fantastic, the food was excellent, and most of all it was great fun getting to see Pyffer’s extended family together. We did our best to follow along. Most of the time the conversation was way too fast to completely understand, but generally I at least understood the gist of the conversation. Sometimes, Mathilde would help explain what was going on. The grandparents were very kind and spoke slowly when speaking to us. On at least a couple of occasions I was able to make a small joke, which was pretty fun.
Lamb ready for roasting
Table is set
My contribution to the Easter eggs
Marguerite, Jacques, and Anne
Joyeuses Paques!
So, alas, after eleven weeks, the fun is finally over. Meg and I caught the train out to Geneva on Sunday night, and spent our last day here enjoying the spring weather and meeting up a classmate from “l’institut,” Imogen and her husband Thomas.
Jet d’Eau - Symbol of Geneva at 160ft high
Me, Imogen, Meg, and Thomas
Meg and I both agree, we have been incredibly lucky to have had this time away: exploring, learning, making new friends, and sharing the experience with friends and family. Now for the next undertaking.
January 19-20, 2026 — San Francisco to Marrakech Waiting for our plane at SFO I’m not sure if we’re ready for this, but our bags are packed (one carry-on each), we have a couple of “riads” booked for our ten days in Morocco, we’ve paid for our four weeks of French lessons at the Institut de Francais in Nice, we have a three-bedroom apartment booked there for the entire month of March, and our bikes are partially dismantled and BikeFlights primed to pick them up deliver to us. Traveling light Bike stuff As of only a week ago, we were still not 100% sure the trip was a go. After talking to Meg’s oncologist, however, we breathed a sigh of relief and committed to the plan. The doc felt that the because the new spot on her spleen was so small, chemo could wait until our return at the beginning of April. Of course, Meg was hoping to delay chemo as long as possible so she could be out and about while I was off on the trail. Nevertheless, the trip to France has been on the list for ...
Mon-Tue, January 26-27, 2026 -- Agadir, Morocco We didn't finally arrive in Agadir until 3AM on Monday morning. We had booked a direct seven-hour van ride the night before in Fez, but it was never confirmed. So, in the end, we took a train back to Marrakech and then a bus to Agadir. Miles of beach One of the unavoidable hazards of traveling as an obvious tourist here, is that you are a bit of a target and people are not always honest. As a result, you learn to be a little cautious and suspicious. However, that too can be a problem. If you get too cynical, you end up not trusting anyone, even when should and need to to get what you want. Trying to get a bus ticket in Marrakech at 9:30 at night was a bit stressful simply because we didn't really know how the process should work (the normal ticket windows were closed). There were just a bunch of men walking up to us, asking us where we were going, scribbling on a paper ticket pads, and asking for money. Not ve...
Saturday-Sunday, January 24-25, 2026 -- Fez to Agadir Hi all! This morning I experienced Fez on my own. Poor Dean ate a bum dinner last night in Marrakech and got food poisoning. He was pretty miserable, but suffered quietly…except when he was throwing up. No fun. So, after my breakfast, I bundled up, donned my raincoat (thanks, Jane!), and made my way to the Museo Nejjarine. Navigating my way through the Medina was tricky, but me and Google Maps got there. The Fez Medina Woodworking Museum The museum was a testament to the woodworkers and their crafts. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to take pictures of the displays, but the building itself was pretty. The first floor consisted of the trunks of various trees showing the wood that was used, where it could be found in Morocco, and how long it lived. The other two floors showcased tools, chests, doors, chairs, stairs, toys, and even tablets that were used to help memorize the Koran. It was also a good way for me to read the Fren...
Because, Anne and Etienne were working for the rest of the day, Meg and I kept ourselves busy. The first stop was an amazing chocolate shop followed by the cathedral and castle in Sion just down river.
Easter was a very special day. The weather was fantastic, the food was excellent, and most of all it was great fun getting to see Pyffer’s extended family together. We did our best to follow along. Most of the time the conversation was way too fast to completely understand, but generally I at least understood the gist of the conversation. Sometimes, Mathilde would help explain what was going on. The grandparents were very kind and spoke slowly when speaking to us. On at least a couple of occasions I was able to make a small joke, which was pretty fun.
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