Cheese, Carbs, Chocolate...and hiking in the Alps!

My diet currently consists of the 3 C’s: Carbs, Cheese, and Chocolate while they are delicious, they are not so nutritious. I am so busy that I really don’t have time (or a place unless I run outside) to exercise. I decided that was not a good excuse and I am in one of the (arguably THE) most beautiful countries and I need to get off my lazy (but not really lazy because I'm always doing something…) butt and exercise! What better way to exercise than to hike up the swlss Alps! So that is what I did. Sunday morning Stephen, Chris and I woke up and went to go hike up Mount Saleve. First we got off at the wrong stop, and then we could not find the right bus, but…eventually we got there! We took a cable car up the mountain to the top. Mt. Saleve is in both France and Switzerland so I was literally in 2 places at once. Pretty cool!! On the top of the mountain we had sandwiches and enjoyed the view!

On the border. I'm in Switzerland...AND France!

The GORGEOUS view from the top of Mt. Saleve

Then it was time to hike down, now most people take the cable car up and then the cable car so we were being pretty adventurous. Somehow, I’m still not quite sure exactly, but somehow we managed to loss the hiking train and end up in the mountain bike trail which is much steeper, and especially difficult with mountain bikers whizzing my every few minutes! It was really fun and I really liked the challenge. The boys were in all their hiking gear including shoes, and here I was with my clean white running sneakers, needless to say there was not much traction, so a good ¼ of the mountain I slip down on my butt, but hey, it was fun! The guys kept calling me granny, because they said I was walking like an old lady (those of you who are familiar with my duck feet can imagine), and I have an unfortunate feeling that that name is going to stick.

This was about a milli second before I fell.

It was absolutely beautiful. We passed through little quaint towns built into the side of the mountain. We could see the entire city of Geneva, including Lac Leman and the fountain.

Lac Leman Fountain and Geneva seen from Mt. Saleve.

About half way through we discovered what looked like a large cave/tunnel built into the mountain. It had a LARGE sign in French that said DO NOT ENTER, I don’t know French and even I could understand it; as well as an 8 ft. high fence. Chris and Stephen had the brilliant idea to “explore”. I waited outside until I heard them oh and ah for about 5 minutes how it was “the best view ever, etc.” so finally, with some help hopped the fence and went inside. They were right…WHAT A VIEW! It was absolutely beautiful. I know I use the words awesome beautiful a lot and that does not even do any of it justice! You just need to come out here and see for yourself!

Inside of the Restricted tunnel.  The view from the arch you see here was spectacular.

We finally arrived at the bottom of the mountain and ran into some people we knew. That has happened a lot! It is really cool to be in a foreign city and see people you know! I feel like such a local. I was exhausted, hungry, tired, and dirty (I really need to do some laundry….) so I made dinner, showered, and went to bed! Oh, and watch the Ravens Game of course…tragic. 

Stephen, Chris, and Me...Don't worry, I was wearing my Natty Boh Ravens Shirt on game day!!

At least the Buckeyes had a win!! Oh, and I am still sore from my hike...SUCCESS!!


This week has been another exciting week at work. It has been really clear this week and I can see the snow capped Alps out my window…pretty cool! I have been doping research of different countries and their views and interest in Juvenile Justice and preparing grant proposals to send to their Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I have also been searching for other private grant organizations to help plan Phase II Follow Up to General Comment No. 10…sounds really boring but it’s actually not! It is essentially trying to keep kids out of jail and to make those who are imprisoned have their rights surrounding to the UN’s convention of the rights of the child. My boss asked me to go to the print shop (basically a kinkos) and get 300 color copies made and bargain with the gentleman who works there. I have been there before and I told my boss that he does not speak any English, she replied with “In the Netherlands we always say if you want something badly enough you can get it no matter what the language barrier”…ummmmm, ok? So I went and somehow, with A LOT of hand gestures and pictures and writing things down and a random guy who walked into the shop and spoke English managed to bargain down the price!!! Dad—Thanks for all your bargaining tips! I have also been working on collecting pictures to put in the Defence for Children International’s 30th anniversary book. Tonight is the qualifying rounds for the World Cup and Switzerland is playing Israel…I am a little torn. The other interns at my office and I are going to go downtown for dinner and then go to a bar to watch the game, I’m really excited!

Pics of Mt. Saleve are up on Picassa!!!       Miss you all TONS!    xoxo