Skiing!

Where is the Double Black Diamond?

My ski buddy and friend, Jamie

Cloudy day in the mountains

Jignesh with hot air balloons in the background

The French Alps

Skiing in this part of the world is not just a hobby for some. It is a part of the culture. Kids learn to ski almost as soon as they learn to walk and ski racks on cars are about as common as tires! With dozens of first class ski resorts within 1 to 2 hours of Geneva, it is easy to leave home after breakfast and be back for dinner! Jignesh and I have adapted the mentality of the locals and often hit the slopes on the weekends (ok, I have also been seen on the mountain on a random weekday as well!). While neither one of us will even come close to competing in the 2014 Winter Olympics, we are improving. I have graduated a level with the International Ski Club of Geneva and like the occasional challenge of mogul or two. Jignesh, who has only skiied a few times until this year, is finding his form and his spending less time on his butt and more time on his skis! Au Revoir.

One Interesting Hotel Room...

When you travel as much as Jignesh has been of late, you stay in an array of different places and quickly learn to expect the unexpected. This hotel room in Zurich, however, completely shocked him and he emailed this picture almost as soon as he walked into the room. The first thing that came to my mind was a bird crashing into a window! Maybe the hotel ran out of money during renovation. Or maybe they are trying to cater to the sleepy traveller who continuously bumps into the bathroom door when trying to find the shower early in the morning. This is definitely one to ponder! Au Revoir.

Lisbon. Take Two.

Before moving to Europe, I never thought that I would be able to visit Lisbon. Now I have been there twice! Last year, Jignesh and I escaped to Lisbon for a fun weekend getaway. This past weekend, I tagged along while Jignesh attended a work conference (How could I possibly pass up the opportunity to stay in the Four Seasons for free?). I loved Lisbon the first time and it did not disappoint the second time either. While Jignesh was stuck in meetings all day, I spent my days working out in the hotel gym that overlooked the entire city, studying my French, and getting a slight tan under the Portugal sun. Oh, and I even got a cheap haircut. Yes, I am one lucky person. I also finally met some of Jignesh's co-workers and clients (Yes, I crashed a conference dinner to two!) and now know why he is happier than ever in his job. The best part about the trip was that there was no pressure to see all the sights since we did it all the first time around. It was amazing to be able to leisurely rome the streets with no agenda. Unlike some other destinations, Lisbon will always be a clear picture in my mind. While it is great to explore new places, I have to say that I can also see why people often holiday in the same location year after year. There is definitely something to be said for truly getting to know a city and discover the hidden areas not usually seen by the everyday tourist. So, here is to Lisbon!

Au Revoir