Day 8: Interlaken
The train station in Interlaken was incredibly charming! Since we were only visiting for the day, we stowed our luggage at the station, caught the wrong bus, took a cab and then ended up on the shores of Lake Brienz for a jet boat tour. Interlaken's name means "town between two lakes."
The water was the most incredible blue/green color. Its considered the cleanest lake in Switzerland.
We stopped at the waterfall that feeds Lake Brienz from the glacier up the mountain.
The jet boat provided beautiful views of the lake and some thrills for the thrill seeking members of our family. It was such a fun way to spend the morning.
After a quick lunch, we hopped an afternoon train from Interlaken to Geneva.
I LOVED Geneva. Switzerland was an interesting mix of the countries that it borders. Zurich and Grindelwald were very German in the language spoken, the foods, and the style of architecture. On the contrary, Geneva was very French.
More gelato :)
Day 9: Geneva
On our day in Geneva, the kids and I separated from Roger for the morning. He had researched and found this really neat watch making workshop where he got to disassemble and reassemble a watch movement (or something like that). This did not interest the kids and I in the slightest so we went on a biking tour around the city!
We had our first views of the Jet d'Eau, the huge water fountain on Lake Geneva. Originally the fountain was used to release excess pressure from a nearby hydraulic plant but soon became a symbol of Geneva.
The fountain pumps over 500 liters of water per second to over 140 meters.
We rode past the Palais des Nations building as well as the WHO headquarters and several other important world government buildings. We also rode past Palais Wilson named after Woodrow Wilson commemorating his important work in establishing the League of Nations in 1919. Rowan learned all about that this year in History this year so he had fun answering our guide's questions. I get giddy when this kind of stuff comes alive for the kids.
Sis made a swan friend.
Old Town Geneva
Old Town Geneva
The Flower Clock was created as a symbol of the city's dedication to nature and its love for watch making. The flowers are changed out for the various seasons.
The Reformation Wall is dedicated to the main figures of the Reformation throughout Switzerland. Both boys were able to share what they knew about these reformers especially John Knox and John Calvin thanks to both Bible and History classes.
I don't know how many watch stores we went in throughout our trip but it was many. :)
One more look at the Jet d' Eau with Daddy who we picked up after his class!
Train station bound yet again.
My horologist.
Train from Geneva to Lyon to.............
Days 9 and 10: Disneyland Paris:
I combined our photos from both days at Disneyland.
Hyperspace Mountain
Big Thunder Mountain (FAVORITE)
Haunted Mansion (also a fav)
Small World
Can you tell from Cruz's face that he was less than thrilled about this one?
Buzz Lightyear
Roger and I enjoying a leisurely afternoon drive at Autopia.
Mickey Bars
The second park at Disneyland Paris is called Walt Disney Studios.
They had a cute Toy Story Land. The kids and I loved this ride.
All five of us loved this one.
The kids loved the crazy Avengers coaster!
This was a fun favorite too.
Day 10: Paris
On Day 10 we spent the morning at Disneyland and then took a 3:00 train into the city. We walked to the Eiffel Tower. We took pictures, I bought perfume, we ate crepes and enjoyed macarons before heading back to the Disneyland Paris area. We got back around 8:00 and the two younger kids and I headed back to the park for more coasters while Roger and Rowan headed back to the hotel.
Our flight was midday on Day 11. We arrived in Miami around 6:30pm, were on the road around 8:00pm and were at home in bed by 11pm... and that's a wrap on our summer vacation.
