Geneva

We went on our first overseas trip the first weekend in May (bank holiday so 3 day weekend). We decided we should visit Geneva as our first trip, to see where Lou’s sister and brother-in-law (Helen and Carlo) live. It was a nice lazy trip as our tour guides did all the talking for us, so we didn’t need to think about conversing in French or Italian.
Had an incredible weekend, enjoyed great hospitality from the von Farinas, complete with fresh pastries and home made muesli for breakfast each day. Went for a wander through the old town, taking in St Peter’s cathedral including the amazing views from the top. Had lunch in the sunshine followed by a wander around the lake and then a boat trip on it. We were really luck to hit a weekend full of sun so the place looked amazing, with snow capped mountains surrounding us, but able to wear shorts for the first time since arriving six weeks ago. Enjoyed a lovely dinner outside with a couple of Helen and Carlo’s friends.
Sunday we drove about an hour to Montreaux to visit the Chateau de Chillon, a really old castle right on the edge of the lake. Well worth the visit. Another lunch in the sun (pizza yum) and meandered back to Geneva with a couple of stops along the way to take in the views and sunshine.
Arrived back in London on Monday afternoon laden with duty free Swiss chocolate and feeling well refreshed. We will work on our French before we visit again!

Flat Hunting

While Lou found a job very quickly and was out earning our keep each day, Dean was busily hunting for somewhere for us to live.We loved staying with Lou’s brother and his girlfriend in their lovely flat in Kilburn (NW London) and felt we knew the area well now. However to make Dean’s commute to work south of London a bit easier, we decided to look for a place in Clapham Junction. Luckily we really love the place, tons of shops, cafes etc and a number of our friends live here.

After a few days of viewing places (some too far away from the junction itself, some on the wrong side of the tracks!) Dean found the perfect flat and, based on photos alone, Lou agreed to it.
Strangely enough, the flat is a couple of doors down from the place where Dean’s parents first met each other around 30 years ago on their OE.

We’ve now been here two weeks and are loving it. It's fantastic to have our own space, a real bed, and a big lounge for people to come and stay - you’re all welcome!!


Lessons learnt:
No matter where you are in the world, flat hunting is a right pain.