The Bamseys in France AND ITALY

Enjoying some authentic Lyonnais.

A big thanks to the Bamseys for joining us in France! 

With 8 days in Lyon, 4 days in Italy, a week in Paris and day trips to Annecy, Mont Blanc and the Beaujolais wine country they definitely fit everything in they came to see, as they should, a couple of lucky ducks if you ask me! 

The view from Saint Michael's Abbey, Northern Italy.

Checking out the Villas of Lake Como, Italy.

On the roof of the Duomo in Milan, Italy.

Enjoying Happy Hour in Como, Italy

Outside of the Louvre Museum in Paris, France.

Bon Voyage! We hope you enjoyed your trip.

We will be heading back to the gorgeous Welland, ON for the last few weeks of May to attend the wedding, and all things wedding related, of our good friends Henry and Laura. Hope to see everyone then! (Joel will only be making a short weekend trip for the wedding as he has work commitments here in Lyon)

THANKS, 

Joel & Amy

Dane's Visit

We were excited to have our first guest in Lyon this week! Our friend Dane stopped by between trips to England and Germany for just a few days so we tried to squeeze in as much as we could. We toured the city's park and sampled local dishes, wine and beer. Joel was able to take a day off so we also took a day-trip to Annecy (pictured below) and did some paddle boating in the Annecy Lake amongst the French Alps. Temperatures were pushing +30 while he was here so we ended up having a nice couple of days. Bon Voyage Dane!

THANKS!

Joel & Amy

Chamonix / Mont Blanc

This weekend we drove 2 1/2  hours North/East of Lyon into the French Alps to Chamonix/Mont Blanc Ski Resort (France/Italy/Switzerland). In our one full day of riding we probably covered 40% of the regular runs, not to mention another entire mountain of "Off-Piste" zones that require a guided tour, harness, safety training etc (Joel will go back for those next season). Conditions were pretty foggy at the peaks but it turned into a nice spring day on the mountain in the afternoon. THANKS to the Bamsey family for the lift tickets, we had a great weekend!

Mont Blanc, seen behind us,  is the highest peak in Western Europe at 4810m.

We also stopped in Annecy on the way home for lunch and to check out the Annecy Castle.


THANKS,
Joel & Amy

Zurich, Switzerland

Another episode of Deux Baguettes, please enjoy.

We planned this trip around a music festival to see the Burlington, Ontario band Walk Off The Earth, we didn't bring the camera to the show but the video features one of their songs.

Joel & Amy

Home in Lyon

Joel is back in the EU and we're both settling in after our weekend in Zurich, Switzerland.

Stand by for a new video!

Joel & Amy

My Job ;)

Thought I would offer a bit of insight into my work life here in Lyon...

As previously mentioned I work with an agency in Paris called Baby Speaking, who hooked me up with a family here in the city. The idea is for kids to absorb English at a young age and on a regular basis. 

Every school day (the kids don't go to school on Wednesdays in France...how lovely) I pick the two girls up, Irene (9) and Margeaux (10), from their school at 4:30pm and travel with them by bus to their home. After a bit of a snack and any homework they might have, I lead some sort of activity, lesson or art project, in English of course, all while trying to incorporate some new vocabulary. 

It took a few weeks for the girls to open up...but I think they are really starting to have some fun. They are very smart girls...definitely smart enough to dupe me every now and again, so it's really encouraging when I hear them starting to use some words I've taught them...my favourite part is when they pick things up that they've heard me say that weren't exactly in the lesson like "Oh my gosh!" or "Great Job". 

Even though it's only a few hours each day, I spend a bit of time preparing the lessons so it adds a bit of structure to my otherwise leisurely French lifestyle, and it's a good opportunity to flex my creative muscles. 

Thanks guys!

Joel & Amy

Landed

Joel has finally made it home to finalize his VISA situation. He landed in Toronto today and has an appointment with the French Embassy on Monday. He plans to return as soon as possible, (we're headed to Zurich next weekend), keep your fingers crossed that it's a quick process!!  

THANKS for stopping by!

Joel & Amy