Italy: Rome and Tuscany!

I left on a jet plan the morning of Jan 5th to reconnect with the 'rents' in Rome where they have been relaxing since they left Geneva. I arrived via Easy Jet ($50USD!) in the AM and headed to the village in Laurentina area.

The pad was great and so was the weather..around 60F. After a little coffee and pasterie at the local cafe we headed into Rome!
Key Note: Like my parents 25 years ago I lost/erased my pics(Oops!)..but dad had some cool backups!
Guess where?

See I did take pictures ;-)


I made a wish too!

Overall I saw a great deal of the "sites" which were really cool! Triva fountain, Spanish steps, and a variety of other building, ruins, and the best the Pantheon!
(Picture pending for next visit!)
That night we headed into Trastevere and had a very nice meal. Trastevere is a very cool section of town and I plan to go back with the boys in the Spring!
The next day we woke up and after I got pissed because I was a cupcake and erased my pics I decided that I need to make up the pic lose and get more...so we decided that we should head to Vatican City so I could 1 of my 10 countries off the list for 2007 (see previous post)
One down!

After a short little adventure on the confusing streets of Rome we headed north towards Montepulciano and San Gimignano.
In Monte things were open and we stopped for some pics, wine, and food....very Italian.


After a little we headed to a great hotel in San Gimignano called the Sam Paulo...very nice and thanks mom and dad!
The next day was not as nice but a cool little town. We relaxed, ate, and bought some Cinghale(wild boar)!


That night I left for Florence and back to Geneva. I want to thank my parents for a great time...it was great seeing you...I miss you too! (Note: Get a place in Europe!) Love, G

Music....Jan 10th!

So as some of you know music is a big part of my life. From my family (thanks Gramps) to my youth I have always had it in my blood. So this blog being about my adventure and life I thought I would add at least a song a week that I have been listening to lately. This week it is Incubus Rogues
I will link the song to Itunes and post the lyrics:
I'm keeping an eye on the future
An eye on the past
And the present in my pocket
Just in case I need a door...
Into a brave new world
Where all solutions end up with my head
Buried to my neck in sand.
Enough, enough bowing down to disillusion!
Hats off and applause to Rogues and Evolution!
The ripple effect is too good not to mention
If you're not affected then you're not paying attention!
It's too good, too good, not to have an effect.
I'm keeping an eye on the pulse
An ear to the track and
Penance in a locket
I'm dropping from the highest floor
When it hits the ground
I watch it smash to pieces
Songs of liberation
Echo from the dust
The dust
Enough, enough bowing down to disillusion!
Hats off and applause to Rogues and Evolution!
The ripple effect is too good not to mention
If you're not affected then you're not paying attention!
It's too good, too good, not to have an effect!
Enough,Enough,Enough,Enough,Enough!
Enough, enough bowing down to disillusion!
Hats off and applause to Rogues and Revolution!
The ripple effect is too good not to mention
If you're not affected then you're not paying attention!
It's too good, too good, too good...yes.

X-Mas,Skiing, Food, New Year, and Swimming?....

After a little recovery from a little back pain brought on by my visit to Chamrousse, my parents arrived in Geneva on Christmas day. Inversion was occuring in Geneva so it was a wonderfully grey and ugly day. After a little chilling, present opening, and nap time for the travelers it was time to go see some sun...so up the the Jura!
Look Mom the alps!

After a little tourist action it was back into the fog to Carouge and a little feast...my first turkey!

The next day we awoke to another great Geneva December day, so it was off to the east of CH to find some sun. After a mellow morning we headed up to the Valais to Lavey. It was packed at the "bains", so we decided to check out Villars.
On the way up:


BAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

After a great trip up on of the great CH roads of all time (sorry mom)we arrived a Villars for a little "Vin Chaud" and crepes.
Great night view too!

The next day was most of the same in Geneva, so off we went again this time to Lyon in France. This place was cool with Roman ruins, cool shopping, and great architecture.



Friday arrived and it was time to chill in Geneva. Dad and I shopped in the AM while Mom checked out the shops in Carouge. That evening we went for some fondue. The next morning it was time for my parents to leave for Rome, so I dropped them off at the airport and headed to meet up with some friends on Avoriaz The snow was marginal, but overall a fun day.

Self pic skiing on the way back to the car:

The next day was New Years eve, so I chilled in the AM and prepared for some friends to come over. The night was chill and we had some cheese and cocktails. Overall a pretty relaxed eve.....but I did say something that night that I was never going to pass up....I was going to swim in Lake Geneva the next day! So the next day rolled around and here I was....
Getting ready:

Hi Swans.....yes I am crazy:

A little diving:

Post swim:

The water was actually not that bad and I was excited that I followed through..another cool New Years day...! I actually found out that they do this in Holland and Boston
So now on to a few G items. 2006 is now gone and I would sum it up with one word "Shift." My life has change drastically and I have made it through...with some scars but I am here and doing my best everyday. Just a shift to a better space in my life... So in 2007 here are my goals and mantras:
1) Stay postive+
2) Continue to grow and be open
3) Do things that people say to you after...."are you serious"
4) Do things for me, but continue to be selfless
5) Live life and not an "existence"
6) Be in contact with my friends/family more
7) Visit 10 new countries
8) Cherish everyday for at least 1 reason
9) Just be
10) Ski...ski....and ski!
2007 is going to be a great year....I can feel it.....it will have it's ups and downs, but I will make it through. As always much love to my family and friends who were intregal in 2006...I look forward to a killer 2007!