Christmas Eve with the Farrants!

We had a wonderful Xmas dinner and as a surprise we all received matching Christmas onesies courtesy of Susan. 

My two sons..

And of course they come complete with a back door!

Which made this a very 'Beary' Xmas!

 

 

Enchant was enchanting!

Tonight we took in Enchant.  This is a new event for Christmas consisting of a maze of lights, a Christmas market, a variety of food trucks and a range of Christmas drinks.

So many people and lots of children.

It was so cold but nice that it wasn't raining.  Snow is around the corner I'm sure.

A wee crescent moon.

A little hot mulled wine went down really well!
 
 

 
 

Night out!

With Christmas fast approaching we decided to get a "Xmas Fix" for music at the Blue Frog in White Rock last night.  My sister, Sue, friend Marlene and myself went to see The Timewalkers.  Group of four men that do a selection of Xmas tunes but also numbers from the Eagles, the Beatles and Leonard Cohan.  They harmonize beautifully.  What a great night!

The next morning it was breakfast with Santa at the White Rock firehall.  All the grandkids were there waiting patiently for pancakes!

 

Jameson, Landon and Harper

Landon and Harper chowing down!
 
 
 

Home again, home again...jiggity jig!

My last couple of days in Vence were wonderful.  It was hard to leave such beautiful weather when I know rain awaits me.  The days have been sunny and warm.

Walking the frontage walkway down in St. Laurent close to Nice.  People out soaking up the sun and the odd person actually in the sea!  Beautiful!

Waiting for British Airways to open at the airport in Nice so that I can check in and be on my way.

So looking forward to seeing everyone at home and sleeping in my own bed!
 

 

Lake Como

Another early day as I meet the bus that will take us to Lake Como.  Again the weather is better than I had even hoped.  

The marina at the town of Lake Como.

There's a market going on.

Great food from the region.

Lots of narrow streets with stores, restaurants and points of interest.

 
Then we board the bus and head off down the lake to catch our boat to Bellagio.

Heading to Bellagio.

Lots of small villages along the lake.

Fantastic villa used in filming James Bond movies and Star Wars.

Beautiful day.

The town of Bellagio.

Lovely streets with shops and restaurants.

Another beautiful villa.

Then we take a ferry across the lake to Varenna which is more of a small fishing village.

Coming in to Varenna.

Lovely streets and stairwells.

So beautiful.

Limon gelato was necessary!  Totally necessary!

So many beautiful Kodak moments!

On the way back to Milano...an end to another perfect day!  Back to Vence tomorrow.

 

 

 

 
 

 

 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

Trip to Switzerland

I took a day trip from Milano that included the Bernina Express train through the Alps to St. Moritz.  It was a long day but so worth it.  It started at 7 am from the centre of Milano where we boarded our bus.  After leaving Milano we passed by Lake Como.  Beautiful spot and so glad I have another excursion tomorrow to explore the Lake.  Today we continue on to Tirano where we stop for an early lunch and board the Bernina Express.

On the way to Tirano.

Church in Tirano.

Huge pipe organ in the church.

All aboard!  This train had windows that opened so I was hanging out of the train for most of the trip.

And off we go.  This rail has UNESCO status. It's a huge climb in elevation and operates all year round.

Some of the towns we pass are so picturesque!

The fall colours are spectacular.

Huge glacier.

Gorgeous turquoise lake as we're approaching St. Moritz.

Overlooking the lake at St. Moritz.

Gorgeous Swiss chocolate.  So good but a little pricey.

Only in St. Moritz would there be specific parking spots for women!

You certainly feel like you're on top of the world.

And then we start the decent in our bus.  I really felt our driver earned his tip...what a road for a large bus!

It was a fantastic day but very long.  I treated myself to a little bubbly in my room...so good!  Tomorrow it's off to Lake Como.
 
 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 

Milano....wonderful stay.

When I arrived in Milano at the Central Train Station my hotel was only a couple of blocks away.  I could see the sign for the Andreola from the station.  Great hotel where I settled in for the evening.

A restaurant around the corner provided a tasty dinner however if I keep going like this I'm going to break the bank!

The next day I take the metro to see the Duomo in the heart of Milano.  Very easy to get around using the metro.

Huge cathedral.  170 stairs to reach the roof.

The view from the roof is amazing.

All of Milano at your feet!

And the inside of the cathedral is equally stunning.

Gorgeous!

The main square.

Huge shopping area.

Well patrolled. 

Trams operate in the main downtown area.  Apparently the trams in San Francisco came from Milano.

There is a wonderful, large park behind the castle/Fort.

Thought I was in Paris for a moment.  Apparently Napoleon provided this when he took over.

And of course Milano is high on fashion...could have gone crazy but then I'd have to face those bills when I get home!  Tomorrow I'm off to Switzerland!