So what to do with my last free weekend before season starts? A day trip to France, specifically Annecy. It has been compared to Venice, Italy and even though I've never been to Venice, I'm going to confidently say, it's better. The weather may not have started out all that nice but it cleared up just in time for the Retour des Alpages (or return from the Alps). This is a huge festival held every year in Annecy where the farm animals are brought down from the mountains through the town. This tradition includes filling the street with vendors (cheese, cured meats, hot wine, fresh squeezed apple juice), farm animals and lots and lots of people. Typically I'm a very healthy eater but when in Venice... :) The animals are then paraded through the streets with tractors, musicians, and farmers. It's not your typical festival with hay covered streets and cowbells ringing in your ear but that's definitely what made the experience. Quick side note...for those of you who don't know, I'm a vegetarian (almost vegan but I do eat eggs). It's not something I usually tell people, unless it comes up, but seeing the way people interacted with animals over this past weekend really got me thinking. I became a vegetarian for nutritional reasons but over the past year I have become more aware of how the "food" we eat is treated and processed before reaching our table (fruits and vegetables included). I found it refreshing seeing people interact with the cows, sheep and goats in a different way...a more traditional way...a more humane way. By no means am I trying to force my opinion on you, I'm simply reflecting on the differences across the globe and appreciating the fact that people have managed to keep old traditions alive as industries proliferate. In short, it was a great last weekend before starting up the season. Not only being able to experience such a unique celebration but also being able to add one more gorgeous city to my list. Oh and here are a few pics from the hockey game I went to last weekend :)
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Yep, that's right..I've only been here a month and I'm already on my way back to the US. Not all the way back to the west coast, but to my old college stomping grounds (Round 1), Washington DC! I knew I wouldn't want to miss one of my best friends tie the knot and boy was I right! Even though I was only there for 4 days, I am so happy I was able to be a part of such an awesome and special celebration. Rehearsal, rehearsal dinner, morning hair and makeup, pictures galore, ceremony (Mr. and Mrs. Gillette!), more pictures and of course the reception..time to celebrate! I mean I knew there was a lot of planning that went into a wedding but oh my were there A LOT of details. I've got to hand it to the couple, they sure did a heck of a job with the entire thing and in short, it was a weekend to remember and I'm glad that I got to be a part of it. CONGRATULATIONS MR. AND MRS. GILLETTE!
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