The Chimney Sweep!

When we first moved here, we were told that a man would come to our door with a dirty face and funny hat. When he came, we were to let him in. He was the Chimney Sweep. We have been here for 6 months. Many workers have come to our door. Some were wearing hats. They all spoke only French, but none were the chimney sweep. Some came to clean the pool, others to do the gardening.

Today, the doorbell rang and I was greeted by this. (see the picture) Viola! A man with a semi dirty face and a funny hat. His top hat was very old and beat up. With the man, was a young apprentice. They waited at the door, so I could run to get my camera. They happily posed for a picture and then said, "Tout comme, Mary Poppins." I replied, "Oui, just like Mary Poppins."

Using their brushes and other tools, they were in and out in 20 minutes. They declared that we are now clean and only offering 4% pollution. This, by the way, was communicated by French and hand language. They said, "It good." They left with a handshake and a huge smile, just as they had arrived.

L'Escalade!!!

This past weekend was l'Escalade in the Canton de Geneve. Every year in early December, the Swiss city-canton of Geneva interrupts its pre-Christmas festivities for a different kind of celebration: l'Escalade, a festival that celebrates the city's victory over the Duke of Savoy's invading troops in 1602. The Genevois defended their turf with artillery, hand-to-hand weaponry, and the marmite of one Mère Royaume, who--according to legend--dispatched one enemy soldier and dispersed his companions by throwing her cauldron of hot vegetable soup at the troops who pushed their way up the street beneath her window. Because our village is part of the Canton de Geneve, it too put on a celebration.

We started, by meeting up with several neighbors. Their children were dressed up in costumes and we walked down to the village center. Once there, EVERY CHILD from about 2 years old and up were handed a 1.5 foot long torch, that was set afire. The torches were handed out by the fireman of Genthod. Yikes!!! There was quite a crowd of people. All of the children were learning that you hold a torch up and not out, so as to not catch others on fire. It made it was quite thrilling. Double YIKES! Within a few minutes a fife and drum band, in full costume, bearing banners and flags, brought everyone to attention. The children carrying torches, followed them, as did we. Our parade of about 200 villagers wound through the old parts of the village, passing people who joined the end of the parade. After about 15 minutes, we ended up at the school, where torches were put out and all were invited to partake of a dinner together. We sat at long tables with our friends. The band played up front and vegetable soup, bread, cheese, and drinks were served. All of this was free of charge. We were a little amazed at this!



At one point during dinner a large chocolate cauldron was brought to the front of the room. The oldest person and youngest person present were invited up front to break the Marmite or large chocolate cauldron. A song was sung about l'Escalade and then a large sword was handed to the oldest man and together with the child he took a swinging blow to the chocolate cauldron. Cheering exploded as bits of candy, placed inside the marmite flew out! All of the chocolate, (and there was more than we all could possibly eat) marzipan and candies were handed out to everyone. At this point a Dj came out and played dancing music.


It was our first Escalade, but in no means our last. Next year we have decided to attend the huge celebration in Geneve, as well as our quaint village celebration of l'Escalade!!!

Joyeux Noel 2011

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St. Nicholas Day

On December 6th, our family has always celebrated St. Nicholas Day. It falls early in the Advent season. Some places he arrives in the middle of November and moves about the countryside, visiting schools and homes to find out if children have been good. (We have been very good in our family, whew!) Other places he comes in the night and finds carrots and hay for his horse or donkey along with children's wish lists. (We made our wish lists, but we are going to fill them in Colorado, so he did not take them from us!) Small treats were left in our shoes so we knew that he had come. We were not disappointed this year. We awoke to fruit, chocolate, purfume and our Christmas ornaments for this year. We ate breakfast by candlelight. I made French toast, before Laura set off for school. At night we enjoyed a dinner of yummy chicken soup, garlic bread and Laura's favorite, chocolate milk!
Happy St. Nicholas Day everyone!!!

A Concert in our Village Church

Last night, Laura, and I, waited until we heard the ringing of the church bells from the little church in our village. Upon hearing them, we started the ten minute walk down the road to the center of the village. We walked toward the church, with others to hear a beautiful Christmas concert. We did not know anyone there and did not understand much of the French, but we were able to greet others in simple French and feel a little more part of community.

The orchestra had seven members. Many instruments we recognized and a few that appeared quite old and unfamiliar to us. Later, I learned that the instruments were like those that would have been played in the kings courts during the 1600-1800. The choir was made up of 22 singers, from age 15-19 from the Conservatoire popular de Geneve. This is a very prestigious school to attend. Their voices were breath-taking. Three of the numbers sung were Gregorian chants, with blends and levels that sounded perfect in the acoustics of the church.I would have paid to see this magnificent concert, but in our village, most of these programs are provide by the Commune de Genthod,free of charge.


We didn't want the night to end, but eventually it did. We said our "au revoir, Bonsoir!" to those around us and then started our walk back home. The Christmas lights of the village had come on and umbrellas were needed, as we were greeted by a little rain. Good thing we know to carry umbrellas all of the time now. We walked with others from the village, hearing French and British English chattered along the way. We took the time to turn around to see the small snowflake lights on each of the light poles and see a lighted sleigh and tree in the park. What a perfect start to December and a wonderful Christmas gift from our village leaders.