Annecy days 7-8
From Lyon, we headed east to Annecy, a small town at the foot of the Alps. With so many canals and lake-side gardens, Annecy is known affectionately as the "Venice of the Alps."
​
When we arrived in Annecy, it was raining , which made the entire Alpine village feel mysterious and romantic. After settling into the hotel, Julie led our group into an exploration of the narrow streets. We crossed bridges, poked our heads in ancient churches, walked along the lake, and passed a few sandwich shops (taking notes where we could return for supper!) Once everyone went their separate ways, I spent a blissful hour in a local bookstore. After, I took my favorite purchase to the lake, where I would read in the now-sunshine until it was time for dinner.
​
Annecy, the "Venice of the Alps"
The next day, Julie offered to take anyone interested to the nearby town of Chamonix, an outdoor-sports enthused village at the foot of Mont Blanc. I was planning to go, but decided spontaneously to set out to Geneva, Switzerland the following morning. I got up before the sun, took a bus from the nearby station, and arrived at Lake Geneva by mid-morning. Once there, I spent most of my time at the International Red Cross Museum and snapping photos of the United Nations. (And walking A LOT because I got a little lost!) The museum was particularly moving. As someone studying international healthcare accessibility, it was a meaningful experience that remains one of my favorite memories of the trip.
​
When I arrived in Annecy that evening, I caught another French film--this time, The Count of Monte Cristo. In high school, I had read the massive unabridged edition and was not a huge fan. After watching the movie in French (with French subtitles), I was totally persuaded to love the story of Edmund Dantes, as interpreted by directors Alexandre de La Patellière and Matthieu Delaporte. On a slow afternoon in the closed-captions theater, most of the other movie-goers were older folks, which made the experience even more fun and wholesome. I finished the day with takeout from the best poke restaurant I've ever been to.
pretty sign for a business :)
Days 7 & 8
Every✅ shows a bucket list completed!
 the lake at Annecythe sun came out! |  hotel room :)the punk-rock-scrapbook decor (???) was kind of random, but it was a perfect room! |  my favorite place in Annecya small cathedral near the lake |  The Tea Palace was a great stop!gourmet tea with friendly staff |
|---|---|---|---|
 Early morning bus stop for Genevareally close walk to the hotel |  made it to the United Nations!I was so excited! |  Lake GenevaI walked A LOT around Lake Geneva on my way to the Red Cross Museum |  Red Cross Museuma recorded story from a man sharing his experience as a refugee |
 Red Cross Museuma woman looking for a loved one after displacement |  Le Comte de Monte Cristo100% a fun experience! |  Poke from Pok&Youreally good :) |
my top recommendations from Annecy
1. Annecy is beautiful, but relatively easy to see in one day. The second day is perfect for a trip to nearby Geneva or Chamonix!
​
2 . If you go to Geneva, bring your passports. Or get ready to live in Switzerland LOL.
​
3. Visit out-of-the-way shops! I found the best gifts at a bookstore, a pet store, and a posh but affordable tea shop. It's a great way to see the local culture and practice French with kind shop owners.