After going to visit Jodi and Yannic in Vex, we came home to a specatular display of colours on the peaks.
Karl and Matt rode their bikes from Gryon to Verbier today (a mere 59km of mountain climbs), so Elizabeth and I diligently drove over to pick them up. Karl was keen to ride home, but sense prevailed and they came with us in the car. Whilst waiting, we had a drink and some chips in our favourite little cafe. Villars seriously needs somewhere funky like this!
We went to help a friend in the valley today, and got to see where she grew up. It is the most incredible apartment I think I have ever seen. It is on the edge of Lac Leman, with beautiful high ceilings and old school detailing. My favourite room was the library, with its own fireplace. The books are slowly being packed up for storage, but not before we got to see some real treasures from the 1800's. The room had the most incredible feel to it, and I could instantly feel how great it would be to curl up in a sofa by the fire and read a book, or admire the lake.
My new fresias enjoyed the sunshine after several days of rain. When the clouds lifted this morning, it was clear that our ski season is pretty much done, with the mountains again looking greener and greener.
It was time for Shell and Luke to continue on their trip, so Karl and I took them to Bern so they could catch the train from there. We stopped in the most amazing little cafe to get a break from the rain, and sat in what used to be a little wine cellar.
We went down the valley to me favourite markets today. This man's stall has the most incredible array of spices, the smell is incredible!
For the first day of Shell and Luke's visit, we went up on the hill for a spot of skiing. Turns out, Shell has been practicing a lot since the last time we skiied together, and I was still the slowest of the group. Not to worry, slow and steady means I keep all my limbs intact (well, that's the plan anyway).
So my oldest friend and her partner arrived this evening, and I couldn't have been more excited! We went straight up to Cookie to say hello to Karl, and to enjoy a welcome drink and some super yummy desserts!
Ok, so not all houses around here are sweet little chalets. This has to be one of the most unattractive houses ever, and check out that view!
Karl and I spent the morning on the hill, enjoying what looks like it might be the last of the season, since it hasn't got below 10 degrees ever since.
Ok, spent the day working away, so here is my computer and the beautiful lamp I bought in India which helps cheer me up when I get stressed!
The snow might be melting, but this waterfall isn't going anywhere just yet. I snapped this one on my way to a local village called Panex. 
It was my last day of french classes today, and on my way back up the hill it was confirmed why coaches do NOT take our road. This poor guy got stuck at the switchback in the first village, and it took him 25 minutes to get around it.
We bought this gorgeous flower pot in Monthey the other day, and it has been cheering me up each morning while I eat my breakfast. It didn't like being left outside in -10 degrees, but it seems to have forgiven me now.
I went babysitting tonight. Alexandre and I read some french Vogue (don't worry, neither of us understood much) then did a little dancing before bed.
It was a beautiful day down in Montreux today. I snapped this on my way to the bookstore at lunch time.
The mornings have been getting lighter and lighter on the walk to the train station. This morning was my first morning in class without Elizabeth, and I was a little hesitant to make the trip to the train on my own, seeing as it's usually Elizabeth who saves me when I slip on the black ice!
The fridge has always been an important place for me to put photos and reminders. This is the current selection on our fridge door. Some oldies, and some more recent ones.
We bought a new sofa today, in preparation for the visit of my oldest friend next week. This is our living room (and actually the kitchen and dining room as well!). The painting over the sofa was a wedding gift from my Mum and Peter, and Jade and Manie. It was damaged in the container coming from Australia, but we still love it, so it has pride of place.
After class today we stopped off at this big Asian homewares shop in the valley. They have these massive tables full of beads in different colours, and they're fantastic to look through. It almost makes me want to learn how to bead...
This is me waiting for the train in Bex. It was so cold this morning, Elizabeth and I just stood there and laughed! My coffee didn't even warm me up this morning.
One of my favourite things around here are the wood piles. Not sure why, but I love the pattern and colours from all of the wood stacked up. We came across this one while trying to find a little chalet for sale that Elizabeth and I have been checking out from the train. The wood pile is about 5 metres long, and over 2 metres tall, it's great!
It was Madam Tomlin's birthday today, and two lovely ladies from our french class (a mother and daughter team) made her a birthday cake!
While waiting for the train in Bex each morning, we get to watch the sun rise over the Dent du Midi. It sure makes standing on that freezing platform a little more bearable.
I bought this wall hanging with my girlfriend Indy, while I was visiting her in Chennai. I am currently using it to brighten up our bedhead, and I love it!
One of my all time favourite things must be waking up to fresh snow. This morning caught me by suprise, but it sure was lovely. This is the footprint that my north face snow boots leave. The snowflakes are caused by these bits on the soles that expand when they get real cold so they grip the ice better. A seriously good invention for someone as uncoordinated as myself!
