Italy -Geneva-ltaly from Mark

I'll try to to cover some of the things my other family members have covered, so not too many pics on the via ferrata, which was super cool, and closing thoughts.

Observations/closing comments.

- We all agree we actually packed too much. 

- It was a great trip, thanks to Lynette, the kids, friends, coaches, and all the people we interacted with.

- I thought I would have a lot of time, but I didn't.  

- Dealing with tech burned time like no ones business; mostly before the trip, but also on the trip.

- The news from the US was just as hard to hear, even halfway around the world.  

- Mission accomplished. With Peyton going to high school next year and Talia starting middle school, this was our window for this type of trip.  The main goal for me was to have this once in a lifetime opportunity with my family.  I do feel that I gave the kids, and wife, plenty to talk with their therapists about.  

 Italy - 1

On this leg of the trip we stayed with Lynette's friend, Cathy, in Ornavasso Italy.  It's a small town surrounded by mountains.  One great thing, as you'll see, the scenery is constantly changing.  

This is from Cathy's house,  nice view ahh.

Talia climbing, it was fun to get to the gym.  She also loved the hair cut...good times for Bug.

Hair cuts are my thing because tourists rarely go.

Stone roof -  not sure our HOA will go for it.

Very small old church in town, it's left open for anyone to use.  Another town shot.

Genova

Geneva: you spell it without $$$...ok you can, but still.  On this portion of the trip we freeloaded stayed with another one of Lynette's friends (actually I consider her my friend as well...)--Nalinee.  BTW: this Lynette person is helpful.  Lots of games, and lots of fun.  

This pic was from her balcony.  I just love the moldings which changed from room to room.  

As you can see, we felt right at home----

Ok, this just makes me laugh to no end.  Around the corner was a dealership with crazy expensive watches in the window and high high end cars; I had to go in with my crew (ok only Peyton came with me).  This place was a collage of expensive, like Saudi rich, cars/watches/wine...don't ask.  The cars ranged from a low affordable 80k to 900K.  It was one stop shopping, you can pair your car with a watch and a high end red wine.  Note the tacky statues, and room size wine room, and watches in the back.    Please help me decide which car looks best with a large shepherd in it. 

Pics I like:

Have to get this shot!

I was able to find a wrestling  practice for Peyton in Switzerland.  So, this make our 6th different club, 3rd country for a total of approximately 10ish practices.   This coach was a great guy.  In general I can feel the difference in all of the rooms and especially counties.  Finding and going to these practices took a fair bit of work, but the adventure and experience was a highlight. 

We went to CERN, a particle accelerator, very interesting place.    

Have to go to a castle:

The watch museum was incredible interesting.  BTW, spending north of $200,000 is no big deal there.  

I loved the 70's watches; made me laugh.

Hike in France:

Family + Cathy

At the summit, incredible view. 

Back to Italy

Milan Duomo Cathedral:  we did the whole thing, inducing the rooftop---so many good picture options. 

Hike on the coast in Italy.

Peyton and I had to go through a semi sketchy cave to get to this - super cool!

More pics I like:

Temple in Milan, and WWI high ground bunker on one of our hikes.