In September we went to Geneva for a week, partly for a holiday and partly for the annual meeting of the International Federation of Standards Users. It may not be the most expensive city on earth but it most be on the shortlist. We are used to paying 50c for a cup of coffee at the university - the going rate in Genega was about six times as much. But we had a great time. As well as seeing something of Geneva, including the very good botanic gardens, we went for a boat trip on the lake (Lac Leman/Lake Geneva), stopping off at the historic town of Nyon - everything you 
expect in a Swiss town including a castle.Another day we took the train to Montreux. It runs alkong the lake most of the way. Montreux is very attractive but is also the starting point for several mountain railways. We took the one up Rocher du Naye, which now advertises itself at the Marmot Express.
Sure enough, when we got there there were marmots. They breed them there as although this is the natural territory for Swiss marmots some kinds from other parts of the world are threatened with extinction. The views from the top of the mountain are spectacular except when the clouds descend when all you can see is either the tops of the surrounding mountains or nothing
at all. 
expect in a Swiss town including a castle.Another day we took the train to Montreux. It runs alkong the lake most of the way. Montreux is very attractive but is also the starting point for several mountain railways. We took the one up Rocher du Naye, which now advertises itself at the Marmot Express.
Sure enough, when we got there there were marmots. They breed them there as although this is the natural territory for Swiss marmots some kinds from other parts of the world are threatened with extinction. The views from the top of the mountain are spectacular except when the clouds descend when all you can see is either the tops of the surrounding mountains or nothing
at all. 
In early December we visited England to see our new grandson, Edward, who was born at
the end of October. We spent our time in Chesterfield (not really a city but that would spoil the title) where our son and his wife live.
the end of October. We spent our time in Chesterfield (not really a city but that would spoil the title) where our son and his wife live.The lefthand photo was taken when he was a few hours old, shile in the one on the right he is a day old. By the time we saw him he was MUCH older - six weeks. He charms everyone, sleeps well and is very placid. In the picture below left he is six weeks while the centre and right hand photos were taken a couple of days ago.
While we were in England our daughter-in-law arranged a thanksgiving service at her local church, which was a very happy occasion. Edward was very good (of course).And so back to Pejë, where we continue teaching English and help with an art club, though the future of the university remains uncertain because of constantly changing requirements for registration.
We have just had Christmas, with Albanian, Kosovar, American and Korean friends, though the main holiday here is at New Year.
Winter has been slow arriving. We have had snow on the mountains but little in the city. But we have had enough rain to satisfy anyone and it has sometimes been very windy. No damage to compare with last year though.
