Summer Escape from Abu Dhabi....Epilogue

So after a fun day of exploring the city, we had dinner back at the hotel. It was a long day and I slept like a log afterwards. The next morning I met Anna-Lou and we drove her trusty Kangoo to a lakeside restaurant for brunch. However, my stomach was jumpy as I knew what was coming next.

Lakeside Brunch

You see, Anna-Lou told me how she went paragliding recently and how I should try it as it is so much fun. She is a thrill-seeker that does things that gives me cold sweats and nightmares but I figured I would try paragliding to save some of my dignity and "face". After all, I am an aviation enthusiast and have been up in the heavens in just about everything from military jets to powered parachutes, the difference is that these all have engines, a paraglider doesn't. I was always taught that parachutes were "For Emergency Use Only", but what the hell, I'd give it a try.

Paraglider Landing Area

We'll Have lots of Company Up There Today

After we arrived at the field, the arrangements were made and I joined several other folks in a van that took us up to the launching point on the mountain. I met my pilot and got geared up. The pilot has a harness that accommodates a sling-like device that I sit in.

Before the Plunge

Once I am strapped in, I am front of and lower than the pilot. Takeoff was just a few running steps down a slope and into the wind. It was smooth and quicker than I expected.

Up and Away!

I Was Actually Steering Here

Best Seat in the House

We were up for close to an hour and I can honestly say it was one of the best times in my life. The sense of freedom and the scenery combined to make an unforgettable experience. I hated to come back to terra firma and I am glad there were no broken ankles with the "Fred Flintstone" style touchdown.

The next day it was time to return to the sandbox. I took a bus to Geneva and walked around there for awhile before transferring to the airport for an 11:00PM departure. I arrived bleary-eyed in Abu Dhabi around 6:00AM and had a bad taxi experience when my driver yelled at his boss who assigned me to him. Seems he had been waiting in the queue for four hours and was pissed-off because of the short journey to my flat. He was hoping for a big fat downtown fare. I didn't like his attitude and told him so at my dropoff, he screwed himself out of a nice tip.. 

A final note: I realize some of my fellow citizens criticize the French because of their independence and sometimes unwillingness to agree with U.S. plans and policies, but I was impressed with what I saw. The little corner of France I was in was beautiful, clean, prosperous and safe. The people I encountered seemed genuinely happy and content. Who wouldn't given the food, scenery and love of life. There is a relaxed pace that is hard to find in the U.S.  Even though I was an obvious outsider, I was treated with respect and grace. I think most Americans' experience with France is Paris which I am sure is more hard-edged than the rural areas and maybe that is where the generalizations get started. Bottom line is from what I saw, France works....I would be happy to live there and I will be back!

Summer Escape from Abu Dhabi....Part 1

In my last post I bitched about the summer heat in Abu Dhabi and I realized what a useless thing that is to do. Like traffic jams, taxes, father time and women, the weather just IS and no amount of my cursing and beating the wall with my fists are going to magically transform any of these absolutes into my idea of what they should be in my little world. Although I can't change the weather, fortunately I can change where I experience it. In this moment of clarity I decided to head north for awhile. I have an open invitation from a friend who lives in the French Alps and she had no objection to my plans to visit. I looked forward to crystal blue skies, green mountains and turquoise Alpine lakes. I was not to be disappointed.


My flight to Geneva left Abu Dhabi at the ungodly hour of 2:20AM but soon after the meal I fell fast asleep. I awoke around sunrise and was treated to a tasty salmon omelette for breakfast as well as this scene:

  

Traffic at 2 o'clock

Etihad's flight to Milan, a perfect intercept!

The slightly different headings and altitude provided a breathtaking crossover at FL380!

Descent into Geneva

Geneva Airport Flight Line

U.A.E Royal Aircraft

The Royal 747 was parked at a nearby gate, what a coincidence! This aircraft is based a few kilometers from my apartment. No doubt ferrying some deposits for the Swiss bank account.

Due to the early hour I breezed through immigration, easily found my hostess, Anna-Lou, and was soon on my way to France. My destination was the town of Annecy, a medium sized community located 30 km south of Geneva on the shores of, you guessed it, Lac Annecy. 

Because of its proximity to the Swiss and Italian borders, this medieval town saw several shifts in governments over the centuries and was once part of the Kingdom of Sardinia. Annecy is crisscrossed with canals and is known as the Venice of France. Last June, the International Olympic Committee announced Annecy as one of the three candidate cities for the 2018 Winter Olympics. From what I saw, the town has a very good chance against competitors Munich, Germany and Pyeongchang, South Korea.

So after a short, pleasant drive on the excellent roads we arrived at my hotel situated in Argonay, a suburban area close to Annecy. I stayed at the L' Auberge d' Argonay  hotel, a charming place reminiscent of a classic mountain chalet. I strongly recommend this small inn, there is a restaurant and bar on premises. The excellent food is of the area and the proprietors are welcoming. I accidentally left with my room key in my pocket at checkout, but it is on its way back via Empost, inshalla! I apologize for the inconvenience!

Anna-Lou and I had hot chocolate and fresh croissants in the restaurant while catching-up a bit. I had a long day already with the redeye flight and went to the room afterwards to decompress for a few hours with plans to meet up later..

View From my Room Balcony

The Mayor of Argonay's Office Across the Street

Closeup of Same

As you can see, the scenery is stunning and an antithesis to the dull, tan, hazy summer skies of Abu Dhabi. I instantly was relaxed and as "at home" as possible. I felt the tensions and anxiety of everyday life easing up as I absorbed the beauty. There was actually an historic church next door that rang its bell on the hour and half hour. As charming as this was, thankfully it was turned off at night!

I hate to do multi-part posts but I have much more to say. The next installment will have me visiting the Annecy city center and after that, cheating death once again! Hell, I may throw in an editorial, too.

Stay tuned....Seeya!