Day 11 - Leaving the Boat but onward to Geneva

We were fortunate not to have to get up in the wee hours of the morning to catch a flight home like some of the guests.  We had chosen to take the post cruise extension to Geneva. We ate breakfast at the normal time and then had our bags loaded on the bus that would take us to first Dijon and then onward to Geneva. There are 30 of us on this leg of the trip.  We were lucky to get the front seats right behind the driver. 

The city of Dijon is of course famous for it's mustard.  However, they also had a wonderful cathedral of Saint-Benigne de Dijon.  We didn't go inside, but the outside architecture was interesting. There were some other historic buildings that we took pictures of but if you were to ask us about them, we can honestly say that we have no clue.  The guide was talking so much and after awhile we were just overload.  So, we enjoyed seeing the places and took pictures of the ones we liked. Many of the houses or shops had multicolored tiles on their roofs. 

 

 

All of the various cities have these metal plaques in the streets for tourists to do a self guided walk. The one for Dijon is Owls.  Many of the stores were selling Owls in various forms. 

 

 

 

The one of the best mustard shops in town - La Moutarderie Fallot - Boutique Atelier Dijon.  The business is off a side street but definitely worth a visit.  Lots of mustard's to taste and choose from.  Howard chose to get a Pinot Noir flavored mustard.  Lynda passed the tasting as she is not a mustard fan. 

 

Stopped for a bit of lunch at a bakery cafe.  Had some pizza plus Howard had some chocolate pistachio verrine dessert (it is like a parfait but in a smaller glass).

 

We wandered over to a covered market place.  It was getting ready to close, so not all stalls were open. We really liked the meat market where they had a rabbit cut open and laid out.  Also tasted some cheese.  Wish we had been there earlier to see more of the stalls. 

 

It was getting time to meet the group again.  We did stop by the Carousel, and Lynda found a store that had a scarf and some more socks (this time at a reasonable price). Howard also touched one of the spots on a building that was supposed to bring good luck.  (Have forgotten exactly what it was that he was touching).   

 

Finally on the road again to Geneva.  It was a long drive, but pretty scenery. We got to the hotel and got a room on the 4th floor.  It faced another building, but that was better than being on the front side and getting the street noise.  This hotel was supposed to be a 4 star accommodation, but in my book, really only a 3 star. Construction all around the hotel and across the street.  They didn't put a bar of soap in the bathroom until the next day, the shower had half a glass panel that didn't really keep the water inside the tub when the shower was on, there wasn't an extra blanket, we had to call down for more hangers, as there were only 6 to start. When you put two coats up that only leaves 4 hangers not enough for 2 people for three days. There weren't any room instructions (either in French or English) as to how to work some of the things.  Maybe we are being picky, but after the 5 star hotel in Nice, this was a let down.  However, the coffee service area was great.  Also there was a slot right be the door when you came in where you put your room key.  It turned the lights on.  When the key was removed, the lights turned off. 

 

We went to dinner, with one of the other couples, to a Swiss place that had been recommended  Au Petit Chalet .  Howard had a Mushroom Fondue and Lynda had a Chicken Pasta dish. The fondue came with potatoes.  It was very busy and very noisy, but the food was very good.  Came back to the hotel and crashed.  It had been a long day. 

 

 

Cheers, 

Toot and Teaser