Still in love with Annecy

How quickly two nights can turn into four. It's really fun to get to know a city over time, from your favorite café to bus connections to the best French nectarines.

With Emmanuel and his many friends, we had fun and loud evenings in the center ville. My French is getting better, but slowly.

I occasionally get into conversations with strangers, like Alain, the Belgian, who likes to gossip about the people from Haute-Savoire and whispers to me at the end, "I'm married, but you're likable" - and goodbye. :D

I can't help myself and choose the most distinctive mountain here by the lake - La Tournette. Sleeping in is not an option on the sixth floor, so I better use my legs. If you come by public transport, you unfortunately have to plan more time and altitude. It's a steep hike, partly exposed, greasy rocks, not very reassuring metal chains for safety and of course: almost no markings. I lose the trail a few times, but there are enough people around and you quickly find your way back. At the summit, the Mont Blanc surprises me in the distance, the massif is unmistakable.

For the descent, I take the quiet other side, no one walks here because everyone has to get back to their cars, Ha! And for the journey home, it only takes 2 minutes and I get a ride.

By doing this, I confirm two more stereotypes: 1. French people are adventurous mountaineers and 2. Hitchhiking still works well here.